Motivational and self-regulatory processes associated with weight-related parenting behaviors

•Higher maternal avoidance motivation was associated with rule enforcement for eating and sedentary behaviors for children.•Higher maternal approach motivation was associated with less limiting of children’s eating and sedentary behavior.•Higher maternal self-control was associated with more role modeling for healthy eating and physical activity.•Higher maternal self-control was negatively associated with rule enforcement for eating and sedentary behaviors for children.•Results may inform tailored strategies based on individual differences for family-based interventions for .