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Moving Together: Understanding Parent Perceptions Related to Physical Activity and Motor Skill Development in Preschool Children

Author

Listed:
  • Becky Agard

    (Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80532, USA)

  • Nan Zeng

    (Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80532, USA
    Prevention Research Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA)

  • Morgan L. McCloskey

    (Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80532, USA)

  • Susan L. Johnson

    (Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA)

  • Laura L. Bellows

    (Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80532, USA
    Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA)

Abstract

Background : Establishing physical activity (PA) and motor behaviors in early childhood are important for developing healthy activity behaviors. Parents play a central role in shaping young children’s PA and fundamental motor skills (FMS). This qualitative study explored parents’ attributes, values, perceptions, and practices related to PA and FMS. Methods: Thirty-one parents (26 mothers) of preschool-aged children participated in semi-structured in-person interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and analyzed using an iterative approach. Results: Four themes related to PA and FMS emerged: (1) parent attributes; (2) parent–child interactions; (3) parent perception of children’s attributes; and (4) parenting practices. Although most parents enjoyed playing with their child, some did not realize the importance of engaging in PA with their child and even believed that FMS are naturally developed. Parents indicated that children’s temperament may influence their preference for practicing motor skills. Conclusions: Social support and positive parenting practices, including encouragement, monitoring, logistical support, co-participation, and facilitation, are important for the development of PA and FMS. The findings add emphasis to the importance of parents’ role in the development of young children’s PA and FMS, and they inform future strategies aiming to promote young children’s activity behaviors.

Suggested Citation

  • Becky Agard & Nan Zeng & Morgan L. McCloskey & Susan L. Johnson & Laura L. Bellows, 2021. "Moving Together: Understanding Parent Perceptions Related to Physical Activity and Motor Skill Development in Preschool Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:17:p:9196-:d:626434
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. repec:cup:apsrev:v:98:y:2004:i:01:p:191-207_00 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Davison, Kirsten Krahnstoever & Deane, Glenn D., 2010. "The consequence of encouraging girls to be active for weight loss," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 70(4), pages 518-525, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jacqueline Paez & Juan Hurtado & Tomas Reyes & Rosita Abusleme & Patricio Arroyo & Cristian Oñate, 2022. "Relationship between Parents’ Physical Activity Level and the Motor Development Level and BMI of Their Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-9, July.
    2. Yu Wang & Gang He & Kaiyue Ma & Dongsheng Li & Chao Wang, 2022. "Preschool Children’s Physical Activity and Community Environment: A Cross-Sectional Study of Two Cities in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-14, November.
    3. Jorge Rojo-Ramos & María Mendoza-Muñoz & Antonio Castillo-Paredes & Carmen Galán-Arroyo, 2023. "Influence of Parental Perception of Child’s Physical Fitness on Body Image Satisfaction in Spanish Preschool Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(8), pages 1-9, April.

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