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Change in parental influence on children's physical activity over time
Brandon L Alderman1, Tami B Benham-Deal, Jayne M Jenkins
1Division of Kinesiology and Health, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA.
Journal of Physical Activity & Health
|March 17, 2010
Summary
Parental influence on children's physical activity (PA) changes as children grow. Parents spent less time engaging in PA with their children over time, impacting PA patterns.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Parental roles are crucial for children's physical activity (PA) behaviors.
- The developmental timing of parental influence on child/adolescent PA is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine parental influence on children's PA levels across development.
- To understand how parental socialization impacts PA over time.
Main Methods:
- 70 parents (68 mothers) completed questionnaires on PA habits and parent-child PA.
- Data collected at baseline (preschool years) and follow-up (1-9 years later).
Main Results:
- Parent-child PA patterns and reasons for participation evolve over time.
- Time spent in PA together decreased from 60 min/week at baseline to 40 min/week at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Parental influence on children's PA is dynamic and changes developmentally.
- Findings contribute to understanding the long-term impact of parental factors on children's physical activity.
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