Addressing Physical Inactivity in Mexican Children: The Role of Parents and Their Physical Literacy

Childhood obesity and physical inactivity rates in Mexico are among the highest in the world. While parenting is a key factor in shaping children's physical activity behavior, there is a lack of research in this area, particularly in Mexico.

This qualitative study aims to better understand aspects of parenting relevant to children's physical engagement, including what parents understand by physical activity, how engaged they are and how important they find it, that is, their physical literacy.

Seven focus group discussions were conducted with 43 caregivers of overweight primary school children. Inquiry topics included components of physical literacy (i.e., motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding, engagement in physical activity), parenting practices, role modeling, perception of children's physical activity, parental self-efficacy and general parenting style.

Although many participants stated that they were aware of their child's health problems and that they did not set a good example themselves, most could not overcome personal obstacles to exercise such as lack of time and energy. Most participants showed a knowledge gap about appropriate levels of physical activity or underestimated its importance. Several reported increased motivation after participating in the focus group discussion and developed their own ideas to deal with barriers or to support their children, such as engaging in physical activity together and introducing family routines.

Following a participatory approach, future studies should use these ideas to develop context-sensitive group interventions. Empowering parents by considering their physical literacy in children's weight management could be a valuable addition to theory-based strategies in research and practice.