Family: How it affects physical activity?(Part 1)

Family is the most important “force” of socialization for children. It is also the first and, in most cases, the determining factor for the child’s movement choices. In addition, the family is largely responsible for the role that children envision themselves in. Depending on the family’s views on physical activity, a child may or may not take on a movement-related role. In fact, a child may even acquire many motor characteristics reminiscent of those of a parent. The parent of the same sex as the child has the greatest influence in this case for example, in gestures, gait or posture. In a 1998 study, researchers sought to identify social factors that influenced childrens’ likelihood of physical activity. More than 100 families were studied, with data drawn from mothers, fathers and boys and girls attending fifth or sixth grade. In girls, the knowledge about exercise, the mother’s level of physical activity and the social support they received influenced physical activity. For the boys, their own sense of whether they would succeed in physical activity, enjoyment of physical activity and interest in sports were important factors. In general, the researchers concluded that socialization within the family exerted a tremendous influence on participation in physical activity. The family’s approval or disapproval of the child’s motor efforts is also crucial in determining future motor habits. If the child behaves motorly in a rewarding way, either overtly or discreetly, he or she is likely to reproduce this movement behavior. However, ignoring the child’s motor behavior or negative response can cause his behavior to decline. A 2006 study looked at the role of parents in preventing obesity. It has been found that parents can play a critical role in programs aimed at reducing obesity, such as those related to healthy eating and physical activity. Another 2003 study looked at 200 9-year-old girls and the effects their parents had on their physical activity. Their mothers usually enrolled the girls in sports activities. On the other hand, their fathers through their own attitudes towards sports activity encouraged their daughters to participate more in sports and physical activity programs. Another 2007 study found that there was a link between children’s participation in sports activities and reduced delinquency and improved social and academic performance. Parents generally saw sports as a means to develop core values ​​and skills that extend beyond the sports field, such as teamwork, rivalry, athleticism, discipline, responsibility and self-esteem. Source: “Human Motor Development” -A Lifespan approach (Greg Payne, Larry Isaacs) Recent Articles