Recent research suggests that even very young children may not meet physical activity recommendations. However, parents frequently report that physical activity is important to the health and well-being of their children.
Four focus groups were conducted (n=33) with low-income mothers of children aged 3-5 enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Woman, Infants, and Children (WIC). Prompting questions used for the groups addressed issues relating to characteristics of play, daily family routine or structure, attitudes related to the benefits of physical activity for children, beliefs about physical activity for preschool children, barriers to being active and physical activity resources available to parents or those they felt would enable their children to be more active.
The major themes identified were 1) children may be busy not active and boys are supposed to be more active than girls; 2) active play is beyond parental control; 3) activity can cause problems for parents; 4) significant environmental barriers to play exist including weather, safety of play spaces and transportation to parks; 5) play can improve the mental health of children; and 6) more opportunities for age-appropriate play would be helpful for parents, however, parental initiative is key.
Thus, activity interventions in low-income populations will need to consider parental perceptions toward activity, including the fact that parents may think their children are more active than they are. Additionally, parents state a lack of control of children's daily routine, including the activity level.
Supported by USDA, FNS under the FY 1999 WIC Special Project Grants.
Learning Objectives: The purpose of this study (Fit WIC) was to explore the parental beliefs, attitudes, motivators and barriers to preschool activity to gain insight that would guide future intervention efforts.
Keywords: Child Health, Physical Activity
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.