Preschoolers' Physical Activity Behaviours: Parents' Perspectives

Authors

Jennifer D. Irwin, The University of Western Ontario
Meizi He, The University of Western Ontario - Brescia University College
L. Michelle Sangster Bouck, Middlesex-London Health Unit, London, ON
Patricia Tucker, The University of Western Ontario
Graham L. Pollett, Middlesex-London Health Unit, London, ON

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-2005

Journal

Canadian Journal of Public Health

Volume

96

Issue

4

First Page

299

Last Page

303

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To understand parents' perspectives of their preschoolers' physical activity behaviours.

METHODS: A maximum variation sample of 71 parents explored their preschoolers' physical activity behaviours through 10 semi-structured focus group discussions.

RESULTS: Parents perceived Canada's Physical Activity Guidelines for Children as inadequate; that their preschoolers get and need more than 30-90 minutes of activity daily; and that physical activity habits must be established during the preschool years. Nine barriers against and facilitators toward adequate physical activity were proposed: child's age, weather, daycare, siblings, finances, time, society and safety, parents' impact, and child's activity preferences.

DISCUSSION: The need for education and interventions that address current barriers are essential for establishing physical activity as a lifestyle behaviour during early childhood and, consequently, helping to prevent both childhood and adulthood obesity.