At Sportintribe, our core value is engaging in and enjoying sports with our kid. We believe this is a key way parents promote an active lifestyle, fostering a lifelong love of sports and naturally passing on their passions. But is this approach supported by scientific evidence?

The Importance of Early Childhood Activity

Research unequivocally demonstrates the significant benefits of encouraging physical activity in early childhood. It not only improves motor skills but also lays a crucial foundation for an active lifestyle throughout adulthood . Physical activity in early childhood promotes the development of motor skills, cognitive abilities, psychosocial well-being, and cardiometabolic health (1).

Activity Guidelines for Young Children

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides specific guidelines for recommended physical activity levels in early childhood:

• Infants (under 1 year old): Should engage in tummy time for at least 30 minutes daily, incorporated into various activities throughout the day. Interactive floor play is highly encouraged.
• Children aged 1-2 years: Should accumulate at least 3 hours of physical activity daily, including periods of moderate to vigorous intensity.
• Children aged 3-4 years: Should aim for at least 3 hours of physical activity in any form, with a minimum of 1 hour dedicated to moderate to vigorous-intensity activities.

The Parent’s Role in Promoting Active Lifestyle in Kids

Families play a crucial role in encouraging physical activity in children, fostering motivation, and sharing the enjoyment of sports. A comprehensive review (2) examined studies exploring the key ways parents influence children’s physical activity levels. This review identified several key strategies with strong supporting evidence. Let’s delve into these strategies, along with some of my own personal experiences.

1. Parental Modeling

It’s well-known that young children closely observe and imitate their parents. This powerful phenomenon extends to physical activity and sports. As two studies presented in the review demonstrate, a parent’s active lifestyle significantly influences their child’s habits.

This has been a significant motivator for me to continue pursuing my own sporting interests. Finding time for myself can be challenging, but I know it is important for myself, and apparently, if your child sees you enjoying sports, it is also beneficial for their future active lifestyle. So, fellow sporty parents, don’t let guilt hold you back! Enjoy your active pursuits!

2. Co-Participation

Co-participation, engaging in sports with your children, perfectly embodies the Sportintribe philosophy. Research supports the positive impact of parental co-participation on both promoting an active adult lifestyle and increasing enjoyment during physical activity.

Every time you share a sporting experience, remember that you’re not only instilling healthy habits but also creating strong bonds and fostering intrinsic motivation. While co-participation might be challenging with very young children, there are always age-appropriate solutions. Short hikes with baby carriers, bike rides with trailers – the possibilities are endless!

3. Encouragement and Support

When time constraints prevent you from engaging in activities together, you can still significantly influence your child’s active lifestyle. Offer consistent support, encourage their efforts, and actively listen to their interests. This will help them develop intrinsic motivation and a lifelong love of physical activity.

Be a Fun Guide

Make physical activity and sports fun for everyone! While enjoying sports together, it’s important to find a balance between free play and providing some guidance. Research shows that instructions can be helpful for developing fundamental motor skills (3). You can make this guidance fun and structured, like a game! This approach will make exercise more enjoyable and motivating for the whole family.

We hope these scientific insights and our own adventures inspire you to embrace an active lifestyle together. Our blog is dedicated to providing valuable tips and inspiration to create a fun and active life for all.