Physical Activity During Early Childhood: The Importance of Parental Modeling

Overview

Journal Am J Lifestyle Med

Publisher Sage Publications

Date 2020 Jan 7

PMID 31903077

Citations 8

Authors

Christine A Crumbley

Tracey A Ledoux

Craig A Johnston

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Increasing physical activity (PA) is a critical issue in improving overall health. Prior attempts by public health campaigns to promote PA through health-focused messaging have faced challenges. As PA and sedentary behaviors are developed during the early childhood period (ages 0 to 5 years), this stage represents a unique opportunity for clinicians to encourage activity at the family level. Clinicians should discuss the holistic benefits of PA, including the development of social skills and relationships, motor skills that could be applicable to sports later in life, and cognitive skills that could translate to academic achievements in school. For PA to occur in children, parents should also be engaged in and model the PA behaviors, increasing the likelihood of young children learning to be physically active.

Citing Articles

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Influences of role models and other factors on physical activity amongst 6 to 16 years overweight and obese students.

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