I have been looking into some of the background that could explain studies showing fathers as more influential on their children’s physical activity than mothers. I won’t say that I found the answer exactly, but maybe one piece. Coparticipation.
When Zahra et al (2015) interviewed British families about their children’s physical activity, mothers brought up that they approached things differently. While the mothers in this particular group (so not every mother in the world) took on the organizational tasks of getting their kids active, the fathers were more inclined to play alongside the children. There were other findings in that study, but let’s rest here for now.
How much does that change things? Your parent drops you off at soccer practice vs your parent running alongside you dribbling a ball? That is the difference between paving the way and showing the way. And of course, this goes beyond mothers and fathers to all people who want to get kids involved in sport and physical activity. Whether you are a parent, coach, teacher, or an afterschool volunteer, this is for you as well. Ask yourself if you are willing to play, too. Are you willing to show rather than tell? Are you ready to model the behaviors you want them to adopt while actively encouraging them to do the same?
If you want healthier kids who exercise and play sports, you should probably think about getting yourself out there alongside them.
Here is the article I referenced:
Zahra, J., Sebire, S.J. & Jago, R. “He’s probably more Mr. sport than me” – a qualitative exploration of mothers’ perceptions of fathers’ role in their children’s physical activity. BMC Pediatrics 15, 101 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-015-0421-9
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