Fundamental movement skill performance of preschool children in relation to family context |
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| Authors: | Wouter Cools Kristine De Martelaer Christiane Samaey Caroline Andries |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Movement Sciences , Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium wcools@vub.ac.be;3. Department of Movement Sciences , Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium;4. Department of Clinical and Lifespan Psychology , Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium |
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| Abstract: | Abstract Evidence suggests the development of fundamental movement skill (FMS) is a key factor in promoting long-term physical activity. Low levels of activity among preschool children and the relationship between physical activity and the development of fundamental movement skills underline the need to determine the factors associated with children's development of such skills. As parents play an important role in the socialization process, the aim of this study was to examine correlates of family and neighbourhood characteristics as well as parental behaviour and beliefs on FMS performance in 4- to 6-year-old preschool children. Relationships between preschool children's FMS performance and family contextual variables were examined within a sample of 846 preschool children. Results identified positive associations of FMS performance with parental education, father's physical activity, transport to school by bicycle, and the high value placed by parents high on sport-specific aspects of children's physical activity. Variables negatively associated with preschool children's FMS performance included father–child interaction in TV-viewing and reading books, the high importance placed by parents on winning and performance in children's physical activity. Furthermore, the ambiguity of associations between FMS performance and parental beliefs underlined its complexity. |
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| Keywords: | Early childhood motor development socializing agents physical activity |
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