What impacts parent’s ability to influence their children’s physical activity?

Abstract

This synthesis examines the factors that influence parental involvement in children’s physical activity, focusing on role modeling, socioeconomic challenges, and education. The analysis uses peer-reviewed research from 2001 to 2024 to answer two main research questions: “What affects parents’ ability to support their children’s physical activity?” and “How do socioeconomic status (SES) and education shape parental involvement in children’s physical activity?” The findings show that active parents who offer logistical and emotional support help children develop long-term healthy habits. However, families with lower SES face barriers like limited finances, transportation issues, and fewer resources, while higher-SES families benefit from better access to opportunities. Parental education also plays a role, with higher education levels linked to better support for physical activity. Addressing these gaps through affordable programs, parent education, and community efforts is key to creating equal opportunities for all families. This study also highlights the importance of early parental involvement and the need for support systems to promote active and healthy lifestyles for children.