Parents` attitudes and perceptions of children`s physical activity from ages 7 to 11

Abstract

Uvod: Tjelesna aktivnost ima ključnu ulogu u zdravom rastu i razvoju djece, osobito u razdoblju osnovnoškolske dobi kada se oblikuju temeljne životne navike. Redovito kretanje doprinosi ne samo fizičkom zdravlju, već i kognitivnom, emocionalnom i socijalnom razvoju djeteta. Razumijevanje roditeljskih stavova i percepcije stoga je ključno za razvoj učinkovitih strategija promicanja aktivnog načina života među najmlađima. Cilj: Cilj ovog rada bio je ispitati stavove i percepciju roditelja o tjelesnoj aktivnosti djece osnovnoškolske dobi (7–11 godina), te utvrditi u kojoj mjeri roditeljski stavovi, navike i ponašanja utječu na razinu tjelesne aktivnosti njihove djece. Metodologija: Istraživanje je provedeno anonimnim anketnim upitnikom, u kojem je sudjelovalo 30 roditelja. Upitnik je sadržavao 47 pitanja o stavovima roditelja prema važnosti tjelesne aktivnosti, njihovim vlastitim navikama kretanja, te percepciji prepreka i poticaja za uključivanje djece u organizirane i neorganizirane oblike tjelesne aktivnosti. Analizirani su i demografski podaci roditelja i djece. Rezultati: Rezultati pokazuju da većina roditelja ima pozitivan stav prema tjelesnoj aktivnosti djece, svjesni su njezinih dobrobiti za zdravlje, motorički i psihosocijalni razvoj djeteta. Roditelji koji smatraju tjelesnu aktivnost važnom češće potiču svoju djecu na sudjelovanje u raznim oblicima kretanja. Istraživanje također upućuje na prepreke koje roditelji percipiraju, poput nedostatka vremena, smanjenog interesa djece, nedostatka organiziranih sadržaja ili sigurnih prostora za igru, ali i na važnost suradnje škole, sportskih klubova i lokalne zajednice u promicanju zdravih navika. Zaključak: Roditeljski stavovi i percepcija imaju značajan utjecaj na tjelesnu aktivnost djece osnovnoškolske dobi. Poticanje roditelja na vlastitu aktivnost, edukacija o važnosti kretanja i uklanjanje prepreka mogu doprinijeti razvoju zdravih životnih navika kod djece. Posebno je važno razvijati partnerstvo između roditelja, škole i zajednice kako bi se djeci omogućilo više prilika za svakodnevno kretanje i igru.Introduction: Physical activity plays a crucial role in the healthy growth and development of children, especially during the primary school years when fundamental life habits are being formed. Regular movement contributes not only to physical health but also to the cognitive, emotional and social development of the child. Understanding parental attitudes and perception is therefore essential for developing effective strategies to promote an active lifestyle among the youngest population. Objective: The aim of this paper was to examine the attitudes and perceptions of parents regarding physical activity in primary school aged children (7-11 years) and to determine the extent to which parental attitudes, habits and behaviours influence their children’s level of physical activity. Methodology: The research was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire completed by 30 parents. The questionnaire included 47 questions about parents’ attitudes towards the importance of physical activity, their own movement habits and their perception of barriers and incentives for involving children in organized and unorganized forms od physical activity. Demographic data of both parents and children were also analysed. Results: The results show that most parents have a positive attitude towards children’s physical activity and are aware of its benefits for health, motor skills and psychosocial development. Parents who consider physical activity important are more likely to encourage their children to participate in various forms of movement. The study also highlights perceived barriers such as lack of time, reduce interests from children, lack of organized programs or safe play areas. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of cooperation between schools, sport clubs and the local community in promoting healthy habits. Conclusion: Parental attitudes and perceptions have a significant impact on the physical activity levels of primary school – aged children. Encouraging parents to be physically active themselves, educating them about the importance of movement and removing obstacles can contribute to the development of healthy lifestyle habits in children. It is particularly important to foster partnerships between parents, schools and the community to provide children with more opportunities for daily movement and play