In today’s world, it can be challenging to keep children physically active enough to stay healthy. We all know that there have been rising rates of childhood obesity in the last few years.
Between declines in school recess and the prevalence of digital devices, there are many distractions that keep kids from being physically active.
One factor often overlooked is the role of parenting culture. In the world of parenting research, one topic that’s getting more attention is overprotective parenting.
More and more research suggests that although parents are trying to keep their kids safe, the slide into overprotection may be hindering children’s development, including their physical activity.
Overprotective Parenting May Undermine Children’s Physical Fitness
One recent study found that overprotective parenting was associated with reduced physical activity among preschool-aged children.
Although the reasons for this aren’t entirely clear, scholars suggest that parents, in an effort to keep children safe from injury or harm, may discourage their children from being physically active, especially outdoors. Many parents worry about the risk of kidnapping or injury on a playground.
On the flipside, research also suggests that certain other parenting approaches can encourage children to be more physically active.
Studies show that parents who adopt a more autonomy-supporting approach — what some might call “free-range”— tend to have children who are more physically active.
Autonomy-supportive parenting involves encouraging children’s age-appropriate independence, meaning they do things on their own when possible. It seems from this study that parents who adopt this parenting approach tend to provide children with more opportunities for physical activity.
You can see why this is the case: by encouraging children’s autonomy and independence, they’re allowing their children to do things that maybe involve more rigorous physical activity, and even some risky play.
While autonomy-supportive parenting is not considered permissive parenting, it does allow children much more freedom and opportunities to do things on their own. This opens the door for more opportunities for physical activity.
Supporting Your Child’s Need For Independence
These two studies together suggest that the parenting culture in which we are living may be one of the factors limiting children’s physical activity. Survey data seems to back up this idea.
A recent survey of 40,000 parents found that 62% said that their 17-year-old would not be allowed to leave their neighborhood without an adult accompanying them. This is somewhat surprising, given that these teens are very close to adulthood and will presumably soon be living their own independent lives.
This tendency among many parents to want to keep their kids at home or to have adult supervision in every situation can really limit not only their physical activity but also their general physical and emotional independence.
This can be problematic as kids approach their late teens and early adulthood, when their main task is to become independent of their parents.
Tips For Encouraging Autonomy and Physical Activity In Children
The desire to protect our children is a strong instinct for us as parents. While our intentions are good, it’s helpful to keep in mind that children have a real need for a certain level of age-appropriate autonomy, including physical autonomy.
Here are a few ideas for ways to not only support your child’s autonomy but also their physical activity and physical fitness:
- Model being physically active and fit. Encourage your child to go with you on walks, hikes or bike rides. Make physical activity a part of the family culture.
- Encourage autonomy. As your children mature, encourage them to keep up these physical activities on their own or with friends. This might involve walking to a friend’s house, biking around your neighborhood, or just playing at a nearby playground without direct adult supervision.
All these activities, of course, are dependent on your child’s age and how you feel they can handle a certain level of independence. As children reach the pre-adolescent and adolescent years, most really crave independence.
Although it can be a little daunting as a parent, it’s helpful to keep in mind that this is the typical progression of children’s development. This desire for autonomy is a real need that you can support gradually as they mature.
