Parents´ influence on children´s sport environment : An interview study with parents of athletic children in football and athletics

Parental involvement is known to be important for children in organized sports. However, parents can with their involvement both have negative and positive influence on children according to some studies. Few studies have investigated parents´ influence in sport, mostly studies have been focused on the parental involvement in sport. The purpose of this study was to examine perceptions among parents about their influences on children´s sport environment. A part of the purpose was to investigate if the parents think it is a necessity with an education to help parents to positively contribute to children´s sport environment. A qualitative approach was used and eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents whose children practiced football or athletics. Four mothers and four fathers were interviewed. The result of this study showed that all parents were positive about their commitment and that it had a positive influence on children´s practice. According to the parent´s perceptions, their children´s motivation increased with their presence on the field. The parents saw themselves important for children in sport and that they had a positive influence on children´s participation. Parents who focused on results and set high demands and expectations had a negative influence on children´s sport environment. To create a more positive environment for children, the parents wanted to learn more about how the children´s sport should take place on an appropriate basis. The parents were positive about an education and that it should be a lecture of how parents can support their children and how parents can use a suitable approach to not have a negative influence on children´s sport environment. The parents added that the lecture also would inform the parents about the children´s sport and its design. This study indicated that it is important for parents to be aware about their involvement and its influences on children in sport