Preschoolers\u27 Physical Activity Behaviours: Parents\u27 Perspectives

OBJECTIVES: To understand parents\u27 perspectives of their preschoolers\u27 physical activity behaviours. METHODS: A maximum variation sample of 71 parents explored their preschoolers\u27 physical activity behaviours through 10 semi-structured focus group discussions. RESULTS: Parents perceived Canada\u27s Physical Activity Guidelines for Children as inadequate; that their preschoolers get and need more than 30-90 minutes of activity daily; and that physical activity habits must be established during the preschool years. Nine barriers against and facilitators toward adequate physical activity were proposed: child\u27s age, weather, daycare, siblings, finances, time, society and safety, parents\u27 impact, and child\u27s activity preferences. DISCUSSION: The need for education and interventions that address current barriers are essential for establishing physical activity as a lifestyle behaviour during early childhood and, consequently, helping to prevent both childhood and adulthood obesity