Some parents anxiously hover over their children at the playground, worried they might slip and fall.
But letting your children take risks while playing can have a positive influence on the amount of exercise they get, a study suggests.
Researchers explored the link between parent attitudes towards risk and injury, and their child’s daily adventurous and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
This included activities such as climbing high on a frame, riding a bike or scooter very fast and ‘rough and tumble’ play.
Some parents anxiously hover over their children at the playground, worried they might slip and fall. But letting your children take risks while playing can have a positive influence on the amount of exercise they get, a study suggests
A total of 645 parents completed an online survey to reveal their attitudes towards risk and injury, and the physical activity and play behavior of their children aged between five and 12.
Analysis revealed that 78 percent of the parents had a low tolerance of risk, with mothers showing more concern about injuries than fathers.
However, children whose parents were more tolerant of risky play were more likely to reach the guideline of more than 60 minutes of activity per day, and were more likely to play adventurously.
They also discovered that while most parents were positive about the benefits of risky play, they were less willing to let their children take part when presented with a series of risky play scenarios.
Lead author Alethea Jerebine, from Coventry University, said: ‘It’s understandable that parents want to protect their child.’
‘But the balance can tip too far.’
‘This study shows that parents with a relaxed attitude to risky play have children who are more likely to be getting the recommended amount of daily exercise.’
‘Adventurous play can help improve a child’s fitness, cognitive function and mental wellbeing – and it’s also more fun.’
Writing in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise, the team added: ‘Parents need support to provide opportunities for their
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Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
