NAAEE

"Physical literacy” refers to basic movements needed for physical activity participation throughout one’s life. Basic movements include such fundamental movement skills (FMS) as running, climbing, and jumping. This study explored relationships of parental perceptions of risk and attitudes toward risk-taking during play with preschoolers’ physical activity and FMS scores.

Thirty-five parent/child pairs from Nova Scotia participated in the study. The children wore accelerometers during waking hours over a period of 6 – 9 days, allowing researchers to obtain objective measures of their physical activity levels. The children also participated in an assessment of their gross motor development to provide FMS scores. Parents completed surveys which included items addressing their perceptions concerning the level of risk associated with children’s physical activity/play behavior and their attitudes toward risk-taking during play.

Results showed that children were active for the vast majority of their day. They were sedentary less than 30% of the time that they wore the accelerometers. Their FMS scores varied widely. The vast majority of parents rated most activities (walking, rolling, sliding, running, reaching, swinging) as either not risky at all or somewhat risky. They perceived biking and climbing as more risky than other activities. Over two-thirds of the parents agreed or strongly agreed that they permit their child to use equipment and materials in ways other than what they are designed for. Approximately three-fourths of the parents also agreed or strongly agreed that they take their child to places where there are opportunities for risk-taking. Less than 20% of the parents indicated that they limit their child’s activity due to fear that they might hurt themselves. Most of the parents agreed or strongly agreed that risk-taking is an important part of their child’s development.

Further analysis of the data revealed a significant association between parental perception of risk for activities their child participates in and the children’s level of physical activity. Lower risk perception scores were associated with higher levels of physical activity. The study also found an association between parent attitudes toward risk-taking during play and preschoolers’ FMS. More positive attitudes toward risk-taking during play were associated with higher total FMS scores.

This research adds to the growing literature on the value of risky play to children’s development and parents’ influence on risk-taking behavior. Previous research focused primarily on school-aged children and youth. This study extends that research by focusing on preschool-age children. The findings highlight strong connections between parents' perceptions of risky play and young children's engagement in fundamental movement activities and related skill development.