Parental perceptions and family role in promoting physical activity in early childhood: a qualitative study

Childhood is a critical period for cognitive and motor development, strongly influenced by the child’s surrounding environment. For optimal cognitive growth, children need to engage with their environment through movement. However, little is known about how Mexican children participate in motor activities at home. The present study aimed to explore Mexican parents’ attitudes toward physical activity (PA), their perceptions of their preschool-aged children’s motor development, and their perceived competence in teaching motor skills. Thirty-three mothers of children aged three to six from Chihuahua, Mexico, participated in semi-structured interviews. These interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Six main themes were identified: (a) Integration of physical activity into daily life, (b) Activities that promote motor skills (gross and fine), (c) Parental physical activity, (d) Factors influencing the practice of physical activity, (e) Perceptions of motor development, and (f) The importance of physical activity in child development. The results indicate that physical activity (PA) is part of the daily life of many Mexican families; however, its practice is shaped by various factors. Common barriers include work schedules and a lack of awareness regarding its benefits, while parental involvement and family-based activities serve as facilitators. In conclusion, physical activity is a key component of children’s environments. Parents acknowledge its importance and identify both barriers and conditions that support its integration into family routines