Table 3 Top 10 coded responses to parenting practices that encourage physical activity (n = 649)
Coded Response | Domain | Dimension | Number of responses | Percent of responses | Percent of participants | Sample parent responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
I participate in [activity type] or play active games with my child. | Autonomy Promotion | Co-participation | 45 | 6.9 | 33.6 | “We ride bike every afternoon” “When it is warm, we play tag outside” “We will wrestle around the house” |
When the weather is nice, I encourage my child to play outside. | Emotional Support | Parental Encouragement | 40 | 6.2 | 29.9 | “Weather permitting, put them outside in the yard for set periods of time” “We encourage her to go outside” “I encourage her to invite her friends over to play outside or go to the park” |
I limit the amount of time my child spends [sedentary activity type] on weekend/weekday. | Structure of the Activity Environment | Structure of the Environment | 39 | 6.0 | 29.1 | “We limit her computer and TV time” “Cut back video games to only weekends” “They only have 2 h a day of video games, the rest either outside or reading” |
I enroll my child in [activity type]. | Tangible Support | Logistic Support/ Facilitation | 37 | 5.7 | 27.6 | “She is signed up in swimming and tennis classes” “Sign him up to soccer, hockey, and basketball clubs to ensure that they get enough activity” “Enroll him in a fitness program” |
I encourage my child to participate in physical activity, or play sports (/in his/her free time). | Emotional Support | Parental Encouragement | 34 | 5.2 | 25.4 | “Encourage him to participate in school sports” “Play games with other siblings” “Encourage him to play at school playgrounds instead of staying inside the classes after lunch” |
I encourage my child to ride a bike and walk in our neighborhood to be active. | Emotional Support | Parental Encouragement | 33 | 5.1 | 24.6 | “They love riding bikes so I encourage that” “Go for walks, walk the dog” “Allow her to go outside to ride her bike and scooter” |
I make sure my child uses active transportation to go to school (e.g., walk, bicycle, use public transportation). | Structure of the Activity Environment | Structure of the Environment | 27 | 4.2 | 20.1 | “She walks to and from school with her brother” “My kids walk to and from the bus stop every school day” “Walk to school when we can” |
I take my child to the park, playground, or places that s/he can be physically active. | Structure of the Activity Environment | Structure of the Environment | 26 | 4.0 | 19.4 | “I take her to the park to play” “I take him to the skating rink” “Go to the pool 3-4 times a week” |
I make sure my child uses active transportation to do errands close to home or to go places close to home such as by walking or bicycling. | Structure of the Activity Environment | Structure of the Environment | 24 | 3.7 | 17.9 | “We do light shopping on foot and heavy shopping by car” “I encourage him to use a bicycle to go to close places” “We walk to the library when the weather allows” |
I go for walks with my child. | Autonomy Promotion | Co-participation | 21 | 3.2 | 15.7 | “She goes for walks with me” “Usually, we love to walk after meals” “Take them for walks with me every evening” |