Table 2 Implications of results for parenting interventions to increase PA in children

Improving parents’ awareness of child’s PA levels

• Improving understanding of the PA recommendations

• PA recommendations for children

• What are the benefits of PA?

• Increasing parents’ perceived need for more PA

• What is PA and what counts?

• Tools to monitor PA

• Overcoming barriers to PA and increasing opportunities to be active

• Providing parents with ideas and skills for motivating their children to engage in PA

• Providing local activity directory

• Trouble-shooting common barriers such as cost/lack of provision/weather

• Supporting active travel and lifestyle activity

• Providing parents with skills to deal with conflict around PA to avoid negative associations with PA

• Generating ideas for low-cost/free, and wet weather games and activities

• Discussion around how modern living and today’s culture affects PA and sedentary behaviour

• Balancing boundaries and autonomy with risk and safety

• Scheduling and planning activities

• Managing conflict around PA (parenting skills including giving choice, setting boundaries, positive discipline and praise)

Helping parents’ to support children’s intrinsic motivation to be active

• Supporting the development of children’s physical skills and confidence to be active

• How parents can practically support their child’s PA development (e.g. game modification)

• Developing children’s self confidence and independence

• Importance of physical skills development

• Supporting parents’ confidence and competence in supporting their child’s PA

• Developmental stages for physical skills for children and having appropriate expectations

• Encouraging activity and supporting fun and enjoyment

• Using praise and positive discipline

• How can parents emotionally support their child’s PA confidence, independence and autonomy)

• Making activities fun

• Generating ideas for family activities