Canadian kids are spending more time on screens and far less time playing - throwing a ball or jumping around - and that's creating a big public health problem. Not only are they missing out on better health now, but inactive children often grow up to be inactive adults with chronic health issues.
That's where PLAYshop comes in.
Developed by Valerie Carson, professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta and her team, PLAYshop is the first program in the world that focuses on helping parents encourage "physical literacy" through playing purposefully with their preschool children.
"A key aspect of PLAYshop is getting parents engaged with their children in fun games that develop skills and children's motivation and confidence," says Carson.
"They're playing with their children, and we're taking that enjoyable activity and adding a bit more purpose to reach that goal of supporting physical literacy - building children's capacity to be physically active throughout their lives."
In a randomized controlled PLAYshop trial involving 122 children in Western Canada, parents took an hour-long virtual workshop covering fundamental movements like throwing overhand and underhand, jumping and hopping, and balancing on one leg. They received an equipment "goody bag" with balls and other play equipment, plus leaflets on how to use it. There was also an app with an online toolkit and four virtual booster lessons.
Results of the study showed an increase in parents modelling physical activity to their child and "co-participation," parents and children playing together. Many PLAYshop participants also reported that their child's confidence and skills in physical literacy improved.
"I didn't realize how quickly we would just connect by doing these activities together. That was really nice to see," said one parent. Another participant reported, "You don't know what you don't know until you do activities like this, but then you're like, 'oh, hey, this is a way to break it down into steps to learn this skill better.'"
Getting parents to play games with their children is a key aspect of PLAYshop, says Carson. "Parents have a huge influence on children and their health behaviours in this age group. One message we talk about is letting children take the lead and have a voice to tweak the game."
It's also important to adjust activities to the right challenge level. If something is too hard, the kids will get frustrated. If it's too easy, they'll get bored, Carson notes.
"Whether it's using something bigger or smaller that they're throwing or catching, we need to find that right challenge level so it's enjoyable. Nothing negative or nothing that is going to hurt. It's all just really fun."
With funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, Carson is broadening PLAYshop to train community leaders in recreation and physical activity to reach more parents - which in turn will help more kids now and in the long run, she says.
"Establishing healthy physical activity patterns at early ages has immediate benefits for children and also long-term benefits for their physical health, mental health and cognitive development."
