Introduction
As practitioners dedicated to fostering positive outcomes for children, we understand the importance of integrating evidence-based practices into our work. A recent study titled "Doing exercise or sport together with one’s child is positively associated with mothers’ momentary affect in daily life, but not with higher levels of overall physical activity" offers valuable insights into the benefits of shared physical activities between mothers and their children. This blog explores how these findings can be applied to enhance therapeutic practices and encourages further research in this area.
Understanding the Study
The study conducted by Kanning et al. (2020) focused on working mothers and their interactions with their children during physical activities. It highlighted that engaging in exercise or sports with their children improved mothers' momentary affect, leading to increased happiness and reduced stress. However, it did not significantly increase their overall physical activity levels. This suggests that while shared activities enhance emotional well-being, they may not contribute to meeting physical activity guidelines.
Implications for Practitioners
As practitioners, these findings offer several opportunities to enhance our therapeutic approaches:
- Emphasize Emotional Benefits: Encourage parents to engage in physical activities with their children, focusing on the emotional connections and stress relief these activities provide.
- Integrate Family Activities into Therapy: Incorporate family-oriented physical activities into therapy sessions to strengthen family bonds and improve emotional well-being.
- Monitor and Adapt: Use data-driven assessments to monitor the emotional and physical impacts of these activities, adapting strategies to optimize outcomes for both children and parents.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, it also opens avenues for further research. Future studies could explore:
- The long-term impact of shared physical activities on family dynamics and child development.
- Strategies to balance emotional benefits with physical activity guidelines.
- The role of different types of physical activities in enhancing emotional well-being.
Conclusion
Integrating shared physical activities into therapeutic practices can significantly enhance emotional well-being for both parents and children. By focusing on the emotional connections fostered through these activities, practitioners can create more holistic and effective therapeutic interventions. As we continue to explore the intersection of physical activity and emotional well-being, we encourage practitioners to remain informed and proactive in applying these insights to their practice.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Doing exercise or sport together with one’s child is positively associated with mothers’ momentary affect in daily life, but not with higher levels of overall physical activity.
