According to the research article, "Development of a consensus statement on the role of the family in the physical activity, sedentary, and sleep behaviours of children and youth," family engagement is pivotal in promoting healthy behaviors among children. The study involved a multidisciplinary Expert Panel and extensive literature reviews, leading to a consensus statement that emphasizes the family's role in encouraging, facilitating, modeling, setting expectations, and engaging in healthy movement behaviors with children.
Key Takeaways for Practitioners
- Encouragement and Facilitation: Encourage families to create a supportive environment for physical activity by providing resources and ideas for at-home exercises. Facilitate regular family activities that promote movement, such as virtual exercise sessions or family fitness challenges.
- Modeling Healthy Behaviors: Families should model healthy behaviors. Practitioners can provide guidance on how parents can incorporate physical activity into their daily routines and reduce sedentary behaviors, such as limiting screen time.
- Setting Expectations: Help families set realistic and achievable goals for physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep. Use tools like activity trackers or sleep journals to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.
- Engaging in Healthy Behaviors Together: Promote activities that families can do together, such as evening walks, bike rides, or yoga sessions. This not only enhances physical health but also strengthens family bonds.
Practical Implementation Strategies
Implementing these strategies in an online therapy setting can be challenging but is achievable with thoughtful planning and execution. Here are some practical tips:
- Virtual Workshops: Conduct virtual workshops for parents and caregivers to educate them on the importance of physical activity, healthy sleep patterns, and reducing sedentary behavior. Provide practical tips and strategies they can implement at home.
- Interactive Sessions: Incorporate interactive sessions into your therapy services where families can participate together. This could include virtual group exercises, mindfulness sessions, or interactive games that promote movement.
- Resource Sharing: Share resources such as instructional videos, printable activity guides, and recommended apps that families can use to stay active and healthy. Make these resources easily accessible through your online platform.
- Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular check-ins with families to discuss progress, address challenges, and provide ongoing support. Use these sessions to reinforce the importance of family involvement in promoting healthy behaviors.
Encouraging Further Research
While the current research provides a solid foundation, ongoing research is essential to continuously improve the effectiveness of family engagement in online therapy. Practitioners are encouraged to stay updated with the latest studies and incorporate new findings into their practice. Collaborating with researchers and participating in studies can also provide valuable insights and contribute to the body of knowledge in this field.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Development of a consensus statement on the role of the family in the physical activity, sedentary, and sleep behaviours of children and youth.
