Have you ever noticed how infectious enthusiasm can be? In a family setting, this is especially true when it comes to sports and physical activity. Research consistently shows that the attitudes and behaviours parents' model can profoundly shape a child’s approach to staying active, both physically and mentally. For families involved with Skillset Basketball, this insight offers a valuable opportunity to build healthier habits and stronger bonds.
Why Parents Attitudes Matter
Social psychologists have long understood that values influence attitudes, and attitudes shape behaviour. When parents maintain a positive and supportive attitude toward physical activity, their children are more likely to view sports as enjoyable and rewarding. Studies reveal that kids from families with supportive sports attitudes perform better physically and develop stronger athletic confidence compared to peers without such support (Dong et al., 2018).
At Skillset Basketball, we see this firsthand. Parents who cheer from the sidelines or practice dribbling drills with their kids at home create a ripple effect. Their enthusiasm boosts a child’s confidence, motivation, and overall enjoyment of the game. In fact, our "Parents Play Free" model allows parents to join in and learn the sport alongside their children in our oldest age group at no extra cost, fostering a shared love for basketball.
The Link Between Activity, Screen Time, and BMI
Physical activity is not just about improving basketball skills; it’s also a critical factor in managing children’s health. Numerous studies show that kids who engage in moderate to high-intensity physical activity have healthier BMI levels compared to those who lead more sedentary lives (Thivel et al., 2013; Beaulieu et al., 2016). On the flip side, excessive screen time—a common modern-day challenge—has been linked to higher BMI and other health risks (Shi et al., 2020).
Skillset Basketball encourages families to reduce screen time by making sports a fun and engaging alternative. Whether it’s a Hoop Club session for the younger ones or Skillset - BASE for older kids, our programs provide an outlet for energy and skill-building that beats sitting in front of a screen any day.
The Role of Parents’ Education and Family Structure
Interestingly, a parent’s education level and family structure can also influence a child’s BMI. Research highlights that children of parents with higher education levels tend to have healthier BMI and more positive attitudes toward physical activity (Cheng et al., 2020). Additionally, family dynamics—whether in a nuclear or single-parent household—can shape how kids engage with sports. For example, a supportive caregiver’s active participation in physical activities has been shown to positively impact a child’s sports behaviour (Zhang et al., 2017).
Skillset Basketball fosters a family-friendly environment where caregivers can actively participate, cheer, and even join in drills. This shared experience strengthens family bonds while promoting healthier lifestyles.
How Skillset Basketball Helps Build Healthy Habits
Our mission at Skillset Basketball is simple: bring families together, one skill at a time. We understand that sports are more than just a game—they’re a way to instill life-long values like resilience, teamwork, and determination. By encouraging family involvement, we ensure kids receive the emotional and physical support they need to thrive both on and off the court.
Tips for Building a Family Sports Culture:
Lead by Example: Show enthusiasm for physical activity, whether it’s attending Skillset practices or playing a pickup game at home.
Limit Screen Time: Replace screen-heavy routines with engaging family sports activities.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your child’s progress, no matter how small, to build confidence and motivation.
Create Shared Goals: Set family fitness goals like practicing dribbling skills together or completing a basketball challenge.
Conclusion
The evidence is clear: a family’s attitude toward sports plays a pivotal role in shaping a child’s physical activity and overall health. At Skillset Basketball, we’re proud to be part of this journey, helping families foster a love for sports while building a foundation for lifelong health and well-being. Let’s work together to inspire the next generation of confident, active, and resilient kids—both on and off the court!
Want to find out more about this topic - check out this study
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