"Their Bodies Were Made to Move and Wriggle Right from the Word Go": A Qualitative Exploration of Family Engagement with Fundamental Movement Skills in Early Childhood.

Background

Fundamental movement skills (FMS) underpin lifelong physical activity (PA) and health, yet many children are failing to meet age-appropriate standards. Caregivers hold a critical influence over children's motor development, but little is known about what helps or hinders family participation, including messaging. This study explored the determinants of family FMS engagement in the United Kingdom (UK) during early childhood, addressing unexplored gaps in how guidance reaches families and the role of grandparents in supporting children's motor development.

Methods

Twenty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 caregivers and 8 educators, including 4 grandparents and 2 family hub practitioners who offered original insights. Eleven children aged 3-5 years completed a flexible draw-and-tell task, enabling inclusion of rarely represented 3-year-olds. Thematic analysis was deployed.

Results

Families and outdoor spaces were pivotal to children's movement opportunities. However, awareness and understanding of FMS and UK PA guidance were poor, even among educators, disrupting dissemination of information to families. Greater emphasis on PA and FMS concepts within professional development, alongside clearer signposting to resources, more visible public-facing campaigns, and digital formats, could improve how families receive these messages. Tensions emerged between parents' concerns about grandparents' physical capability and grandparents' belief that they could adapt to support children's development. Unexpectedly, no children drew technology despite screen time frequently displacing active play, hinting at its normalisation and regulatory role in children's lives.

Conclusions

To enhance family understanding, value, and participation in FMS, UK policy must evolve to become more visible, relatable, and responsive to diverse family needs.