1 / 49

Understanding Family Engagement in Physical Activity

This study aims to explore the complexities of family life and identify key drivers and barriers for families to engage in physical activities together. The research approach includes desk research, online forums, and face-to-face interactions. The study focuses on families from lower socio-economic backgrounds in four different areas of the UK.

parksc
Download Presentation

Understanding Family Engagement in Physical Activity

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. StreetGames – Families Insight Study • Platypus Research May 2019 platypus-research www.platypusresearch.co.uk @Platypus_ platypusresearch

  2. Background & approach

  3. Background & Research objectives • StreetGames harnesses the power of sport to create positive change in the lives of disadvantaged young people right across the UK. StreetGames' work helps to make young people and their communities healthier, safer and more successful. • Over the past 10 years a key area of focus for StreetGames has been young people (aged 8-25). However, more recently this work has extended to include interventions that engage families, specifically exploring HOW StreetGames and community organisations can support families to become more physically active. • To support this work research was needed to help StreetGames really understand: • the complexities of family life • what engages families, i.e. the key drivers for wanting to take part in different initiatives/activities as a family. • what the perceived and real barriers to becoming more active actually are

  4. Research approach A 3 phase research approach allowed us to fully explore the lives of families, what they are currently doing and crucially what they’d like to be doing more of Desk Research Online forum Face-to-face Establishing general ‘rules’ of best practice for family engagement, support & activation Feedback on their lives and activities via photos, video and written journals, allowing us to provide a picture of real, ‘day-to-day’ lives Detailed exploration of what families would ideally like to do/be doing more of and the barriers currently preventing this from happening

  5. Research was focussed in 4 different areas of the UK We recruited 24 families who currently weren’t very active as a family, i.e. the kids may already be relatively active through school and extra curricular sports provision, but aren’t necessarily experiencing these same levels of activity with their parent(s)/as a family • All recruited from lower socio-economic groups DE (NS-SEC 6-8) • A mix of ethnicity and disability • Families recruited to have children aged 5-7 or 8-11 (even mix of boys/girls across each location) BARNSLEY – 6 FAMILIES LEICESTER – 6 FAMILIES HARROW – 6 FAMILIES CARDIFF – 3 FAMILIES MERTHYR - 3 FAMILIES

  6. Introducing our families

  7. Leicester Mum– 27 (Stay at home Mum) Dad – 27 (Unemployed) Daughter – 6 Daughter – 4 Son – 5 months Mum – 30 (Stay at home Mum) Son – 9 Daughter – 7 Son – 8 months “I do less activity than I used to, when I was 17 I used to go jogging several times a week, when S and D were younger I used to go to the gym but now I don't do any of it.  Since having the kids I've gained a lot of weight so feel very conscious in public settings especially a gym.  I wish we spent more time doing things together.”  “My activity levels have changed, because of illness I'm not that active, I do what I can but get chronic pain in my legs and have regular falls. Having more money would help…there are free things to do but the children want to do the things that cost money and being a family on benefits this cannot always happen.” 

  8. Leicester Mum – 39 (Stay at home Mum) Dad – 62 (Unemployed) Daughter & Son – 9 Son – 6 Mum – 42 (Stay at home Mum) Dad – 53 (Musician/Singer) Son – 6 “Both us adults are always on the go at home, as there is cleaning, cooking, gardening etc to do. Kids will happily sit in, watch tv. play with toys & iPad all day if we let them.  It would be good having somewhere interesting and new.to go that doesn’t cost a small fortune.” “We wish things were more affordable for us as a family. Our favourite activities are going on walks with the dog to the park and movie nights”

  9. Leicester Mum – 31 (Stay at home Mum) Dad – 32 (Unemployed) Son – 12 Son – 10 Daughter – 7 Son - 2 Mum – 29 (Stay at home Mum) Son – 9 Daughter – 5 “We walk EVERYWHERE! To be honest, most days we just ‘wing it’ “We have to look for free things to do together like gardening or going to the park.”

  10. Barnsley Mum – 29 (Stay at home Mum) Dad – 32 (Delivery driver) Son – 10 Son – 7 Daughter – 5 Mum – 31 (Stay at home Mum) Dad – 30 (Unemployed) Daughter – 11 Daughter – 5 Sons (twins)– 4 “With my husband working shifts, as a whole family we don’t have much time to spend together as it works out once every 2 months my husband gets weekends off. My second child is autistic and he struggles with change and strange places so if we do decide to have a day out Isaac struggles with the change.”  “We'd like to do more things together as a family. We wish there were more things to do in the area for families like us”

  11. Barnsley Mum – 27 (Stay at home Mum)Dad– 28 (Labourer)Son– 10 Daughter - 7 ½ months  Mum – 37 (Carer) Dad – 42 (Labourer) Daughter - 9, Daughter – 5 , Daughter – 3 Son - 11 months “I have become a lot more mobile and active than I used to be since having children as you want to do more with your kids and be around for longer…and it will also help me shift my mum-tum hopefully!”  “Not really happy as we don’t get to do as much as I would like as a family. Money and cost are the biggest challenges” 

  12. Barnsley Mum – 33 (Stay at home Mum) Dad -37 (Security – permanent nights) Daughter - 6 Son - 4 Mum – 29 (Stay at home Mum)Dad – 32 (Debt collector) Son – 9 Son – 5  Son – 2 “S has non verbal autism. It's not always easy to get out and do things as a family due to his needs but we do our best. We could do a lot more if we had a clear indication of activities going on in our area, if we had money, and if D didn't work as many hours, although his shifts are a necessary part of our life.”  “The logistics of juggling three children of different ages and finding something that they would all enjoy and finding time to do things between school and bedtime is a challenge. Sometimes life just gets in the way we are all happy with what we do and are more appreciative of the time we have together, when we get it”  

  13. Harrow Mum – 33 (Stay at home Mum) Dad - (Caretaker) Son – 10 Son – 5 Daughter – 4 Son - 2 Mum – 30 (Stay at home Mum) Dad – (Labourer) Daughter – 9 Son – 8 “I loved trampolining at school, so that is the one family activity we all do together and we love it! It is expensive, but it’s a bit of a treat. Would be great if there were better cost options to help us do more together” “The kids are pretty active and play football, handball & basketball…but I know I could do more and we could be more active together, but it costs too much money”

  14. Harrow Mum – 44 (Stay at home Mum) Son – 11 Daughter– 9 Daughter – 7 Mum – 32 (Stay at home Mum) Dad – (Driver) Son – 9 Daughter – 6 Son – 3 Son – 6 months “I would like us to do more activities together as a family, but I can’t afford them. Even though my children are 11, 9 and 7 it’s really hard to find something they all want to do” “The kids enjoy bike riding, but it’s a real challenge getting them and their bikes in and out of the house and back up the stairs.

  15. Harrow Mum – (Stay at home Mum) Dad – 40 (Security) Daughter – 11 Daughter – 9 Mum – 41 (Carer) Dad – 46 (Warehouse operator) Daughter – 12 Sons (twins) - 6 “I’m not happy with our level of activity as I worry about weight gain and not getting the kids in a habit of doing activities alone and with us as a family. I’m busier than ever, working more than ever so have less time to do structured activities. The boys and D have a long day at school and want to do very little when they come home & Daddy also comes home starving and wants to chill and have an early night.”   “We go swimming once a month and the kids cycle sometimes but we don’t do much else and could all be doing more”

  16. Merthyr Mum – 51 (Stay at home Mum) (Does voluntary work + has grown up son) Son - 12 Daughter – 8 Mum – 53 (Duty Manager - Cinema) Daughter - 9 (Also, fostered 2 children) “I do enjoy walking and like to do that everyday…being a single parent the majority of the chores fall on me so I think I am quite an active person. It would be nice to have more money so we could do more together” “I don't feel comfortable being more active at my age. I have never been very active but I'm feeling my age!. I would like us to do more together but my lack of confidence hinders us. It would be good if there were more family sessions”

  17. Cardiff Merthyr Mum – 32 (Nursery Nurse) Dad - 29 (Van driver) Daughter – 11 Daughter - 7 Mum – 33 (Nurse) Daughter – 9 Son – 7 “Both children stay quite active but I think me & my husband need to make more effort on the weekend to become more active.  I have realised we don’t do a great deal as a family which is quite upsetting so going forward we are definitely going to try and make more of an effort to do more activities and together look at activities that won’t cost the earth to do”   “I think it is better to be more active for your overall health and mind. I am constantly tidying up, washing, taking dog for walk etc always something to do around house or being in work. Especially being a single mother. We go on walks etc as a family but a lot of things are separate” 

  18. Cardiff Mum – 32 (Shop Assistant) Dad- 34 (Shop Assistant) Son – 9 Son – 7 Son – 5 Son – 3 Son - 1 Mum – 36 (Assistant cook - school) Daughter – 9 Son – 5 “I have never been into sports due to my weight and just laziness. I do work a lot now though whilst the kids enjoy there bikes rides and I take the dog…maybe I’ll start doing something just don’t know what? I don’t like people looking at me. I would do yoga or something like that but always felt I wasn’t good enough at anything” “The boys do more sports as they get older and I do less exercise because I'm constantly working or doing housework. I would like to spend more time together as a family and be far more active” 

  19. Current activity levels

  20. Generally, because of their busy lives most parents feel that they are already active However, when we look at what being active actually means to parents, it’s more closely associated with their ‘day-to-day’ routines, i.e. work and household chores • Generally, parents are less concerned about their CHILDREN’s activity levels • PE at school • Walking everywhere • After-school clubs for some • Non-school sports for some • Some concern on ‘screen time’ • PARENTS activity levels differ according to the structure of their family, impacted by: • Single/dual parenting • Work patterns • Number of children • Transport available Most agree that:“The kids do lots of activities, but we don’t really do anything together as a whole family that keeps us ALL active” (11 out of 18 on the forum) AND Most agree they are LESS active than they used to be

  21. Schools (currently) provide the main opportunities for kids to get active This is normally through ‘time-tabled’ PE sessions, although some do attend after school clubs & are active at home • Football • Taekwondo • Netball • Gymnastics • Rugby • Swimming • Dance • Tennis • Cheer-leading • Dancing • Walking • Playing outside • Gardening • Bike • Trampoline • Going to the park CLUBS • Football • Netball • Dodgeball • Rugby • Swimming • Team games & ball skills • ‘Break-time’ HOME SCHOOL After school and holiday clubs aren’t an easy option for most due to cost and logistics of getting children to-and-from the activity…all of which is even harder if there are children of different ages

  22. The reality is that most families are ‘stuck’ in the same cycle of activities due to a culmination of different factors ALL desire QUALITY TIME together, but this isn’t always easy to achieve • Walkingis the ‘entry-level’ activity most commonly done together as a FAMILY • Sometimes with the dog • Sometimes encompasses a ‘learning element’, i.e. nature • FREE • QUICK / EASY /CONVENIENT • OK FOR ALL AGES • FAMILIES ARE ALWAYS ON THE LOOK-OUT FOR SOMETHING THAT MAKES THEIR WALK MORE INTERESTING/DIFFERENT “Everyone agrees our walks with the dogs around the fields is our best family activity, as there’s a massive pond with lots a different wildlife and they love to see the horses, pick flowers and go fishing for newts.” (Mum – Barnsley)

  23. Local provision differs by area, with more rural areas having less choice • Parks represent a great FREE activity for families and may also involve a kickabout or bike ride • Not always suited to children of different ages • Boredom of ‘nothing new’ • Anti-social behaviour can impact the appeal • For some of those with older children there is a sense of fear about letting them be independent and play out on their own (especially if the park is out of view). • Sense of NOTHING for older children to do, which is why gaming & social media is so popular for High School age and beyond. • ALL talk of local provision i.e. community/youth centres closing down over recent years.

  24. Swimming is something that most families would like to do more of, but there are currently too many barriers Perhaps one of the biggest challenges is the child-parent ratio, which makes it impossible for many to access their local pool • Swimming is viewed as an ideal family activity, as children of all ages are happy to take part • Access is an issue for some • Knowing when ‘family’ sessions are running • Confusion on costs, some talk of ‘free’ sessions for families during the school holidays vs others unaware • Can be logistically challenging (especially for single parents and those with very young children) • Some resistance during colder/winter months • Body confidence (Parents)

  25. Activities that can be done in the home are well liked and happen most weekday evenings or weekends MOVIE/TV NIGHT CHILLING OUT BOARD GAMES GAMING QUALITY time together where the children all get on with each other is perfect for these busy families

  26. There are several KEY barriers to participation for parents (and to children being more active) It is important to understand these barriers (whether perceived or tangible)… However, irrespective of family type, living arrangements or location, OPPORTUNITIES do exist to get families more active, as most want to spend more QUALITY TIME together with their children and be more HEALTHY

  27. ‘Mindset’ is crucial Whilst most could see WHY being more active as a family would bring positive benefits to their family, some will need more convincing and guidance to help educate them on HOW this can improve their day-to-day experiences (both physically & mentally)… OWN CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES & WHAT THEY CONSIDER ‘NORMAL’ CURRENT OUTLOOK ON LIFE AND SENSE OF OPTIMISM / POSITIVE OUTLOOK

  28. ‘Mindset’ is crucial Some are already there… Others need more of a helping hand… “I have become a lot more mobile and active than I used to be since having children as you want to do more with your kids and be around for longer… and it will also help me shift my Mum-Tum hopefully!” (Mum – Barnsley) CONFIDENCE is a big factor “When I hit 40 I did start worrying about my health but as I have such a busy life I’ve become healthier in my food choices and eat less rubbish than I used to.” (Mum – Harrow) “Since having the kids I've gained a lot of weight so feel very conscious in public settings especially a gym.” (Mum – Leicester) “It's hard to find something that I would be wanting to be involved in. I'm quite restrictive in my thoughts and I'm not comfortable being active.” (Mum – Merthyr) “I think it is better to be more active for your overall health and mind.” (Mum – Cardiff)

  29. Life is busy and finding time to be active (together) is an issue for some families TIME is perhaps the biggest barrier, most agree that: “I wish we had more time to do things together as a family” (17 out of 18 on the forum) • Before school is a mad rush to get everyone out of the house and to where they need to be • Heightened pressure if younger/older children are at a different locations • After school during the week is also hectic: After school clubs / Out of school clubs / Homework all impact as well as the ‘normal’ routine of dinner & wash before bed • What can be achieved after school is dependent on the age of the children and differing ages within the household • Weekends and during school holidays represent the best opportunities for ‘family time’ • Work patterns can make it hard to get everyone in one place, especially if shift work is involved • A sense that ‘HAVE TO’ work to survive, irrespective of how this impacts family life

  30. Life is busy and finding time to be active (together) is an issue for some families “Over the last years I’m busier than ever ,working more than ever, so have less time to do structured activities. The boys and M have a long day at school and want to do very little when they come home…Daddy also comes home starving and wants to chill and have an early night.” (Mum – Harrow) “With my husband working shifts, as a whole family we don’t have much time to spend together as it works out once every 2 months my husband gets weekends off. My second child is autistic and he struggles with change and strange places, so if we do decide to have a day out he struggles with the change.!” (Mum – Barnsley)

  31. Life can often feel like they are on a ‘hamster wheel’… “I unfortunately worked a full day today and boys had their language school which my husband took them to. Of course I’d like not to work and have gone somewhere nice like central London or soft play. I know I sound like all I do is work but my job is the kind of job where I could have no job tomorrow so I grab every opportunity and that does mean family time is practically non-existent which does give me terrible Mum guilt, but we have no choice and you keep plodding on. Life is so expensive in London ,we have no choice.” (Mum – Harrow) IDEAL… Holidays & trips to the seaside Provide a sense of ‘escapism’ and a change from the ‘norm’

  32. Accessibility is key, many feel their local area has little or no suitable provision for families Harrow and Cardiff did seem marginally better than the other areas, with greater awareness of WHAT was on offer and activities that were easier to access due to better public transport links • RAISING AWARENESS is key • “I’d like us to do more activities together as a family, but I don’t know what’s available” • (14 out of 18 on the forum agree) • Social media – Parents groups / School groups / Local community groups • Info sent home from school • COSTS (if any) must be clearly communicated…avoid shock/embarrassment “There aren’t any activities for families like ours in this area” (12 out of 18 on the forum agree)

  33. Linked to accessibility, transport can impact what is achievable and easy for them to do as a family Again, Harrow and Cardiff did seem marginally better than the other areas, as public transport networks were more frequent/reliable and there was more within walking distance • COST can play a part • Number of children • Number of journeys to get to desired location • Timetabling and how this ‘fits’ in with local provision, i.e. swimming • BUT also the logistics of getting multiple children on/off the bus, especially if there are younger children in a buggy/pushchair Families are looking for activities that they can ideally walk to in their local community or access with minimal effort (and cost)

  34. Further pressures are felt by families if any of their children have additional needs With the best of intentions, sometimes it’s just too challenging to arrange something that all of the family can do. Children with autism (across a wide spectrum) have different needs, that Parents don’t think are currently being catered for/recognised by wider society… • Risk of the day not going to schedule / unexpected changes • Child feeling anxious / wanting to leave as soon as they arrive • Lack of confidence (Parents) / Fear of what others think • Providers not recognising their child’s need WASTED MONEY The opportunity to take part in activities with other families they know (as well as meeting new people) is appealing because this provides an additional level of SUPPORT and allows quality time with their other children (especially for single parents)

  35. Having children of different ages can make it difficult to keep everyone happy Those with very young children (2 and under) struggle the most, as their youngest need constant supervision, preventing them to join in with what the older children are doing. For those with more than one child: disability (especially unseen), age differences and gender can impact what activities individual children want to do and how EASY it is for families to be active together. Most agree that: “We can never agree on an activity that we all like” (14 out of 18 on the forum) “It takes a lot of effort to do something together as a family” (14 out of 18 on the forum) Less agree that: “It’s really easy to find an activity that we ALL like to do” (10 out of 18 on the forum)

  36. Of all of the barriers preventing families becoming more active MONEY is perhaps the main one to overcome Generally, if working at all, these adults are employed in low-pay roles and if not working they are claiming benefits. They are typically responsible for their children 24-7, as paid childcare is not an option, so have to find work that fits in around school hours Very little disposable income to spend on family activities (and individual activities for their children) …Often weigh up the benefit vs BASIC NECESSITIES Most agree that: “I wish we had more money to do things together as a family” (16 out of 18 on the forum) “It costs too much money for us all to do an activity together” (15 out of 18 on the forum) Most disagree that: “There are lots of free activities near us that we can do together as a family” (13 out of 18 on the forum DISAGREE)

  37. For CHILDREN, parents are most likely to be mentioned as the person they look up to / inspires them It is important that Parents are able to ‘lead by example’ and show their children the benefits of being active, to influence longer term behaviour and form a positive mindset around being active FAMILY provides the biggest inspiration for families (both adults & children) • PARENTS look up to and admire their own parents & grandparents • Driven by a sense of wanting to do the best they can for their own children • Some Dad’s were inspired by football players CHILDREN are most likely to say their Mum or Dad inspire them There is an appreciation for how busy their parents are Some sports stars were mentioned: Simone Biles / David Beckham / Marcus Rashford / George Best / Jamie Vardy Teachers are also looked up to

  38. FAMILIES need inspiration… “We get fed up of always doing the same thing” “Everything we do is about ‘routine’ and ‘structure’ because we’re so busy…they don’t really have an opportunity for ‘unstructured’ play”

  39. How to help families become more active…

  40. Family engagement is key • As noted in the desk research, engaging entire families in activities rather than focussing solely on the adult or the child, is believed to impact positively on both children and adults • BUT, as we have seen this can be difficult for some families • 1/10 Britons say the last time they spent quality time together was more than one year ago or not at all • 3/10 leave the house at least once a week without seeing their children • ¼+ said they were so busy they do not spend any time with their children at all (The Express, May 12th 2017)

  41. Helping families to understand the benefits is KEY • Family engagement programmes can help all families, especially those from lower social grades: • Have increased self esteem • Learn new skills • Improve their mental and physical health • By looking at other successful family engagement schemes we get a better understanding of what works and crucially WHY?

  42. Examples of family engagement programmes that have worked The success and long term engagement of families in programmes varies due to the length of time that scheme has been running, but must consider… • Cost/financial implications • Environment – ‘known’/’familiar’ = less intimidating • Local • Equipment needed • Be mindful of challenging home environments • ENGAGE…not just INVOLVE • Show positive benefits of involvement (adults & children) • Be sensitive of cultural issues and stigma within communities • Communicate well (to ALL) • MAKING IT EASY + MAKING IT POSSIBLE = LONG TERM ENGAGEMENT

  43. Improving the ‘here & now’ will make a big difference • FAMILY WALKS… • Organised for families to meet up • Social benefits (Parents & kids) • Learning/educational element • Nature/animals • …BREAK THE MONOTONY

  44. Improving the ‘here & now’ will make a big difference • PARKS/OPEN SPACES… • Provision to cater for ALL ages • ‘Go-Ape’ type provision • A ‘safer’ space – more community policing needed • Organised family activities, i.e. Family Sports Days / It’s A Knockout style competitions • …BRING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY TOGETHER

  45. Improving the ‘here & now’ will make a big difference • SWIMMING… • Clearer communication of FAMILY swim sessions: When/How much? • FREE or minimal charge • Monthly pass • Extra lifeguards on duty or in the pool • Changing room assistant • …MAKE IT EASIER

  46. Improving the ‘here & now’ will make a big difference • BIKE RIDES… • Organised for families to meet up • Cycle paths/trails • Safe space (no traffic) to allow children of all ages and abilities to take part • Opportunity to hire bikes at the location (overcomes logistical challenges) • FREE or minimal charge • Include provision for babies/toddlers unable to ride • …MAKE IT ACCESSIBLE

  47. The local community is important to these families, help them to put their local area at the heart of the activity • COMMUNITY BENEFITS… • Improve social links (Parents & children) • Restore pride in the LOCAL area, via community initiatives • Allotment • Cooking • Family ‘games’ days • Board games • Outdoor/old school games • Active sessions in a safe, friendly environment • …GOOD DOESN’T HAVE TO = EXPENSIVE

  48. Key to launching new ideas/activities for families… Target parents, but don’t forget the grandparents RAISE AWARENESS Keep it local + easy to access Weekends + School holidays BENEFITS – to them and their family/wider community: Physical + Mental

  49. The HOW is probably the most critical element… • HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN… • PRICE is crucial • Clearly communicate if any cost is involved • Consider a ‘PASS’ type idea • FOOD is central to these families and what they do, so try and incorporate this • LANGUAGE and how the idea is marketed is crucial, concentrate on the FAMILY/FUN side of activities…nothing too scary or daunting • LEAD the activity…These families need help & inspiration, rather than being responsible to manage /run things themselves

More Related