CONFERENCEhttps://doi.org/10.22364/htqe.2025.36 | 508-518 | PDF
Parents’ Understanding of the Importance of Physical Activity in the Development of Preschool Children
Inga Stangaine¹, Dace Augstkalne¹
¹University of Latvia, Latvia
Abstract
Childhood is the initial stage of life marked by the most rapid and wide-ranging human development. During this period, individuals learn to speak, walk, perceive and process emotions, as well as begin to acquire social experiences. Early childhood, particularly the pre-school years (ages 4–6), is a period of intense physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional growth. Regular physical activity supports the development of motor skills, which are founded on good coordination and balance. Empirical studies have demonstrated clear links between physical activity and cognitive development in children. Movement-based activities – such as exercises, active games, and other forms of physical play – contribute significantly to the development of perception, attention, thinking, and language. Furthermore, movement fosters emotional well-being by providing children with a sense of joy, accomplishment, and self-confidence. Through physical play, children also learn to respect rules and coordinate their actions with the needs of others, thus enhancing their social skills.
While early motor milestones, such as rolling, crawling, and standing, are typically celebrated, later parental concerns about safety often lead to restrictions on physical activity. As a child grows older and more active, activities such as running, jumping, and climbing are frequently curtailed, potentially limiting developmental opportunities. This article examines theoretical perspectives and presents findings from a parental survey, conducted to determine whether parents recognise the role of physical activity in supporting cognitive and socio-emotional development of children. The results indicate that while parents generally recognise the importance of physical activity for health and physical development, many lack a deeper understanding of the developmental significance of movement and physical play, particularly in cognitive and socio-emotional domains.
Keywords: physical activity, preschooler, physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development, movement games, sports activities, motor skills, socio-emotional skills
In: Human, Technologies and Quality of Education, 2025. Proceedings of Scientific Papers = Cilvēks, tehnoloģijas un izglītības kvalitāte, 2025. Rakstu krājums. Ed. L. Daniela. Riga: University of Latvia, 2025. 698 p.
ISBN 978-9934-36-461-7
https://doi.org/10.22364/htqe.2025