Lead by example, show compassion: What you can do to kickstart your child's fitness

Parental support for physical activity is critical, and finding a sport they enjoy will reap greater long-term rewards than looking for high results, writes Helen O'Callaghan

Parents need to take an active interest — and participate in — children's sport. Picture: iStock 

When it comes to why young people participate in sport, parents are important.

‘Because of my father’ was cited as one of the top reasons for sports participation among post-primary students in the Children’s Sport Participation and Physical Activity (CSPPA) Study 2022 ( exa.mn/participation).