Parents’ Engagement, Fundamental Movement Skills, and Physical Activity in Early Childhood: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Highlights What are the main findings? We identified 28 studies that investigated parental engagement and its role in children’s FMSs and PA outcomes, and most were conducted in North America. Overall, the evidence is mixed regarding the associations between parents’ engagement and children’s FMSs and PA. What are the implications of the main findings? Future FMS and PA research should examine the role of parental influences in children’s FMSs and prioritize fathers, father figures, and single mothers. Caregivers, parents, and professionals who work with young children can encourage children to learn FMSs and be physically active. Abstract Background: Previous research has demonstrated the positive impact of parents’ engagement in young children’s cognitive and social and emotional development. Parents’ engagement in young children’s lives can also be beneficial for the development of healthy behaviors that may reduce childhood obesity. Objective: The major purpose of this narrative review was to identify studies that examined the role of parents’ engagement in young children’s fundamental movement skills (FMSs) and physical activity (PA). The primary research question was, what is the role of parents’ engagement in young children’s FMSs and PA outcomes? Method: The databases SPORTDiscus, Professional Development Collection, SocINDEX, and Family and Society Studies Worldwide were searched in January 2024 and again in September 2026, and a grand total of 4223 citations were found. Twenty-eight articles were evaluated and underwent data extraction. Results: Studies were conducted in North America (10), followed by Europe (8), Australia (3), Asia (3), South America (3), and Africa (1). Parent-engagement variables were evaluated and classified into the following categories: parents’ own PA, parents’ PA practices, parents’ engagement/involvement, and parents’ psychological characteristics. Children’s FMS outcomes included gross, fine, locomotor, object, and overall motor skills. Children’s PA outcomes included time, duration, and percentage of light, moderate, vigorous, and moderate-to-vigorous PA. Conclusions: Components of parental engagement are positively associated with children’s FMSs and PA outcomes. Future studies should consider including father, father figures, and single mothers and identifying strategies to include their participation.