This thesis is concerned with parent-child involvement in active play and, in particular, social
inequalities which may exist for mother-child and father-child participation and facilitation …

Parents are generally highly motivated to give their child the best start in life but many find it
difficult to balance all the demands on their time. Mothers and fathers attend to their …

Play is a universal and innate disposition that is believed to be one of the most significant
components to holistic wellbeing and development during the foundational years of …

Background Preventing the decline in physical activity which occurs around 10-11 years of
age is a public health priority. Physically active play can make unique contributions to …

Background Play is a main driver of children's cognitive and social development and is
crucial for educational success (Paediatrics, 119, 2007 and 182). In recent years, however …

The purpose of this study was to investigate parents' perceptions about the role of play in
young children's development. The research question was tackled through two different …

Ample research has highlighted the importance of parents in children's lives as well as the
significance of play in the early years. This naturally begets the question: what about …

Parent-child play interactions in the first years of life are linked to more positive cognitive and
socio-emotional outcomes for children. The vast majority of previous research has focussed …

Physical inactivity is a public health problem and surveillance data indicate remarkably low
levels of physical activity amongst children globally. In Canada, only 14% of children …

Background Children are shaped in part by their environment and one rich in
communication is therefore beneficial. Activities such as play and reading have long lasting …