Dr.Sc.Soc., Professor D.K. Tanatova¹
Dr.Sc.Soc ., Professor T.N. Yudina¹
PhD I.V. Korolev¹
Dr.Sc.Soc., Associate Professor I.V. Dolgorukova^1
1Russian State Social University, Moscow

Objective of the study was to identify the motivations and incentives of parents to engage their preschool and primary school aged children in various motor activities, regular physical education and sports activities, as well as the factors that hinder these activities.
Methods and structure of the study. The article presents the results of the analysis of the focus-groups discussions conducted in June 2020 at the request of the Federal State Budget Institution "Federal Scientific Center for Physical Culture and Sports" (FSBI FSC of the All-Russian Scientific and Research Institute of Physical Culture and Sports). As per the study request, we performed the focus-group discussions with the parents of the 3-5- and 6-12-year-olds in the following cities: Moscow, Rostov-on-Don, Arzamas, Elista. Each focus group was represented by 12 respondents. The interviews were conducted via Skype, with all the members of the group being online at the same time.
Results of the study and conclusions. We determined what exactly encouraged the parents to involve their children in physical training and sports activities, including the children’s individual needs for specific sports and certain physical exercise systems. The necessary amount of physical education and sports activities for children of these age groups was determined. We also identified the benefits and sports-related risks for children of this age, as well as the drivers and barriers for physical training and sports activities. A perfect sports schedule was designed. Special attention was paid to the emotional aspects of physical education and sports activities of children of this age, as well as to the factors that increase their interest in sports. The irregularities between the parents’ needs in sports infrastructure and its actual availability were identified. Finally, we analyzed the parents’ specific proposals for the development of children’s sport in their localities.

Keywords: physical development, preschoolers, primary schoolchildren, attitudes, parents.

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