Physical literacy starts with parents

When we talk about physical literacy, we usually focus on children. But if we want kids to develop confidence in movement, we need to talk about parents too.

Teachers often say the best thing you can do to support your child's learning is read with them every day. Reading has become part of the daily routine for many families. Movement should be no different.

You don't need to spend hours playing sport or sign your child up to every club. Physical literacy is built through regular opportunities to move, and the easiest place to start is at home. Children with active parents are more likely to be active themselves. If walking, cycling, kicking a ball around or heading to the park are just part of family life, children grow up seeing movement as something that's normal, not something you only do in PE or organised sport.

Moving together has an even bigger impact, it

• Shows that movement is for everyone, not just sporty people.

• Gives you time to connect away from screens and busy schedules.

• Builds confidence and physical literacy for both you and your child.

So what's stopping parents joining in?

For many, it's confidence, but the reality is, your child doesn't care how good you are. They're not looking for an expert. They're looking for someone to play with. By joining in, even when you don't feel confident, you're teaching them something far more valuable than perfect technique. You're showing them that it's OK to try something new, make mistakes and enjoy moving anyway.

Three simple ways to get started

Make everyday journeys active. Walk, scoot or cycle to school where you can. It reinforces that movement is something we do every day.

Play their game. Whether it's football, parkour or simply a game of catch, have a go. It doesn't matter if you're good at it, showing up is what they'll remember. We have family classes for exactly this reason.

Share what you enjoy. If you like hiking, dancing, swimming or riding your bike, take them with you. Physical literacy isn't about mastering one activity. It's about experiencing lots of different ways to move.

Physical literacy doesn't stop when your child leaves a class. It carries on at home, in the garden, on the school run and at the park. The best way to nurture it is by joining in.