How to Support #TeamMom on Mothers' Day
- wynne83
- May 11
- 2 min read
Becoming a parent changes things in ways we sometimes don't even recognize, including how and when we move our bodies.
Research shows that, even though it may feel like you never have a chance to sit down, physical activity tends to decrease after becoming a parent, with a noticeable shift from organized sports to more casual, unstructured movement. This is especially true for mothers, who report spending 1.5 hours less weekly physical activity than fathers.
But here's the good news:
When parents - especially moms - participate in physical activity that is joyful and creates a challenge or connection, they're far more likely to stay active.
Whether it's the fun of the game, the motivation of competition, or the camaraderie of a workout group, activities tied to positive emotions tend to stick.
And the whole family benefits.
An active parent very often means an active family. Children are more likely to engage in healthy behaviours when they see their parents moving and having fun. And for working parents, moms in particular, physical activity has been liinked to better sleep, improved mood, and even enhanced productivity at work. Many also report feeling more energized and confident in their parenting!
Still, the path to regular physical activity isn't without obstacles. Up to 75% of moms report facing significant barriers, including guilt, time constraints, lack of childcare, and limited support.
So how do we move forward?
Studies highlight several key facilitators that help moms stay active:
Self compassion, to help counteract guilt
Mindfulness, to help manage stress and time pressure
Strong social support from partners, friends, teammates, and extended family.
When moms feel supported and in control of their physical activity - choosing how and when they move - they're far more likely to make it a regular part of their lives.
When parents (especially moms) believe that movement contributes to healthy family life rather than takes away from it, everyone benefits. Active parents are healthy, confident role models, and that's a win for the whole family!
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Resources:
Sport Information Resource Centre: https://sirc.ca/
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