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Two women are wearing exercise gear, walking and chatting, and pushing their babies in pushchairs through a park

It's a family affair

Children are more likely to be more active when other members of their family are. 

Families play a significant role in shaping their attitudes, behaviour and experiences, and can act as role models for sport and exercise. 

However, many community organisations leave the family members side-lined. 

Creating a family offer is a great way of engaging with children and young people.

The benefits include: 

  • Encouraging children and young people to get active.
  • Improving activity levels for both children and their parents or carers. 
  • Benefitting family relationships. 
  • Motivating families to be active together. 

This section is all about encouraging the whole family to get involved... 

How to get families involved

'Family' means different things to different people. 

It could include parents, carers, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and any other significant people in a child's life.

Trying to reach such a broad range of age groups is challenging - but here are some tips. 

Be flexible
Be flexible with the timing of your activities. 

If possible, try to find a time that works best for family life.

Be aware that families may need to dip in and out, and not attend all the sessions, so reassure them that this is perfectly OK.
Open up all your activities to children
Open up all your activities to children and young people (if that's appropriate).

Sport England research shows that family activities appeal most to primary school aged children. This is also the age when children are most interested in taking part with other members of their family.

Consider a blended approach
Offer the opportunity to attend face-to-face and/or online sessions.

This will help those that can’t attend every session to stay engaged with your activities.   
Involve families in the design of activities
If young people are involved in shaping your activities, and the decision making processes, they become more invested - and the activities offered are more likely to meet their needs and wants. 
Cater for all abilities and skills
Older members of a family may lack confidence and could be worried about embarrassing themselves or letting their child down.

Make them feel welcome and create an environment which caters for all abilities and skill levels. 
Be flexible with membership options
Consider if your membership options are flexible enough to allow families to be active together.

Do you have a family membership or a pay as you go system, which may work better for busy families?   
Promote your location
You should clearly communicate where your organisation is based and the best ways to get there.

The logistics of attending is sometimes a barrier for families, so make it easy for everyone to get to you.

Creating a family-friendly environment

It's important to create a wonderful, warm environment so that everyone will want to attend your sessions.

Here's some advice on how to do this... 

Think about your location
Traditional sports environments can be intimidating for people who don't consider themselves to be sporty.

Consider if there are any other facilities where your family activities could take place, like a park or community centre.
Help make connections
Work to connect families together, based on their location or if the children attend the same school. 

This will help to ensure that families feel more comfortable about attending and encourage friendships.
Make sure your team is representative
Look at whether your workforce is representative of your local community. 

Where possible use coaches and volunteers from the same background as the families you're working with. This will help to help to build trust.
Spread positivity
Have fun. Be non-judgmental about everyone's interests and abilities.

Ask each family member what success looks like and set realistic goals to help them achieve this.
Give families a voice
Encourage families to influence the activities you provide. This will help you deliver a great experience.

It may also encourage them to spread the word (which is really valuable for your marketing). 
Mix things up
Offer a variety of activities, so there's something for everyone - and there's no chance of anyone getting bored.

Try running events, challenges, quizzes, loyalty schemes, games, competitions and rewards.