A Model for Taking Physical Activity into Conversation to Support the Mental Health of Children and Families

Family wellbeing has emerged as a significant concern. The Family Physical Activity Barometer 2025 shows that the main challenges in family physical activity are related to parents' workload, limited resources, and psychological distress. Psychological distress is associated with low levels of physical activity and other lifestyle habits. Recommendation-based guidance in physical activity, especially focused on quantity and intensity, increases stress within families and makes change in physical activity more difficult. Challenges related to families' coping and lifestyle can be addressed through family physical activity counselling, which focuses on motivating change, sparking interest, and supporting behaviour change.

The aim of the project is to develop the MieliLiike model, which supports the coping capacity of families and children as well as an active lifestyle to promote mental health. The model aims to activate and motivate families and children to engage in health- and wellbeing-promoting actions by utilizing physical activity and nature. The project will also produce training for professionals, as well as MieliLiike cards for children, which engage them in discussing physical activity through various tasks and questions. The project also takes into account Swedish-speaking actors and other professionals working with families from immigrant backgrounds.

For more information: Anu Kangasniemi, email anu.kangasniemi@jamk.fi