This study aims to examine degree of coincidence between the subjective evaluation of childrenʼs physical fitness by their parents and the actual physical fitness level of the children. The subjects were 2,531 young children(1,287 boys and 1,244 girls;age range:3.0-6.0 years)and their parents. We administered motor ability tests comprising of 10exercises to gauge the motor ability status of these children. We also administered questionnaires with regard to the physical fitness level of the children to their parents. As a result, 65% of the parents without distinction of sex, felt that their own child had a high physical fitness level. On the other hand, less than 10% of the parents felt that their child had a low physical fitness level. Moreover, 32.6% of the boysʼ and 33.2% of the girlsʼ parents evaluated the physical fitness level of their children accurately, 58.6% of the boysʼ and 58.2% of the girlsʼ parents overestimated it, and 8.8% of the boysʼ and 8.6% of the girlsʼ parents underestimated it. Furthermore, the parents of both boys and girls were more likely to overestimate their childʼs throwing ability than their running and jumping abilities.

View full abstract