Motor Skills in Early Childhood: Exploring the Roles of Individual and Family Factor in Danish Preschools

Background Research shows that children with well-developed motor skills tend to thrive more overall. This study analyzes the correlation between motor skills in children aged 3–6 and factors such as age, sex, socioeconomic status (SES), sports participation (children and parents), living arrangements, home language, and well-being to better understand determinants of motor development. Methods This cross-sectional study includes data from 390 children and 260 parents across four municipalities, collected between November 2023 and January 2024. Children's motor competencies were assessed using the MABC-2. Parents completed questionnaires on children’s participation in organized physical activities, motivation, enjoyment, ball-play competence, general and preschool well-being, family structure, home language, economic situation, and parental experience with leisure activities. Descriptive statistics were compiled per preschool, and associations between MABC-2 percentile scores and child characteristics, including well-being, were analyzed using linear regression adjusted for sex. Conclusion This study suggests that motor development is influenced by multiple factors. No clear link was found between well-being and motor competence in typically developing children, and SES showed limited significance. Participation in organized sports and a movement-oriented family culture appear to enhance ball skills. Children in shared custody arrangements performed less well in some areas.