Her Moves Logo
TikTok IconInstagram IconTwitter IconFacebook Icon
Sport Ireland Logo

For Parents

What is Her Moves?

Her Moves is designed to inspire and support more teenage girls to be active. It’s about empowering all young women, building confidence and providing motivation to find something that moves you.

It is important for parents to help teens find the best activities that suit their interests and provide the resources and access to safe and reliable sports programs. Parents should also be actively involved in their daughters’ sporting activities, boisterously cheering them on from the sidelines. With so many life pressures faced by teenage girls, it’s more important than ever for parents to invest in their daughters’ interest in sport and physical activity, as it will provide them with physical and mental benefits that can extend far into adulthood.

Mother and daughter posing after exercise

8 Tips for parents to help motivate and encourage their teen girls to be active

1
Find her interests
Discover what sports or physical activities interest your daughter, not what you would like her to take part in. Take time to research what’s available locally and suggest a range of sports/activities for her to consider.
2
Encourage a variety of activities
Help your daughter explore different types of sport/physical activities, such as team sports, individual sports, dance, yoga, or hiking. By exposing them to a range of options, they can find something they truly enjoy and feel motivated to participate in regularly.
3
Support her choices
Once your daughter expresses interest in a particular sport or activity, provide the necessary support. Help her find local clubs, classes, or teams where she can participate. Provider the right equipment or suitable clothing. Offer transportation and encourage her commitment to regular attendance.
4
Be flexible and supportive
Understand that your daughter's interests and motivations may change over time. Be flexible in accommodating her evolving preferences.
5
Be a role model
Lead by example and engage in physical activities yourself. When your daughter sees you enjoying and prioritising exercise, she is more likely to follow suit.
6
Find opportunities for social interaction
Many teenagers enjoy activities that involve socialising with peers. Team sports or group fitness classes are great while many individual sports are now offering opportunities to participate in group settings which provides a sense of community and where she can make friends.
7
Create a supportive environment
Encourage open communication in the home about physical activity. Celebrate your daughter's achievements, her involvement in the activity and provide positive reinforcement.
8
Set achievable goals
Sometimes it may help to support and encourage your teenage daughter in setting realistic goals related to physical activity. Start with small targets and celebrate her progress along the way.

tips
for parents

Intro To Gym For Teenage Girls

These gym sessions are a fun, non competitive way for teen girls to keep fit, make friends and learn new skills. This teen fitness class aims to introduce young people to the gym environment and build up their confidence in using the equipment in the gym.

Find out more
Gráinne McElwain: Be Your Daughter's Role Model and Have Fun Doing It.
for parents
Information

Gráinne McElwain: Be Your Daughter's Role Model and Have Fun Doing It.

“It is not about being the best, but as I have learned over time, it’s about giving your best. What is more inspiring to your daughter than you going out and trying it yourself?”

Find out more
Body image advice
for parents
Information

Body image advice

Body image is a crucial aspect of an adolescent girl's life. For many young women, feeling good about their appearance is paramount in helping them to navigate the social and emotional changes of adolescence.

Find out more
Meal plan – Healthy eating
for parents
Information

Meal plan – Healthy eating

Active teenage girls should prioritise healthy eating in order to ensure adequate nutrition for their changing bodies.

Find out more
Parents getting involved and volunteering
for parents
Information

Parents getting involved and volunteering

It is incredibly helpful for parents to get involved in their teenage daughter's sports activities.

Find out more
How to talk to a teenage girl falling out of love with sport?
for parents
Information

How to talk to a teenage girl falling out of love with sport?

The best way to talk to a teenage girl falling out of love with sport is to focus on the positive aspects of the sport that they once loved and emphasise how these positives can help the girl excel in her current life.

Find out more
Parents Council of Ireland
for parents
Information

Parents Council of Ireland

The Parents Council of Ireland is a great tool for parents looking for ideas and inspiration on how to keep their daughter active.

Find out more

Find Something That Moves You!

Mother and daughter hugging
for parents
search / info

discover

your

local

lsp

sport ireland
Find out more
Girl with hula hoop
for parents
podcast

Normalising

periods

Off The Ball
listen now
Teenage girl with headphones
for parents
activity / info

mindfulness

mental health ireland
Find out more

latest news

Gráinne McElwain: Be Your Daughter's Role Model and Have Fun Doing It.
November 2023

Gráinne McElwain: Be Your Daughter's Role Model and Have Fun Doing It.

“It is not about being the best, but as I have learned over time, it’s about giving your best. What is more inspiring to your daughter than you going out and trying it yourself?”

Read More

latest news

November 2023

Gráinne McElwain: Be Your Daughter's Role Model and Have Fun Doing It.

“It is not about being the best, but as I have learned over time, it’s about giving your best. What is more inspiring to your daughter than you going out and trying it yourself?”

Read More

Join our Social Community