Introduction: Early childhood parent-child relationship is vital to emotional development and mental health, this study was intended to explore a movement-based (quality time) relationship between mothers and their preschool-aged Childs and the outcome on attachment styles and anxiety symptoms.

Methods: This study was a non-randomized quasi-experimental post-test design conducted in the city of Isfahan. It involved 24 children aged 3 to 5 years old and their mothers, who participated in 18 joint mother-child physical activity sessions based on Teraplay therapeutic play principles. A control group consisting of 16 children received no intervention. Attachment was assessed using the Kinship Center Attachment Questionnaire (KCAQ), and child anxiety was measured using the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale – Parent version (SCAS-P). Initial data analysis was performed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), controlling for maternal age and prior participation of the child in sports classes before the intervention.

Results: The level of attachment in the experimental group was significantly higher (p < 0.01) while anxiety level was significantly lower (p < 0.04) than that of the control group. Reductions in avoidance and negative attachment were also seen.

Conclusion: The results support that structured mother-child physical activities can foster secure attachment and decrease anxiety in young children. These results support the feasibility of using movement-based therapeutic interventions in early child mental health and parenting programs.