Why Movement Might Be the Most Important Thing Your Child Does Today

And it’s not just about getting the wiggles out…

We work with kids all the time. We’ve got our own. We love them. They challenge us. And we are so passionate about the small things that make a big difference in their lives.

One of those things?

Movement.

Not just running-around-the-playground kind of movement (though that’s great too) - but intentional, playful, exploratory movement that helps them grow, communicate, and connect.

Did you know speech is a movement skill?

It surprises a lot of people to hear that speech is actually a gross motor skill. Yep - right up there with jumping, balancing, and crawling.

Gross motor skills are all the big movements: core strength, balance, coordination, and body awareness.

Fine motor skills? Think writing, picking up tiny things, threading beads.

But before your child ever says a word - they move.

They roll. They crawl. They explore the world through their bodies.

And all of that movement lays the foundation for communication. Before they even have words, their bodies are doing all the talking.

Think about it - when your child was a baby, how did they show you they were excited?

Wiggling arms. Big smiles. Bouncing legs.

And when they were upset?

Tense fists. Stiff bodies. Holding their breath. Going red.

Their body was always talking.

And it still is.

Movement helps build language, confidence and connection

When we stop kids from moving - when we ask them to sit still, be quiet, stop fidgeting - sometimes it’s needed. But sometimes, we’re unintentionally stopping them from expressing themselves.

Movement helps kids:

• Understand emotions

• Explore space, risk, and their bodies

• Connect with others

• Develop the muscles they need to sit, speak, write, and learn

And that’s true for toddlers and teenagers. Even adults!

(We all have our little movement habits - tapping feet, swaying, fidgeting - that help us regulate and express how we feel.)

What about the pandemic generation?

We’re now seeing a wave of children in Early Years and Key Stage 1 who were babies during lockdown. And the impact is real.

• We’re seeing weaker core strength

• Less risk-taking in play

• More “I can’t do it” in preschoolers

• Poorer balance, coordination and confidence

None of this is anyone’s fault. Those years were survival mode for all of us.

But we’re noticing that some children didn’t get the freedom to climb, crawl, jump and explore. And now, they’re being expected to hit milestones at the same pace as before - without the same early experiences.

That’s where movement comes in.

So what can we do about it?

Let’s break it down by age with simple, doable activities you can try at home.

0–12 months

• Place toys just in reach — and then just out of reach

• Encourage stretching, rolling, reaching and crawling

• Get down on the floor with them — mirror what they do

• Let them explore textures (yes, even mud!)

12 months–2.5 years

• Soft cushions and safe furniture to pull up on

• Practice getting up and down from the floor

• Introduce crawling obstacles or low hurdles

• Show them how to roll safely after a fall

• Reduce screen time and increase human interaction

2.5–4 years (Preschool age)

• Explore balance games (stand on one leg, hop, tiptoe)

• Use props like scarves, balls, ribbons, hoops

• Get outside — nature is the best playground

• Try partner activities (holding hands, mirroring movements)

• Encourage story play and animal movement games

4–7 years (School starters)

• Remember: all children develop differently

• Avoid phrases like “they can’t” — say “they’re learning to…”

• Play games that mimic animals or act out storybooks

• Draw shapes in the air or use chalk outside to build writing readiness

• Focus on fun, not perfection

Movement is magic. But it’s also everyday.You don’t need fancy classes or equipment.

You don’t need a big garden.

You just need a little creativity, a bit of time, and the willingness to join in.

Let them jump.

Let them climb.

Let them fall.

Let them roll down hills (even if you join them and your kids shout “Muuum, stop embarrassing me!”).

Because movement isn’t just play.

It’s growth. It’s language. It’s learning.

It’s joy.

So let them move.

And better yet - move with them.