The Science Behind Moving to Grow
Moving to grow is more than just a catchphrase—it’s the fundamental principle behind healthy child development. Children are naturally wired to move, and this innate drive serves a crucial developmental purpose. When your child seems unable to sit still, they’re actually following their brain’s instructions to build essential neural connections through movement.
The moving to grow approach recognizes that physical activity isn’t just about burning energy—it’s your child’s brain and body working in harmony to establish critical neurological pathways and emotional regulation systems.
How Moving to Grow Supports Brain Development
When children engage in regular movement, they're actively building their brains. Moving to grow directly supports:
- Enhanced focus and attention span through vestibular system development
- Executive function growth essential for planning and decision-making
- Improved impulse control through repeated practice of starting and stopping movements
- Learning readiness by integrating primitive reflexes
- Sensory processing development through varied movement experiences
- Visual-motor integration necessary for reading and writing
Research consistently shows that children who move more develop stronger cognitive abilities. The moving to grow connection between physical activity and brain development creates the foundation for academic success long before formal education begins.
Physical Development Through Movement
The moving to grow philosophy recognizes that physical development builds in a specific sequence:
- Core stability develops before fine motor control
- Coordination enhancement happens through repeated movement patterns
- Balance development requires varied movement challenges
- Body awareness growth through proprioceptive input
- Motor planning skills that transfer to all areas of life
- Overall fitness foundation that supports lifelong health
These physical benefits don't happen through structured exercise programs—they develop naturally through play-based movement when children have adequate time and space to explore.
Emotional Regulation Through Movement
Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of the moving to grow approach is its impact on emotional wellbeing. Active play helps children:
- Manage big feelings effectively through physical release
- Decrease stress and anxiety by reducing cortisol levels
- Regulate mood naturally through endorphin release
- Improve transitions between activities by providing sensory reset opportunities
When children struggle with emotional regulation, movement often provides the most effective path to regaining balance. The moving to grow connection between physical activity and emotional wellbeing creates resilient children who can navigate life's challenges.
Social Development Through Movement
The social benefits of moving to grow are equally significant. Through movement-based play, children learn:
- Taking turns in games and activities
- Making compromises during group play
- Working together toward common goals
- Building imitation skills essential for learning
- Developing creativity through movement exploration
- Enhancing problem-solving skills in real-world contexts
- Fostering independence through physical confidence
These social skills emerge naturally through movement, creating the foundation for positive relationships throughout life.
Creating a Movement-Rich Environment
Prioritize the moving to grow approach:
- Schedule daily movement time as a non-negotiable part of your routine
- Limit extended sitting periods by incorporating movement breaks
- Create safe active spaces that invite exploration
- Value unstructured play as essential learning time
- Reduce screen exposure that displaces movement opportunities
- Maximize floor time for babies instead of using containers
- Model active living to show the importance of movement
The Power of Free Play for Development
Unstructured, child-directed play provides the ideal context for moving to grow. This type of play:
- Develops independence through self-directed exploration
- Encourages appropriate risk-taking that builds confidence
- Builds problem-solving skills through natural challenges
- Boosts creativity and innovative thinking
- Strengthens executive functioning that supports academic success
When children engage in free play, they naturally seek out the movement experiences their bodies and brains need for optimal development.
Embracing the Moving to Grow Philosophy
Remember that moving to grow isn’t about pushing children to develop faster—it’s about providing the right conditions for natural development to unfold. Every child progresses at their own pace and has unique movement needs.
When we understand that movement is the primary language of childhood development, we can better support our children’s journey toward becoming capable, confident, and well-regulated individuals. Moving to grow isn’t just about physical development—it’s about nurturing the whole child through the power of movement.
Every skip, jump, and twirl helps your child build strong foundation skills crucial for development. Small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference in supporting your child’s development through movement. By embracing the moving to grow approach, you’re giving your child the foundation they need for physical, emotional, cognitive, and social success. Let’s get moving together!
Looking for more ways to support your child’s development through movement?
Check out my blog on The Power of Outdoor Play: Nature Time Essential Activities and Moving to Grow: Movement and Play Activities for Development
The Book “Balanced and Barefoot” by Angela J. Hanscom is a resource for great insights on movement and outdoor play.
Do you have possible concerns about your child’s motor skill development?Want more infomation, check out my blog Motor Skill Concerns: Why The Rise in Developmental Delays?
– Kendra
