Most parents think movement is just a way to "get the wiggles out."

But brain-based movement isn’t about energy release — it’s about activating parts of the brain that are struggling to stay online.

If your child struggles with focus, memory, emotional regulation, or learning — the best place to start isn’t more practice... it’s brain activation.

Why Movement Matters for the Brain

The brain and body are connected.

When the body moves in specific, intentional ways — it wakes up parts of the brain responsible for:

• Focus
  
  
• Memory
  
  
• Processing
  
  
• Regulation
  
  
• Coordination
  
  

This is especially important for neurodivergent kids — because many of them have brain regions that are either under-connected or overactive.

Movement helps balance and strengthen those areas.

The 6 Types of Brain Exercises I Teach Parents

1. Proprioception (Body Awareness)

• Heavy work
  
  
• Crawling
  
  
• Animal walks

Why it matters: Helps kids feel grounded, connected to their body, and ready to focus.

2. Cross-Lateral Movement (Right & Left Brain Communication)

• Cross crawls
  
  
• Opposite arm/leg touches
  
  
• Marching with twists 

Why it matters: Helps the brain’s hemispheres communicate for better learning, memory, and emotional regulation.

3. Balance + Core Stability

• Standing on one foot
  
  
• Balance boards
  
  
• Yoga poses
  Why it matters: Supports coordination, focus, and posture needed for sitting still and learning.
  
  

4. Rhythm & Timing

• Clapping patterns
  
  
• Bean bag toss
  
  
• Jump rope

Why it matters: Builds sequencing skills, attention, and memory.

5. Visual Tracking

• Ball toss
  
  
• Figure 8 tracking with eyes
  
  
• Flashlight games

Why it matters: Strengthens the brain's visual processing pathways needed for reading and writing.

6. Frontal Lobe Activation

• Breathwork
  
  
• Coordination games
  
  
• Pattern copying

Why it matters: Supports focus, planning, and emotional control.

How to Use These Exercises

• 5-10 minutes a day is enough to make a difference.
  
  
• Best time: First thing in the morning or right before learning.
  
  
• Rotate exercises depending on what your child needs most.
  
  
• Focus on connection and fun — not perfection.
  
  

Strengthen the Brain First

Before adding more practice... before adding more discipline... start with the brain.

Movement is one of the most powerful tools we have to help kids regulate, focus, and learn.

When we support the brain first — everything else gets easier.

5 Free Brain Exercises!