Kids Movement for Mind, Body and Calm

challenging behaviour child development and learning emotional wellbeing exercise happy childcare imaginative play kids confidence mindfulness for kids movement mumatherapy® mums & tots magazine somatic movement for children the uurself routine yoga Jul 06, 2026

As an early years specialist, parenting coach and childminder with more than 20 years' experience, one of the things I see time and time again is how movement can transform a child's mood, confidence, behaviour and wellbeing.

When we think about child development, we often focus on learning, language and education. Yet movement is one of the most powerful tools children have for understanding themselves and the world around them.

In my latest article, Movement for Mind, Body and Calm, published in the Summer 2026 edition of Mums & Tots magazine, I explore:

Why movement supports emotional wellbeing as much as physical development.
How free play helps children build confidence, resilience and self-belief.
The connection between movement, focus and behaviour.
The benefits of mindful and somatic movement for children.
My U URSELF Routine and why recreation and play are essential needs, not optional extras.
Practical ways parents can encourage more movement at home.

Children are not designed to spend long periods sitting still. Often when behaviour feels challenging, children do not need more correction - they need more opportunities to move, explore and connect with their bodies.

I also share a real-life example of a child whose concentration improved dramatically when we stopped expecting him to sit still and instead brought movement into story time through role play, yoga poses and imaginative play.

My hope is that this article encourages you as a parent to see movement differently. Not as something children do after learning, but as an essential part of learning itself.

After all, when we support a child's body, we are also supporting their emotions, relationships, confidence and ability to thrive.

The Summer 2026 edition of Mums & Tots magazine is available now.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. What are your child's favourite ways to move, play and burn off energy?

As always feel free to message me any questions childcare, parenting related to [email protected]

Em x

Emma Grant
Founder of Mumatherapy® and Happy Childcare
Author of The Only Potty-Training Book Mum Will Ever Need - Told by a Toddler Who's Learning Too!

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