Supporting Your Child’s Development Through Movement: What Parents Should Know

Movement is one of the most powerful tools in a child’s development. From the earliest days of life, how children move, explore, and interact with their environment shapes not only physical skills, but also confidence, learning, and connection.

For many parents, knowing what’s normal, when to support, and when to seek guidance can feel overwhelming. The good news is that small, thoughtful actions—guided by evidence-based principles—can make a meaningful difference in your child’s development.

Why Movement Matters in Early Childhood

Movement is the foundation for nearly everything children do. Before a child can speak, write, or participate in school activities, they rely on movement to explore the world and build their understanding of it.

Through movement, children develop:

• Strength and coordination

• Balance and body awareness

• Problem-solving skills

• Confidence and independence

Movement also supports brain development. When children move in varied and purposeful ways, they create neural connections that support learning, attention, and emotional regulation.

Understanding Developmental Milestones (Without the Pressure)

Developmental milestones are helpful tools—not rigid deadlines. Every child develops at their own pace, influenced by factors like environment, opportunity, and individual temperament.

Rather than focusing on whether your child is hitting a milestone “on time,” it can be more helpful to ask:

• Is my child progressing in their own way?

• Are they exploring movement in different positions?

• Do they seem confident and curious about moving?

When children are supported in developmentally appropriate ways, progress often follows naturally.

How Parents Can Support Movement at Home

You don’t need specialized equipment or complex routines to support your child’s movement. Some of the most effective strategies are simple and playful.

1. Encourage Variety

Allow your child to move in many positions—on the floor, sitting, crawling, standing, climbing, and reaching. Variety builds adaptable strength and coordination.

2. Follow Their Lead

Children learn best through play. Observe what interests your child and build movement opportunities into those moments rather than forcing exercises.

3. Create Safe Challenges

Small challenges—like reaching for a toy, climbing over a pillow, or navigating uneven surfaces—help children build confidence and problem-solving skills.

4. Limit Containers When Possible

Extended time in swings, bouncers, or seats can reduce opportunities for natural movement exploration. Floor play is often the best place for development.

When Extra Support Can Be Helpful

Sometimes parents notice that their child seems frustrated with movement, avoids certain positions, or isn’t progressing as expected. Other times, parents simply want reassurance or guidance.

Support can look different depending on your family’s needs:

• Education and coaching to help parents feel confident supporting development at home

• Hands-on physical therapy for children who benefit from individualized clinical care

Both approaches share the same goal: helping children move confidently and successfully in their everyday lives.

A Family-Centered Approach to Child Development

At Ohana, we believe that supporting a child means supporting the entire family. Parents are a child’s most important teachers, and empowering caregivers with knowledge and tools is a critical part of healthy development.

Whether through pediatric physical therapy or parent education and coaching, our approach is rooted in:

• Evidence-based practice

• Compassion and connection

• Meeting families where they are

When families feel supported and informed, children thrive.

Trusting Your Instincts as a Parent

You know your child better than anyone. If something doesn’t feel right—or if you simply want guidance—it’s okay to ask questions and seek support early. Early conversations can prevent small concerns from becoming bigger challenges later.

Development isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, connection, and creating an environment where children feel safe to move, explore, and grow.

If you have questions about your child’s movement or development, our team is here to help. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about the support options available for your family.