10 Moments to Use BrainMoves to Help Your Child Transition Through the Day

Routines play a vital role in the development of preschool-aged children, providing structure and predictability that foster emotional security. When children know what to expect from their day, they feel a sense of control, which helps them navigate their emotions more effectively. Routines create a safe environment where children can learn new skills and engage with their surroundings with confidence. 

At this developmental stage, preschoolers often experience "black and white thinking," a cognitive pattern characterized by viewing situations or people in extreme terms—either all good or all bad—without recognizing the complexities that may exist. This type of thinking is a normal part of their development, as young children are still learning to process information and understand nuances. Their reasoning tends to be concrete and literal, which can make it challenging for them to appreciate shades of gray in different situations. 

Emotional reasoning is another contributing factor; preschoolers are typically guided by their feelings, which can lead to these all-or-nothing judgments. For example, they may label an experience as "good" or "bad" based solely on their emotional responses, rather than a comprehensive understanding of the context. 

This is where BrainMoves comes in. By incorporating movements into daily routines and activities, caregivers can help children manage their black-and-white thinking, guiding them towards a more nuanced perspective. Overall, routines not only provide emotional security but also serve as a foundation for cognitive development, enabling children to gradually learn about the complexity of the world around them.

While there isn’t a wrong time to use a BrainMoves movement, here are some ideal moments when your child can benefit from one or more of the movements throughout their day:

1. When getting ready for school: To help with gross motor skills, coordination and balance for carrying their belongings to the car, you can do the Monkey movement.

2. Before getting on the bus or leaving the car at school: Do the Toucan to help ease any anxiety your child may have about the day ahead.

3.When the class needs to sit and listen for the first time of the day: Do the StartUp 6 to help them focus. If you have limited time, do the Duckling.

4. When your child needs to wind down before a nap: A BrainMoves movement can help him relax. Do the Lion Cub and/or the Leopard.

5. Before playing a game that requires hand-eye coordination: Do the Blue Crab, Green Crab or Red Crab to prepare them for the activity.

6. Before tackling a task that requires sorting information: Do a BrainMoves movement that helps with organization like the Kangaroo or the Parrot.

7. Before waiting in a line for lunch or an activity: Doing the Bear Cub can help them manage the wait and stay patient.

8. When preparing to listen to verbal directions: Use BrainMoves’ Koala Cub to help them focus their attention and better process the information that they hear.

9. Before doing an art project: A BrainMoves movement that helps with fine motor skills like the Spider Monkey will make the activity easier and more fun.

10. Before sitting quietly for a snack or meal: Here is another great time to do the StartUp 6 to help them transition to sitting still, waiting their turn and participating. This can help them transition smoothly into mealtime.

These moments can enhance your child's ability to navigate their daily activities with ease.

routines not only provide emotional security but also serve as a foundation for cognitive development, enabling children to gradually learn about the complexity of the world around them.

This guide outlines ten times throughout the day to incorporate BrainMoves into your child's daily routine and facilitate smoother transitions. Each suggested moment highlights a specific activity where doing a BrainMoves movement can enhance focus, reduce anxiety, and/or improve motor skills. From preparing for school and managing anxiety before the bus ride to improving attention during class, the BrainMoves movements serve as valuable tools. 

Additional suggestions include using movements before naptime, engaging in games, organizing tasks, waiting in lines, processing verbal directions and transitioning into mealtime or bedtime. By using these movements, parents can help their children navigate daily challenges with greater ease and confidence.

I hope they help your child’s day be more peaceful and productive.