Move More Month: Why Physical Development Matters for Children

And Simple Ways to Support It at Home

April is Move More Month, so we wanted to take the opportunity to highlight the importance of physical development in children, along with some super simple, easy ideas to get your little ones moving at home.

It can sometimes feel like children never stop moving, right? So it’s easy to assume their physical development is already covered and they don’t need to “move more”. However, it’s important that children have opportunities to explore movement in a range of different ways.

Why Physical Development Is Important for Children

Physical development is a key area of early childhood development that underpins so many others. For example, throwing and catching a ball helps to build the muscles and fine motor skills needed later for writing.

When children move, they are also:

• Building strength, balance and coordination

• Developing brain connections that support learning

• Supporting language development (movement and communication are closely linked)

• Learning about their bodies and how they work

• Regulating emotions

And crucially, movement supports confidence. Children who feel physically capable are often more willing to have a go, take risks and try new things.

So movement matters, a lot. But how do we prioritise it in already busy lives?

Simple Ways to Encourage Movement at Home

Here are some easy, realistic ways to support your child’s physical development at home.

Turn Everyday Moments Into Movement

You don’t need to plan big activities, just tweak what’s already happening (with the added bonus of making everyday tasks more fun).

• Walk like different animals to the bathroom (stomp like an elephant, slither like a snake)

• Race to get dressed

• Hop instead of walk to the kitchen

• Carry shopping bags (great for building strength, even light ones)

Get Outside and Stay Active

You don’t need big days out to encourage outdoor play.

• Go on a walk and spot things (red cars, dogs, numbers)

• Have races in different ways—hopping, crawling, jumping

• Roll down hills (always a favourite)

• Visit a local park

Make Movement Fun Through Play

Children engage more when movement feels like a game.

• “Can you move like…?” (a robot, a dinosaur, jelly)

• Follow the leader

• Play Simon Says with movement

• Hide and seek: exploring how their body fits into different spaces

Use What You Already Have at Home

Your home is an obstacle course waiting to happen.

• Place cushions on the floor to jump between

• Crawl under tables or chairs

• Balance along a line of toys or masking tape

• Climb safely onto sofas and back down

Add Music and Movement

Music can instantly change the energy and encourage active play.

• Dance parties in the kitchen

• Freeze games (dance… then freeze)

• Move fast or slow depending on the music

• Copy each other’s dance moves

Involve Children in Everyday Tasks

This is often overlooked, but it’s incredibly valuable for physical development.

• Carrying laundry

• Pushing a trolley or basket

• Helping tidy toys

• Watering plants

• Stirring, pouring and lifting during cooking

All of this helps build strength, coordination and independence, while also helping children feel involved and capable.

A Final Thought

It doesn’t have to be perfect.

You don’t need a plan.
You don’t need loads of time.
You don’t need to do everything.

Just look for small opportunities to help your child move a little more, in ways that feel natural for your family.

Because those little moments add up, and they’re often the ones children remember most.