10 Strategies to Foster a Culture of Movement and Play in Families 

When was the last time your living room turned into a dance floor, or your hallway into a racetrack? 

Key Takeaways:

– Physical activity boosts cognitive skills like attention, memory, and emotional regulation, particularly through stimulating the prefrontal cortex and increasing BDNF and dopamine levels. 
– Spontaneous and imaginative play is foundational to brain development, creativity, executive function, and emotional resilience. 
– Children mimic adult behaviour. When parents actively engage in physical play, it reinforces lifelong habits and emotional bonding. 
– Different types of physical play benefit children at different stages. Toddlers thrive on guided pretend play; teens benefit more from autonomy and peer-driven activities. 
– Concepts from enactivism, somatic epistemology, and attachment theory show how movement integrates cognition, emotion, and relationship building. 
– Consistent, low-stress physical play embedded in routines helps normalise activity and improves physical and emotional health. 
– Examples from Japan, West Africa, and Latin America show that cultural values and urban design deeply impact how movement is practiced and passed on intergenerationally. 

AT A GLANCE

Reclaiming Everyday Play: Where Movement Begins at Home

Think back to your childhood – was there a hallway you turned into a racetrack, a patch of grass that became a soccer field, or a driveway stage for dance battles? These spontaneous moments of movement and play are more than nostalgia – they are the building blocks of development. 

Nowadays, children spend more time sitting than ever before on devices, in cars or in classrooms. At the same time, family life is busier, more structured and more digitally connected. Consequently, their opportunities for spontaneous physical activity have diminished. Nevertheless, research continues to affirm that movement is essential to healthy child development, and it doesn’t have to come from organised sports or fancy equipment. 

It begins with us – parents, caregivers and communities – normalising physical play at home and weaving it into the everyday rhythm of life.  

Neuroscience Insight

Playful movement stimulates far more than muscle – it lights up the brain. When children engage in physical activity, especially free and spontaneous movement, it activates regions of the brain tied to executive function – skills like attention, self-regulation and problem-solving. This is especially true for activities that involve decision-making and creativity, like obstacle courses, dancing, or imaginative play. 

One key area that benefits is the prefrontal cortex, responsible for managing impulse control and flexible thinking. In addition, movement boosts dopamine and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which improve mood, attention span and memory retention. 

These neurochemicals have been measured in children using salivary or blood biomarkers pre- and post-activity sessions. Increases in BDNF after moderate-to-vigorous play have been observed to correlate with gains in working memory and attention. Dopamine release, while more challenging to quantify directly in paediatric populations, is typically inferred through changes in task engagement and reward-seeking behaviour post-exercise. 

What’s more, neuroimaging studies using fMRI have shown increased prefrontal cortex activation and reduced amygdala activity following short bursts of physical play in children. These patterns are associated with better emotional regulation and adaptive responses to stress (11). Such evidence strengthens the neurodevelopmental argument for integrating movement into early childhood routines. 

Understanding the Brain-Body Connection 

Studies also show that movement during early childhood supports emotion regulation by calming the stress response system and building neurological resilience against anxiety and depression.

However, it’s important to note that many of these findings are correlational. Children who are already more emotionally regulated may be more inclined to engage in movement, and families who prioritise play may be predisposed to other supportive practices that benefit development.

Thus, while strong associations exist, causality cannot always be firmly established. When parents model and join in physical play, they’re reinforcing neural patterns that support mental wellbeing and learning for life. 

Age-Appropriate Play Matters 

It’s important to recognise that not all play affects all children in the same way. Developmental stage plays a critical role in determining which types of movement are most beneficial. For example, pretend play in 3–4-year-olds is especially effective for fostering emotion comprehension and empathy, but has limited effects on executive function unless adult guidance is incorporated (12).  

In contrast, adolescents gain more cognitive and emotional benefit from peer-driven and autonomy-supportive physical activities, such as team sports or co-created games with flexible rules. These differences highlight the importance of age-sensitive approaches to encouraging movement. 

Frameworks 

These observations can be understood more deeply through several theoretical frameworks. Enactivism (13) posits that cognition is not confined to the brain but arises from the continuous interaction between body, mind, and environment—making movement and play central to the development of thought itself.  

Similarly, somatic epistemology (14) supports the idea that the body stores and expresses forms of knowledge, with movement serving as a language for memory, emotion, and meaning-making.  

On top of that, Attachment Theory offers a critical lens: movement-based parent-child interactions—like dancing, rough-and-tumble play, or shared walks—help regulate the child’s nervous system and promote secure attachment patterns that underlie social and emotional resilience (15).  

Together, these frameworks reinforce that play is not just a physical activity, but a relational, cognitive, and embodied process foundational to development. 

The Power of Play: More Than Just Fun 

Play is often dismissed as leisure; however, in childhood development, it is serious business. According to the LEGO Foundation and UNICEF, play supports everything from problem-solving and creativity to emotional resilience and social bonding (2). Physical play, in particular, helps children develop motor skills, body awareness, and confidence. 

Unstructured Play and Wellbeing 

Free, unstructured play is linked to improved academic outcomes and greater emotional wellbeing (9)​. Still, causation should not be assumed. Families who already experience less stress or have more flexible schedules may be more likely to engage in play.

Thus, play may be a marker of supportive environments rather than the sole driver of developmental gains. Yet, increasing screen time and academic pressures are eroding this critical developmental resource. Families are encouraged to actively protect and prioritise time for movement-rich, imaginative play. 

Parents as Role Models and Gatekeepers 

Parents play an important role in shaping children’s movement habits. Children are more likely to be active if they see their parents valuing physical activity and joining in the fun. For instance, simple activities like family walks, active chores, or playing tag in the yard can normalise movement as part of daily life (1)​. 

What’s more, research shows that parental encouragement and logistical support (e.g., providing equipment, driving to parks) are strongly associated with increased child activity levels (5)​. Creating a family culture where physical play is valued and accessible is essential for making movement a habit – not a chore. 

Movement Through Everyday Routines 

Fostering movement doesn’t require special equipment or structured sports. Movement can be seamlessly integrated into family life: dancing while cooking, walking to school, tidying up with music, or turning chores into games. These small, daily opportunities for movement accumulate into powerful health benefits. 

A recent study emphasises that active play embedded in daily routines – rather than restricted to organised activities – can help children meet recommended physical activity levels and maintain a healthy weight (4)​. 

Barriers to Movement and Evidence-Based Strategies 

While many families value physical activity, they often face barriers such as: 

• Parental stress: Parents experiencing high stress levels are less likely to engage in active play. Strategies include scheduling short, stress-reducing family walks or incorporating mindfulness exercises with movement (10). 

• Socioeconomic constraints: Lack of financial resources or safe spaces limits opportunities for movement. Community programs offering free or low-cost play opportunities, safe walking routes and accessible parks have been shown to improve activity levels in underserved communities (6). 

• Disabilities and special needs: Inclusive play opportunities and adaptive physical activities can foster movement for children with disabilities. Simple modifications, like sensory-friendly obstacle courses or tailored movement games, have been effective. 

Designing Playful Spaces at Home and Beyond 

The physical environment plays a big role in encouraging or inhibiting movement. Homes that offer safe, open areas for jumping, climbing, and exploration invite physical play. Outdoor spaces – yards, nearby parks, or even alleys – can be reimagined as play zones. 

Policy and urban design also matter. A playful city invites families to move together through playful public spaces, accessible parks and safe walking routes (3). Yet, it starts with how we design our own living environments – removing barriers to play and inviting movement into everyday spaces. 

Make Movement a Family Ritual 

1. Embed movement into daily routines: Race to brush teeth, dance while doing dishes, or add stretches before story time. 

2. Create “yes spaces” at home: Clear a corner for tumbling or set up a pillow maze. Even small apartments can hold big adventure. 

3. Make walks more engaging: Add a scavenger hunt, tell stories while you walk, or let kids set the pace and path. 

4. Play with your kids: Toss a ball, invent a game, or chase them around the kitchen island. Your presence matters more than perfection. 

5. Celebrate screen-free joy: Choose a screen-free afternoon and swap it for a nature walk, backyard obstacle course, or indoor dance-off. 

6. Rotate toys and tools: Keep play fresh by rotating jump ropes, balance boards, or household “loose parts” like cushions and boxes. 

These micro-moments of movement compound into lifelong habits that support physical, emotional, and cognitive wellbeing. And remember: while movement is strongly linked with positive outcomes, these effects depend on many intersecting factors – not just activity levels alone. 

Cultural Connection

To illustrate this, we can look into lots of different examples from around the world. In Japan, preschools are intentionally designed with features like open rooftops, steep climbing structures, and water play zones. Children are trusted to manage risk on their own, fostering autonomy, self-regulation and confidence through movement.  

Additionally, in many West African communities, movement is embedded in daily rituals through dance and drumming. Family gatherings often include participatory dances for all ages, promoting physical health, emotional expression and intergenerational bonding.  

In South America, Latin families often celebrate play as a way to bring generations together. Movement is social, spontaneous and rooted in joy – turning patios, sidewalks, and parks into shared spaces of energy and connection. 

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Building a Legacy of Movement 

A culture of movement and play is a gift that families pass down through generations. It strengthens bodies, minds and relationships. In a world that increasingly demands stillness and screen time, choosing play is a quiet act of resistance – and an investment in lifelong health and joy. 

The living room can become a playground. The bedtime routine could include a dance. Let movement become not a scheduled activity, but the way we live, love and grow – together. 

And while movement helps, don’t forget: supportive relationships, safe environments and joyful interactions also drive these outcomes. Play is powerful – but it’s part of a bigger picture. 

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References:

1. Metaferia, B. K., Futo, J., & Takacs, Z. K. (2021). Parents’ views on play and the goal of early childhood education in relation to children’s home activity and executive functions: A Cross-Cultural investigation. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.646074  
2. Borisova, I., Minju Choi, Deborah Llewellyn, Marilou Hyson, Hsiao-Chen Lin, Hippocampus Learning Centres, & LEGO Foundation. (2018). Learning through play Strengthening learning through play in early childhood education programmes. UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/sites/default/files/2018-12/UNICEF-Lego-Foundation-Learning-through-Play.pdf  
3. Hayward, S. (2023, October 18). Play in everyday life: how can we reimagine the places we live to be more playful? Local Government Information Unit. https://lgiu.org/play-in-everyday-life-how-can-we-reimagine-the-places-we-live-to-be-more-playful/  
4. Elsayed, W. (2024). Building a better society: The Vital role of Family’s social values in creating a culture of giving in young Children’s minds. Heliyon, 10(7), e29208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29208  
5. Bámaca‐Colbert, M. Y., Henry, C. S., Perez‐Brena, N., Gayles, J. G., & Martinez, G. (2019). Cultural orientation gaps within a family systems perspective. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 11(4), 524–543. https://doi.org/10.1111/jftr.12353  
6. Roopnarine, J. L. (2010). Cultural Variations in Beliefs about Play, Parent–Child Play, and Children’s Play. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195393002.013.0003  
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8. Learning Through Landscapes (LTL). (2013). Briefing Paper Looked after Children and the Natural Environment: The Fostering Outside Play Project. The Fostering Outside Play Project. https://www.playaustralia.org.au/sites/default/files/LibraryDownloads/Fostering-Outside-Play-Project-Wales-Web.pdf  
9. Frost, J. L. (2012). The changing culture of play. International Journal of Play, 1(2), 117–130. https://doi.org/10.1080/21594937.2012.698461  
10. Creating a culture of movement: making activity a family priority. (n.d.). Bright Horizons. https://solutions.brighthorizons.co.uk/resourceroom/early-years-parenting-and-childcare-blogs/creating-a-culture-of-movement-making-activity-a-family-priority  
11. Vigil-Dopico, R., Delgado-Lobete, L., Montes-Montes, R., & Prieto-Saborit, J. A. (2022). A Comprehensive Analysis of the Relationship between Play Performance and Psychosocial Problems in School-Aged Children. Children, 9(8), 1110. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9081110 
12. Gavrilova, M. N., Sukhikh, V. L., and Veresov, N. N. (2023). Toy preferences among 3-to-4-year-old children: the impact of socio-demographic factors and developmental characteristics. Psychol. Russ. State Art 16, 72–84. https://doi.org/10.11621/pir.2023.0206   
13. EnActivism | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (n.d.). https://iep.utm.edu/enactivism/ 
14. About Somatic Psychotherapy Today. Somatic Psychotherapy Today. (n.d.). https://somaticpsychotherapytoday.com/about-somatic-psychotherapy-today/ 
15. Flaherty, S. C., & Sadler, L. S. (2010). A review of attachment Theory in the context of adolescent Parenting. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 25(2), 114–121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2010.02.005 

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