Your child is exploring the world through movement. When they throw, drop, climb, or run, they’re not being “wild” — they’re actually learning how their body and objects move through space. This kind of play helps wire the brain for coordination, prediction, and focus. 

What’s happening in the brain: 
Each time your child experiments with movement, their brain is strengthening neural pathways that support balance, spatial awareness, and self-regulation. It’s how they learn cause and effect — “If I throw this, it goes far!” 

Try this next: 

Roll balls down ramps or tubes and see which goes fastest. 

Create a safe “throwing zone” with soft objects. 

Go outside and explore running, jumping, or chasing games. 

Your child is captivated by things that turn, twist, and spin. Whether it’s wheels, tops, or their own body twirling in circles, this kind of play is how they explore rhythm, balance, and control. It’s not just fun — it’s brain-building. 

What’s happening in the brain: 
When your child spins or watches things rotate, their vestibular system (the part of the brain that helps with balance and movement) is being fine-tuned. This strengthens focus, coordination, and even emotional regulation. It’s how they learn to feel grounded in their body and the world around them. 

Try this next: 

Offer spinning tops, wheels, or ribbons to twirl. 

Dance together with scarves or streamers. 

Visit a playground with roundabouts or swings. 

Remember: Spinning isn’t just movement, it’s mastery. Your child is learning how to find balance — both physically and emotionally — through joyful repetition. 

Your child loves creating spaces, wrapping things up, or hiding inside cosy spots. This isn’t just play — it’s how they explore safety, boundaries, and connection. When they build forts, hide under blankets, or tuck toys into boxes, they’re learning about containment and comfort. 

What’s happening in the brain: 
This kind of play helps your child’s brain develop a sense of spatial awareness and emotional security. It supports the limbic system, which is linked to feelings of safety and attachment. When they create enclosed spaces, they’re practising how to manage emotions and understand personal boundaries. 

Try this next: 

Build a den or fort together using cushions and blankets. 

Offer boxes, baskets, or tunnels for hiding and exploring. 

Wrap toys in fabric or paper and let your child “discover” them again. 

Remember: When your child builds or hides, they’re not avoiding the world — they’re learning how to feel safe within it. Joining them in that play shows them that their need for comfort and space is valued. 

Your child loves arranging, lining up, or stacking objects. You might notice them placing toys in neat rows, sorting by colour, or carefully balancing blocks. This isn’t just tidying up, it’s how they make sense of patterns, relationships, and structure. 

What’s happening in the brain: 
When your child positions and orders things, their brain is strengthening neural pathways for logic, sequencing, and visual-spatial reasoning. This kind of play supports early maths and problem-solving skills, as well as emotional regulation through predictability and control. 

Try this next: 

Offer loose parts like buttons, shells, or blocks for sorting and arranging. 

Create patterns together with natural materials outdoors. 

Encourage them to set up small-world play scenes or organise collections. 

Remember: When your child lines things up, they’re not being rigid, they’re practising how to bring order to their world. Celebrate their focus and precision, it’s a sign of deep thinking and growing confidence.