Dr. Carla Hannaford, a neurophysiologist and educator, offers insights into parenting that focus on brain development, movement, and emotional bonding. Here are some of the best tips from her book Smart Moves: Why Learning Is Not All in Your Head and other work:
1.Movement Is Essential for Learning – Encourage active play and movement because physical activity enhances neural connections. Activities like crawling, climbing, and dancing help integrate primitive reflexes and support cognitive development.
2.Emotional Security Fosters Intelligence – A strong parent-child bond, with plenty of affection and emotional support, creates a sense of safety that allows children to explore and learn more effectively.
3.The Role of Water and Hydration – Hydration is critical for brain function. Encourage children to drink enough water, as dehydration can negatively impact focus, mood, and cognitive ability.
4.Touch and Connection Build Resilience – Physical touch, including hugs, massages, and even gentle rocking, helps regulate stress responses and enhances emotional development.
5.Encourage Hands-On Learning – Children learn best through experiences that engage their senses. Providing opportunities for hands-on activities, such as playing with textures, drawing, or working with puzzles, strengthens learning pathways.
6.Limit Stress and Encourage Relaxation – Chronic stress impairs learning. Teach relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or Brain Gym exercises to help children manage emotions and improve focus.
7.Integrate Cross-Lateral Movements – Activities that involve crossing the midline (like crawling, skipping, or certain yoga poses) improve coordination between brain hemispheres, enhancing learning and emotional regulation.
8.Encourage Free Play Over Structured Learning – Play is how young children naturally learn. Giving them time for free play fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and emotional resilience.
9.Be Aware of Reflex Retention – Retained primitive reflexes can interfere with learning and behavior. If a child struggles with attention, coordination, or emotional regulation, integrating reflex exercises can help.
10.Create a Stress-Free Learning Environment – Learning should be engaging and free of excessive pressure. Supporting a child's natural curiosity rather than forcing rote memorization leads to deeper understanding and retention.
11.Enhances Brain Development – Nature provides a rich sensory environment that stimulates the brain in ways indoor activities cannot. The varied terrain, natural sounds, and fresh air help children develop better spatial awareness, problem-solving skills, and sensory integration.
12.Regulates the Vestibular and Proprioceptive Systems – Activities like swinging, spinning, and balancing help children develop better body awareness and coordination, which are essential for fine motor and gross motor skills.
Practical Parenting Tips for Outdoor Time
- Make it a daily habit – Even 30 minutes outdoors can have significant benefits.
- Encourage barefoot play – Walking on different textures like grass, sand, or dirt strengthens foot muscles and improves sensory feedback.
- Choose nature over structured playgrounds – Climbing trees, exploring trails, and engaging with natural elements provide richer sensory experiences.
- Incorporate water play – Splashing in puddles, playing with mud, or swimming helps with sensory regulation.
- Practice mindfulness in nature – Sitting quietly, listening to birds, or feeling the wind can help children develop self-regulation skills.
I met Dr. Carla Hannaford during RMTi Conference in 2024 that was hosted in Kalispell, Montana