Why Movement Matters: How Staying Active Builds Strong Minds & Bodies

We often think of exercise as something we have to make kids do. But most children love to move when they’re given the chance. Whether it’s running, jumping, dancing, or climbing, movement is a natural part of childhood. And it does more than just burn energy. Regular physical activity helps shape not only strong bodies, but healthy minds too.

Movement is part of how kids explore, learn, and grow. It helps with brain development, supports emotional regulation, and encourages social confidence. And it doesn’t need to look like organised sport. A game of tag in the backyard, building an obstacle course in the lounge room, or walking the dog after school all count.

The physical benefits are just the beginning

We know that staying active supports muscle and bone growth, improves coordination, and helps with sleep. But there are other benefits that are just as important, especially for school-aged children:

• Improved focus and attention span

• Better emotional regulation

• Reduced symptoms of anxiety or low mood

• Boosted self-esteem and confidence

• Stronger immune system

Kids who move regularly often sleep better, have more stable moods, and are better able to handle the ups and downs of daily life. That’s because movement isn’t just physical — it helps the brain release feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin that support emotional wellbeing.

Movement helps with learning too

Physical activity isn’t separate from school success. In fact, kids who move more often have better memory, concentration, and classroom behaviour. Activities that involve balance, rhythm, or coordination are particularly good for building neural connections that support learning.

Short movement breaks during homework, or even walking to school instead of driving, can make a noticeable difference to how alert and engaged a child feels.

It’s not about performance

Sometimes physical activity gets tangled up with achievement. There’s pressure to be the best, win every game, or hit fitness goals. But for kids, movement should feel fun and free. It should give them a chance to explore what their bodies can do, connect with others, and feel proud of themselves regardless of the outcome.

If your child enjoys structured sport, great. If they don’t, that’s fine too. Look for ways to include movement in their day that feel natural and low-pressure.

Make it part of family life

Children are more likely to stay active if it’s something they see and do with the people around them. That might mean family walks after dinner, a dance-off in the kitchen, or a shared weekend bike ride. It doesn’t need to be complicated.

The goal isn’t to create future athletes. It’s to raise kids who feel strong in their bodies, connected to the world around them, and confident in their ability to move through it.

Final thoughts on encouraging physical activity

Movement is part of a healthy, happy childhood. It helps build the kind of strength that lasts a lifetime.

For more tips and tricks on topics like this deep dive into physical activity feel free to contact us or refer to our Dewey Does blog. 

Don’t forget, if your whole family wants to look amazing while you’re out there living your best life, we make a whole range of inspiring novelty tees that can add a touch of fun and color. Speaking of fun and color, be sure to check out our super cool interactive logo!

While you’re here, we’d really love to hear what you have to say about encouraging physical activity. Drop us your two cents below.

Hi, Team Does. I get all my sports news and updates from my friend Tommy Ommy, host of Straight from the Basement Sports Podcast. Be sure to follow him wherever you get your podcasts, and check out his YouTube channel for sports news and conversations - Dewey.

Fighting childhood obesity since 2006