Does your child repeat the same movement over and over, hesitate before trying something new, or invent complex play routines that seem purposeful? These are signs of motor planning communication—your child's brain working hard to connect intention with action. Motor planning is actually one of the most complex things your child's brain does, requiring multiple neural networks to communicate flawlessly.
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Ever notice how your child might repeat the same movement over and over, pause for what feels like forever before trying something new, or invent incredibly complex play routines that seem to have their own internal logic? What you're seeing might be motor planning communication—one of the most fascinating conversations happening between your child's brain and body.
• Prefrontal cortex (the idea generator)
• Cerebellum (the timing maestro)
• Parietal cortex (spatial mapping)
• Motor cortex (the execution specialist).
Getting all these networks to coordinate? It's actually one of the most complex things any brain does.
What's likely happening: Repetition appears to strengthen neural pathways through myelination. It can take hundreds—sometimes thousands—of repetitions to automate movement patterns. Your child's brain is literally under construction.
Try saying: "You're practicing that jump a lot. Your brain must be building some serious pathways for it!"
What's likely happening: The planning system is generating models, predicting outcomes, and doing risk assessment—that strategic pause represents considerable neural processing.
Try saying: "It looks like you're figuring out your plan before you try. Want me to show the first step?"
What's likely happening: Creative motor play appears to connect imagination networks with motor control—linking "think it" to "do it" in remarkably innovative ways.
Try saying: "That's such a creative way to do it! Want to show me your new version?"
The big body movements—climbing, biking, sports. This primarily engages the cerebellum and motor cortex for timing, balance, and posture coordination.
The precision work—drawing, building, cutting. These circuits add layers of control and steadiness to movement.
Speaking, chewing, blowing bubbles. These systems interface with breath control and language networks in complex ways.
| Age Range | Brain-Friendly Ideas |
|---|---|
| 2–4 years | Crawl-through tunnels; dancing and freeze games; rolling balls or beanbags to targets. |
| 5–7 years | Scooter or bike practice; construction play (blocks, LEGOs); copycat games and obstacle course creation. |
| 8+ years | Sports requiring coordination; musical instruments or hands-on coding toys; martial arts or choreographed dance. |
Let that practice happen without rushing. Each attempt appears to strengthen neural connections through processes like long-term potentiation—literally building stronger pathways.
Try saying: "You're working so hard on that—your brain learns something new each time."
Model the first move, use visual steps, or offer simple cues. The brain tends to learn parts before it can link them into smooth sequences.
Try saying: "Let's start with this piece, then add the next part."
Reframe "mistakes" as valuable experiments. This approach supports resilient learning pathways and reduces stress responses.
Try saying: "That didn't work the way you expected—what if we try another approach?"
Ask "How else could we do this?" and let them invent their own versions. This connects motor control to flexible thinking networks.
Try saying: "How else could we make this work?"
Building blocks, crawl-through tunnels, puzzles, floor tape for creating paths—things that invite experimentation.
Swap out props and materials to spark new movement ideas and sequences.
"I wonder if you can make a bridge with these?" Then step back and allow unstructured time for exploration and repetition.
An occupational therapist (OT) can be incredibly helpful here. Motor planning differences show up across many neurotypes—autism, ADHD, developmental coordination differences, and more. The goal isn't to "fix" anything, but to match practice opportunities to how your child's unique brain works best.
With understanding and support, children with unique motor planning styles often become incredible problem-solvers, creative movement inventors, increasingly independent in their daily routines, and remarkably resilient through trial-and-error learning. Many develop exceptional attention to detail and wonderfully inventive approaches to physical challenges.
Crashing into things? Their body is seeking grounding through proprioceptive input.
Spinning in circles? Their vestibular system is working to organize sensory information.
Repeating movements endlessly? Their brain is building neural pathways through motor planning practice.
Why understanding wins every time: When we meet movement needs with curiosity instead of correction, we tend to see reductions in stress responses, increases in positive neurochemistry, strengthened connections between emotional and cognitive centers, and acceleration of both self-regulation and confidence building.
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This framework offers one helpful way to understand your child's experiences. It complements—never replaces—professional clinical services, medical advice, or therapeutic interventions.
Trust Your Instincts
Every child's brain works differently. You know your child best, and what resonates for one family may not fit for another.
This content is developed with care, grounded in research, and offered with respect for your family's unique journey.