Lauran Tamm, of The Military Wife and Mom, talks about the connection between body movement and executive functioning. Many parents and teachers don't realize that the large-motor play that children do when they are young builds neural pathways that they use later on for higher-level learning and self-regulation. Our culture's increasing aversion to risk-taking play is tempering this growth.

"In order for kids to listen, focus and learn to sit still for a period of time, they must develop both proprioception and vestibular sense. The most critical time to develop a child’s proprioception and vestibular sense is before age six," Tamm wrote. Proprioception tells you where your body parts are, and allows you do do things like scratch your nose with your eyes closed, and tie the apron behind your back. Vestibular senses tell you where your body is in space, and helps you feel balance. It's also linked to how your brain processes what it sees.

Tamm quotes an occupational therapist (OT) in the story who recommends three hours of free outdoor play every day.  Click through here to read more about these senses and how to support your child.