Small activity, BIG brain benefits

We all know that if we want stronger muscles, we have to use them.

We don’t get stronger by sitting still we get stronger by doing things that take effort.

Our brains work the same way.

If we want our kids to have stronger, smarter, more resilient brains… they need opportunities to use them.

That means:

  • doing hard things
  • trying new things
  • working through things that feel a little uncomfortable
  • solving puzzles or figuring things out

That’s how the brain grows.

Simple, everyday activities can do this in a big way especially for young kids.

One of those activities is using both hands at the same time to follow patterns like zig-zags or dots.

It might look like just a fun little exercise, but there’s actually a lot happening inside the brain.  You can see an example HERE.

When kids use both hands together, they’re activating both sides of the brain and strengthening the connection between them through the corpus callosum.

And just like a muscle, the more that connection is used, the stronger it becomes.

When your child is tracing simple patterns with both hands like zig-zags, lines, or dots it might not look like much.  But their brain is doing some pretty important work.

Using both hands at the same time activates both sides of the brain and strengthens the connection between them through the corpus callosum.

And that connection matters more than most people realize.  Because when the two sides of the brain can communicate well, everything gets easier for your child.  The goal isn't for everything to be easy, but if something that once was hard is easier, you're brain is growing.  That's why it's so important we have to continue to challenge ourselves.  

They can:

  • focus longer
  • follow directions better
  • solve problems more easily
  • and build the coordination needed for skills like reading and writing

It’s also helping with something called “crossing the midline,” which just means your child can move one side of their body into the other side’s space.

That might sound small, but it’s actually a big deal.

Kids who struggle with this often have a harder time with things like writing across a page, getting dressed, or even staying seated and focused.

Activities like this gently train the brain and body to work together.

And there’s another benefit most people don’t think about this kind of repetitive, patterned movement can actually help calm the brain.

So while your child is building skills, they’re also learning how to feel more regulated and in control of their body.

HOW TO START

You don’t need anything fancy to start doing this with your child.

Just a piece of paper and something to write with.

Start simple:

  • Draw two lines side by side and have your child trace them with both hands at the same time
  • Try zig-zags, dots, or simple shapes
  • Keep the movements slow and controlled

The goal isn’t perfection.

The goal is helping both hands move together.

If it feels tricky at first that’s actually a good sign.

That means the brain is working.

Keep it short and positive:

  • 1–3 minutes is plenty for younger kids
  • Sit with them and model it
  • Make it feel like a game, not a lesson

You can even say something like,
“Let’s see if our hands can work together!”

Over time, you’ll likely notice:

  • better control with writing
  • improved focus
  • and more confidence when trying new things

Small, simple activities like this add up.

Because when kids practice using their brains in new and challenging ways, they’re not just learning a skill…

They’re building a stronger brain for life.

xoxo,
Megan

PS I do 1:1 coaching and can help you learn to stay calm when your child is not, and help with more ways to teach your child strengthen their brain you can get more details HERE.

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