Sophie Thwaites - movement exercises for learning

15/12/2025

Did you know that active primitive reflexes can cause children to fidget, struggle to concentrate and need to constantly be on the move?

Check out my free ebooklet for 10 exercises that could help your child sit still and engage: https://pages.sophiethwaites.com/fidget2focus

Link also in the comments and bio 😊

12/12/2025

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon talking to some lovely parents at their Christmas School Fair.

Often half the battle for parents, is knowing where to even start looking for the right support for your child.

So often when I talk to parents about Active Primitive Reflexes, and how they could be affecting their child’s learning, concentration and emotional regulations, it is like a ‘lightbulb’ moment for them. Something they hadn’t even considered, is now making complete sense to them 💡

01/12/2025

26/11/2025

The power of eight minutes with a friend is the idea that a short, focused conversation can significantly help combat feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, without being an overwhelming commitment for either person.

This concept, popularized by Simon Sinek, is often used as a code to ask for support, as the question, “Do you have 8 minutes?,” signals a need for help without the pressure of an extended conversation.

For the person in need it makes asking for help easier: Saying “Do you have 8 minutes?” is less intimidating than asking for help with no time limit, making it easier to reach out when you’re struggling.

It’s a signal: This phrase acts as a clear and direct code to communicate “I need you” and is understood by those who have adopted the practice.

It provides support without a burden: It offers the comfort of knowing you are not alone and have a friend ready to listen, without expecting them to solve your problems.

For the friend offering support it’s an achievable commitment: Eight minutes is a small amount of time that most people can spare, which reduces the guilt of not being able to offer more.

It shows you care: Taking just eight minutes to listen shows a friend that they are seen, valued, and supported, which combats isolation.

It’s a way to be a better friend: It provides a concrete way to show up for your friends during difficult times, even if the interaction is brief.

19/11/2025

There are so many amazing benefits to taking a few deep breaths, no matter what age you are. Have you taken a moment to breathe today?

29/10/2025

Did you know that for some children, active primitive reflexes might be the reason they are struggling at school? By working to integrate these primitive reflexes, your child may no longer need extra support with their learning; as their writing, comprehension or maths might just start falling into place after doing some specific movement exercises to help create a smoother connection between the brain and body.

Curious to learn more? Let’s chat 💬

26/10/2025

There is increasing evidence that contact with nature provides a wide variety of benefits for children. These include physical, mental and social well-being benefits as well as a wide range of learning opportunities and the chance to develop an interest in and understanding of nature.

Where is your next adventure? 🌳 🍂 🍄

-therapy