![](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USSI-EWB-Videos-move-560x420.png)
Caring for My Brain: Twiddlebugs Get Moving
When we move our bodies, we’re taking care of our brains.
Explain the brain to children: Our brains are inside our heads. Our brains let us learn, listen, talk, imagine, read, play, move, and so much more. Our brains help us feel, name, and talk about our feelings. Our brains can help us calm our bodies down.
Then tell children that when we move our bodies, we’re taking care of our brains. Together, watch the video (you might move along!). From time to time, you can help further explain or emphasize the ideas in the video by saying things like:
- Moving helps our bodies and brains.
- Moving our bodies during the day helps us sleep well at night.
- We might move our bodies in different ways depending on how we’re feeling. We might like to dance fast when we’re feeling excited or stretch slowly when we’re feeling tired or sad.
- It can be fun to move our bodies while playing outside. Your body can move in so many ways: you can jump, run, climb, stretch, and more!
Later, on your own, consider these tips:
- Together, do “The Twiddlebug” to music (wiggling, pretend you’re flying – whatever works!) in celebration of their brains and bodies.
- Move together—it’s great for the whole family. Try a family dance party and take turns choosing the music.
- Active play and physical activity enhance learning—children learn well while they’re moving. Challenge children to make shapes with their bodies, count their hops, or dance as they sing the alphabet song.
- Turn a short walk into a game in which everyone takes turns deciding how you’ll move along (skipping, hopping like bunnies, walking while flapping your arms like birds, and so on).
- Invite children to make up different ways to hop, stretch, and move to complete a simple obstacle course, then add on when they’re ready. Explain that our brains and bodies work together to do tricky things like obstacle courses.
![An animation of Big Bird and Granny Bird](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/EWB-JUNE-Videos-Comfort-667x500.jpg)
Comfort Container
Help children take a quiet moment alone and soothe themselves.
![An animation of Rosita showing Elmo a drawing of them](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/EWB-JUNE-Videos-Friend-667x500.jpg)
A Good Friend to Myself
Self-compassion matters… children should be as kind to themselves as they are to others!
![An animation of Grandma Nell, Gabrielle, and Tamir](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/EWB-JUNE-Videos-Gratitude-667x500.jpg)
Gratitude Jar
Highlight the power of gratitude! In tough times, help children pause, notice, and savor the feelings that the good things in our lives bring.
![An animation of Grandma Nell, Gabrielle, and Tamir](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/EWB-JUNE-Videos-Hugged-667x500.jpg)
Helped, Heard, or Hugged?
There are so many ways to support a child in distress. You can give children a sense of control by offering three ways you may be able to help… and letting them choose.
![An Animation of Louie and Elmo](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/EWB-JUNE-Videos-Teaching-667x500.jpg)
Teaching My Brain
Compassionate self-talk can turn difficult moments around.
![Wes hugging his dad Elijah.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/EWB_MentalHealthResourcesforParents-667x500.png)
Mental Health Resource and Support List for Parents
If you’re concerned about—or considering seeking professional support for—your child’s emotional well-being, there are lots of resources just for you.
![An animation of a child playing with stuffed animals](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SSIC-Webinar-v2-667x500.jpg)
From Attention to Connection: Responding to Challenging Behavior in Caring Ways
In this webinar, you’ll learn strategies to help you support young children facing emotional challenges.