Primitive reflexes are natural, automatic movements babies make in response to certain stimuli. These reflexes are essential for early development and should ideally become integrated as the child grows. When reflexes don’t integrate as expected, they may affect a child’s ability to sit still, focus, move their body in coordinated ways, or even use their hands effectively for tasks like writing. In OT, we use specific activities and exercises to help children’s brains and bodies integrate these reflexes so they no longer interfere with everyday tasks. By integrating these reflexes, therapists can help children build a stronger foundation for motor skills, coordination, and self-regulation, making daily activities at home, school, and play more manageable and enjoyable.
Activities to Complete at Home:
- Animal Walks – Have the child move like different animals (e.g., bear crawl, crab walk, frog jumps) to engage core strength and coordination.
- Rolling Like a Log – Lay on the floor with arms by the sides and roll from one side of the room to the other.
- Superman Position – Lie on the stomach with arms and legs lifted off the ground, holding for several seconds to strengthen core muscles.
- Crawling Races – Race on hands and knees, incorporating variations like crawling backward or with knees lifted off the floor for a “tiger crawl.”
- Jumping Jacks – This classic movement helps with coordination and rhythm while activating body awareness.
- Cross-Crawl Exercise – March in place, touching the opposite knee with each elbow. This activity encourages left-right brain coordination.
- Ball Roll – Roll a soft ball back and forth while lying on the stomach to encourage head lifting and upper body strength.
- Starfish Exercise – Start lying on the back with arms and legs spread out wide like a star, then bring arms and legs together, crossing one arm and one leg over the other.
- Balance Beam or Line Walking – Tape a line on the floor or use a balance beam to practice walking heel-to-toe.
- Rocking on Hands and Knees – On all fours, rock forward and back to help with body stability and core engagement.
- Cat/Cow Poses – Engage in these familiar yoga poses, holding each for several seconds.
- Bouncing on an Exercise Ball – Sit on a ball and bounce gently, holding hands or balancing independently.
- Monkey Bars – Hanging from bars builds upper body strength and stimulates reflexes through arm and shoulder activation.
- Bicycle Kicks – Lie on the back and move legs in a cycling motion, incorporating opposite arm movements for added coordination.
- Push-Ups (Modified) – Either traditional push-ups or from the knees, this helps with muscle strength and body awareness.
- Wheelbarrow Walk – Holding the child’s legs while they walk forward on their hands, which activates core strength and coordination.
- Tummy Time – Even for older kids, lying on the stomach to play helps with neck and upper body strength.
- Pillow Tug-of-War – Have your child wrap their arms and legs around a long pillow while lying on their back. An adult can gently try to pull the pillow straight up, while they try to keep their grasp on it using the muscles in their arms and legs.
- Backward Walking – Walk backward across a room, engaging different muscles and challenging balance.
- Snow Angels on the Floor – Lie on the back and move arms and legs slowly out and back, as if making a snow angel, which helps with coordination and motor planning.