Movement Menu - Gentle Support for Regulation
Movement Menu – Gentle Support for Regulation
A calm, visual way for children to notice what kind of movement would help their body feel more settled, focused, or comfortable.
The Movement Menu offers a calm, visual way for children to notice the kinds of movement their body might be asking for.
Each icon represents a different type of movement — stretching, big movement, pushing and pulling, slow swaying, or small fidgets — without pressure to choose “correctly” or do anything in a particular way.
Children can tap any icon that feels familiar, interesting, or comforting in the moment.
There is no order, no expectation, and no right or wrong way to use this tool.
It’s simply a gentle invitation to pause, listen, and choose the movement that helps your body feel more settled, steady, or comfortable.
What movement would help your body right now?
Tap an icon to choose the type of movement that feels right.
Stretch & Lengthen
Big Body
Movement
Push
& Pull
Slow &
Steady
Fidget &
Wiggle
It’s okay to choose one type of movement, a few, or none at all.
Your body knows what it needs.
This tool works well alongside...
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Body Signals Menu – helps children notice early signs that movement might support regulation
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Decompress Menu – offers calm options when movement isn’t what the body needs
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Gentle Shutdown Scale – supports children in matching movement choices to their energy level
FAQ: Movement, Regulation & Emotional Safety
For grown‑ups: How do I support my child as they explore movement needs?
This FAQ offers simple, gentle guidance to help you use the Movement Menu with your child.
It’s designed to make movement‑based moments feel calmer, clearer, and more predictable — for both of you.
What is this tool for?
The Movement Menu helps children notice the kinds of movement their body might be asking for — stretching, big movement, pushing and pulling, slow swaying, or small fidgets.
It’s especially helpful for children who benefit from visual cues, sensory‑safe language, and low‑demand choices.
How do we use it?
Explore the icons together at the child’s pace.
They can tap an option when it feels familiar, or simply look at the menu.
There’s no expectation to choose or explain anything.
The tool is there to offer possibilities, not instructions.
Does my child need to choose only one?
No.
Children can tap as many icons as they like.
Movement needs often overlap — stretch and sway, fidget and push, big movement and slow movement.
What if my child doesn’t tap anything?
That’s completely okay.
Sometimes just seeing the options helps a child feel more grounded and understood.
What if my child always chooses the same option?
That’s also okay.
Familiar movement can feel predictable and safe.
Over time, they may explore others — but there’s no rush.
Can this tool help with self‑regulation?
Yes.
When children can see their movement needs clearly, they often feel more in control, more understood, and more able to choose what helps their body settle.
Do I need to talk through each option?
Only if it feels supportive.
Some children prefer quiet tapping; others enjoy naming the movement that feels right.
Follow their lead.
Can I adapt the language for my child?
Absolutely.
You’re welcome to rephrase the movement types in ways that feel familiar, comforting, or more accessible for your child.
It’s okay to notice what movement your body is asking for right now.
You might also like…
A gentle collection of low‑demand warm‑up options to help children ease into moments with comfort and steadiness.
A calm visual guide that supports children through shifts between activities with clarity and predictable cues.
A soothing set of sensory‑friendly options to help children find what feels grounding, calming, or regulating for their body.
A soft, visual way for children to notice early body cues and understand what their body might be asking for.
Helpful alongside this tool…
Two tools that support calmer, more predictable moments of movement and grounding.
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