Crossing the Midline - Part II

Fun at Home for Growing Brains and Bodies

One of the quiet superheroes in early childhood development is something called “crossing the midline”. Imagine an invisible line running down the middle of your child’s body, from head to toes. When they reach across this imaginary line with their hands (or eyes, or legs), it helps the left and right sides of their brain chat better with each other. This builds stronger connections for things like reading (tracking words across a page), writing, hand-eye coordination, and even focus and balance later on. The good news? You can help this happen with simple, playful games at home and you don't need any fancy equipment needed!

Here are two favourites that children love:

1.  Simon Says with a Twist

Play the classic “Simon Says”, but sneak in instructions that make them cross over: “Simon says touch your left ear with your right hand”, or “Simon says pat your right knee with your left elbow”. Make silly faces or add actions like waving across the body.

Why it helps:  It gets both hands working together across the middle, strengthening brain links for better coordination and even helping with later skills like tying shoelaces or catching a ball.

2.  Rainbow Arms (or Figure 8 Fun)

Stand or sit facing your child. Hold a colourful scarf, ribbon, or even just use empty hands. Draw big, slow figure-8 shapes in the air, crossing right over left and back again. Encourage them to copy you, or take turns leading. Make whooshing sounds for extra giggles!

Why it helps:  The crossing motion exercises both sides of the brain at once, boosting bilateral integration (this is the fancy term for “both sides working as a team”). It’s brilliant for eye tracking, handwriting readiness, and overall body awareness.

These take just only a few minutes to do but they pack a real developmental punch, and they’re fun, too, so children don’t even realise that they’re learning!

For a quick visual demo, have a look at these parent-friendly YouTube videos:

1. “Top 5 Activities to Promote Crossing Midline” by Harkla (a great occupational therapy-focused channel):  LINK HERE >

2. “Eight Crossing the Midline Exercises for Kids” (simple, upbeat ideas you can try straight away):  LINK HERE 

Give them a go over the weekend. Your children will thank you with brighter eyes and bigger smiles. Happy playing!