Log Roll Races Across the Room

A soft blanket, carpet, or grassy area for rolling

A stuffed animal (optional — for the advanced challenge)

Clear a stretch of floor at least 10 feet long. Lay out a soft blanket or use a carpeted area. Outdoors, a flat grassy lawn works perfectly.

Lie down at one end of the space on your back with your arms stretched straight above your head. Have your child lie down next to you in the same position.

Explain: "We're going to roll like logs! Keep your body straight and roll all the way to the other end."

Count down together: "Three, two, one, ROLL!" Then both of you roll sideways across the floor.

The goal is to keep your body straight like a log — no bending at the waist, no crawling partway. It's harder than it sounds.

When you both reach the other end, sit up, high-five, and see who got there first.

Roll back the other direction. Rolling the opposite way uses different muscles and feels different to the brain.

For an extra challenge, balance a stuffed animal on your tummy while rolling. Can you keep it on? (Spoiler: probably not, but the attempts are hilarious.)

Log rolling is a foundational movement skill that occupational therapists use to assess and build core strength. It's simple but genuinely effective.

If your child curls up instead of staying straight, gently remind them: "Long like a log!" Place their arms overhead again. It takes practice.

Rolling in both directions is important. Most kids have a preferred side — practice the non-preferred direction to build balanced strength.

Grass is softer than floor for this activity, and the slight unevenness adds a balance challenge.

Try rolling downhill on a gentle slope for extra speed and giggles. Make sure the bottom of the slope is clear of obstacles.