With one little boy… and a LOT of energy!

Harry got in the car after school one day and I asked, “How was your day, darling?”

He looked down and quietly told me that Miss Brooke had told him off again for wriggling and finding it difficult to concentrate during Maths.

Then he said something that stopped me in my tracks:

“I’ve just got too much energy, Mummy. I can’t get it out.”

He explained that his wriggle cushion and fidgets helped, but sometimes he still had so much energy buzzing around inside him that sitting still and concentrating felt almost impossible.

Then he looked up at me and said:

“Do you know what? I’d love a bike under my desk! I could pedal, pedal, pedal and get all my energy out while I’m working… then I’d be able to focus! That’s what I need! I’m going to have a bike with a desk… and my friends can use it too, and other kids who are like me!”

And just like that, Harry’s Bike was born.

But could movement really help children focus?

When we got home, I started researching.

I was fascinated to discover just how much research has explored the relationship between movement, attention, learning and emotional regulation in children.

We often think of sitting still as being part of concentrating. But for some children, a little movement can actually help them feel more settled and ready to engage.

Physical activity can support children’s wellbeing and can influence things such as mood, attention and cognitive function. 

Our children are growing up differently

When we were children, many of us spent hours outside — running around, riding our bikes, playing games and simply being active.

Today, life can look very different.

Busy family schedules, safety concerns, technology, schoolwork and increasingly indoor lifestyles can all mean fewer opportunities for children to move throughout the day.

How can we build more movement into the things children are already doing?

As a mum, I started thinking about how we could bring more movement into Harry’s everyday life — without constantly asking him to stop what he was doing and go and exercise.

What if movement could simply become part of the things he already enjoys?

Harry can pedal while having a snack, doing his homework or getting creative with arts and crafts. He can use his bike while playing with his toys/lego, watching his iPad or chatting to family and friends on FaceTime.

It’s about finding little opportunities throughout the day for him to move while he plays, learns and enjoys himself. Because sometimes, we don’t need to add another activity to a child’s day — we just need to give them the freedom to move while they’re already doing what they love.

Because every child is different

Some children naturally find it easier to sit still and concentrate.

Others seem to have a constant supply of energy!

They wriggle. They fidget. They tap. They bounce their legs. They get up and move around.

And sometimes, what looks like “not concentrating” may simply be a child trying to find a way to manage their energy and stay engaged.

Harry had an idea…

I want to give Harry the tools and opportunities to understand his own body, manage his energy and discover what helps him feel calm, happy and ready to learn.

And Harry didn't see his energy as a problem that needed fixing.

He saw it as something he could use.

That really stayed with me.

So instead of seeing his difficult day at school as a negative, Harry turned it into an idea.

A little bike.

Under a desk.

Pedal, pedal, pedal… and focus!

And I thought:

Why shouldn't other children have that opportunity too?

Welcome to Harry's Bike

Harry's Bike is all about bringing movement, fun and focus together.

Because sometimes a little movement can make a big difference.

And perhaps the most important lesson Harry has taught me is this:

We don't always need to stop children's energy.

Sometimes, we just need to help them channel it.

So here's to all the little wrigglers, fidgeters, dreamers, thinkers and bundles of energy out there.

Keep moving.

Keep learning.

Keep being you.

Welcome to the Harry's Bike movement. 🚲

Love,
Harry's Mum x