The wiggles aren't the problem. They're the warning sign.

Every parent knows the fidgeting. Every teacher knows the kid who can't sit through circle time. We've been told it's a discipline issue, an attention issue, a "kids these days" issue - so we shrink recess, cut PE, and ask children to sit still longer.

Preston Blackburn has spent 25 years working hands-on with children from birth through fifth grade, and what she's seen tells a different story:

"When we remove physical play from a child's day, we give them half of what they need to learn. Half a desk. Half a book. Half a pencil. Half an equation. You cannot build a whole child with half the tools."

Play Powered makes the research-backed case - drawing on John Ratey, Jonathan Haidt, and leading pediatric movement science - that physical movement isn't a break from learning. It's the neurological foundation learning is built on. The 18 foundational strengths and skills at the core of this book aren't "gym class extras." They're what makes attention, self-regulation, and academic readiness possible in the first place.

Inside, you'll find: The 18 foundational strengths and skills every child needs - and the one most often overlookedReal stories from classrooms and gyms, not abstract theoryPractical, easy-to-implement activities for parents, teachers, therapists, and caregivers alikeA clear path to bringing purposeful movement back into a child's day

"Preston Blackburn is brilliant. If her anecdotes and synthesis of the research don't convince you that movement is a must, I don't know what will. If we care about children, we can't afford to ignore this call to action."

• Rae Pica, early childhood education consultant and author

"In this eye-opening, practical guide, Preston shows how reduced physical activity is reshaping kids' behavior, learning, focus, and confidence - and offers real-world insight and easy-to-implement activities for parents, teachers, therapists, and caregivers alike. This book will change how you see movement, and how you support the children in your life. All aboard Preston's 'train'... you don't want to miss it."

• Dr. Ali Temple, OTR/L, Founder of First Priority Occupational Therapy and Co-Founder of TIME With Children, LLC

This book exists because children deserve the whole thing - and the adults who love them are capable of demanding it.