Mums Matter: A Trip to the Zoo, Yoga, and the Power of Imaginative Play

This week’s Mums Matter – Nature & Wellbeing session brought a joyful blend of movement, imagination, music, and calm, as mums and children embarked on a playful “Trip to the Zoo” — all without leaving the room.

Delivered by Time to Connect CIC, in partnership with Forest Frontiers and supported by Bolton CVS, the session was led once again by the wonderful team from Yoga Bunnies, whose ability to hold the attention of a wide age range of children - while keeping mums fully involved 0 continues to impress.

As Jan reflected afterwards:

“The lady was great, and the way she managed to entertain, cajole, and keep the attention of such a range of ages - she really deserves credit.”

From the very start, the atmosphere felt safe, relaxed, and inclusive - a space where everyone could join in at their own pace.

Setting the scene: comfort, safety, and curiosity

As families arrived, mats were laid out and shoes slipped off. There was an immediate sense of ease as mums settled with their children, ready for a session that promised movement without pressure and engagement without expectation.

“Everybody felt very comfortable and very safe,” Jan noted.

That sense of psychological safety is something the Mums Matter programme consistently prioritises. It creates the conditions for curiosity, confidence, and connection - especially important for mums navigating the complexities of early parenthood.

A journey begins: welcome to the zoo

The session unfolded as a guided imaginative journey, with the theme of a Trip to the Zoo weaving together yoga, storytelling, music, and play.

The children were gently invited into the story through listening and observation. Quiet moments were balanced with bursts of movement, helping children practise attention, regulation, and engagement - skills that are still very much developing at this age.

“It involved lots of listening skills for quiet time, reading stories, dancing, and yoga moves linked to animals,” Jan shared.

The structure was clear, but flexible - allowing children to dip in and out as needed, while mums joined alongside them rather than watching from the sidelines.

Animal yoga and listening carefully

As the zoo adventure unfolded, children were encouraged to listen to animal sounds and identify which animals they belonged to.

There were smiles and excited calls as children confidently recognised:

• 🦛 A hippo

• 🐒 A monkey

• 🐍 A snake

“They got them right,” Jan said proudly.

These moments weren’t just fun - they supported listening skills, language development, and confidence, all through play that felt natural and enjoyable.

The yoga movements mirrored the animals themselves - stretching, curling, balancing, and swaying - helping children connect their bodies to the story while developing coordination and body awareness.

From day to night: exploring calm and curiosity

One of the most magical parts of the session came as the story transitioned from daytime into nighttime.

The lights dimmed, the energy softened, and each child was given a torch. Suddenly, the room transformed into a world of shadows and shapes.

“The nighttime session was great,” Jan reflected. “Each child had a torch, and they explored different shapes and shadows.”

Gentle classical music played in the background, setting a calm, atmospheric tone. Children shone lights on the walls, their mats, and even their hands — fascinated by how light moved and changed.

This part of the session encouraged:

• Sensory exploration

• Curiosity and wonder

• Emotional regulation

• Calm focus

For many mums, it was a rare moment of stillness - watching their children completely absorbed, peaceful, and engaged.

Daylight returns: movement, joy, and shared play

As the story moved back into daylight, the energy lifted again.

The animals “woke up,” and the room filled with movement as a rainbow parachute was introduced. Children danced, bounced, and watched as the parachute billowed and shimmered above them.

“The animals were dancing on the rainbow parachute,” Jan said, smiling.

This activity brought the group together physically and emotionally. Children moved as part of something bigger, while mums helped guide and support the play.

The parachute offered opportunities for:

• Shared laughter and joy

• Gross motor movement

• Social interaction

• Group coordination

A gentle ending: closure and calm

To close the session, the children gathered under the parachute, while the mums gently raised and lowered it above them.

This moment of enclosure and rhythm created a sense of safety and completion - an intentional ending that helped children transition from active play back into calm.

“The mums used the parachute to raise up and down and finish the session with closure,” Jan shared.

That sense of closure is an important part of sessions like this. It helps children feel secure, supported, and ready to move on - whether that’s heading home, napping, or carrying the calm into the rest of the day.

Connection beyond the activities

Beyond the structure and creativity of the session, what stood out most was the sense of connection.

“Everybody seemed to get a lot out of it,” Jan said. “People were very conversational.”

Mums chatted easily with one another, shared smiles and knowing looks, and supported each other as children moved between activities.

Even when attention wavered - as it naturally does with young children - the session was managed calmly and confidently.

“Although children can’t keep their attention all the time, everything was managed really, really well.”

This gentle acceptance of distraction is part of what makes Mums Matter so effective. There’s no expectation for children to sit still or for mums to control every moment - just an invitation to participate, observe, and enjoy.

Why sessions like this matter

This week’s yoga-based, imaginative session highlighted how powerful play-based wellbeing can be.

Through storytelling, movement, music, and shared experience, the session supported:

• Emotional regulation

• Listening and attention

• Physical development

• Parent–child bonding

• Confidence and creativity

Most importantly, it reminded mums that connection doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s found in pretending to be animals, shining torches in the dark, or lifting a parachute together.

Another success in the journey

As the session ended, families packed up with smiles, tired legs, and contented children - the unmistakable signs of a morning well spent.

“A great hour,” Jan concluded. “Another success.”

As Mums Matter continues, sessions like this reinforce the programme’s core message: that wellbeing grows through shared experiences, gentle guidance, and spaces where both mums and children feel safe to explore, imagine, and connect.

Sometimes, all it takes is a trip to the zoo - no ticket required.