TLR (Tonic Labyrinthine) — Parent Guide

TLR links body tone to head position — forward and backward. It helps early movement against gravity and should settle through the first year as balance improves.

Friendly note: These ideas support everyday learning and regulation. They’re not medical advice.
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What is it?

When the head tilts forward, the body tends to curl; when it tilts back, the body tends to extend. That’s useful early on, but later kids need a neutral ‘middle’ to balance, climb, and focus comfortably.

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What parents might notice

  • Poor balance or spatial judgment; fear of heights
  • Low core strength; tires with arms overhead
  • Trouble judging distance or copying from the board
  • Reading/vision fatigue from head‑tilt habits

How to test (optional & gentle)

  1. Have your child stand against a wall, feet a step forward.
  2. Ask for slow nods (chin to chest, then eyes to ceiling).
  3. Watch for big whole‑body stiffening or curling instead of small, controlled neck movement.
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Safety first: Move slowly; stop for dizziness. Skip if there’s known neck or vestibular issues without professional guidance.

Home activities (playful & graded)

Start easy, keep it short, and make it fun. Practice most days for small, steady gains.

Easy (get comfortable)

  • Rocking chair or hammock time (slow)
  • Log rolls on the floor with pauses
  • Tape ‘balance beam’ line walks

Medium (build control)

  • Prone ‘superman’ holds (short)
  • Sit‑to‑stand with slow head nods
  • Step‑ups with a pause at the top (look ahead)

Advanced (confidence & rhythm)

  • Balance board (assisted) with tiny head turns
  • Climbing play with rest breaks
  • Overhead light ball tosses (short sets)

Parent Pointers

  • Start small: 5–10 minutes a day, about 5 days a week.
  • Pick favorites: Choose 2 activities your child enjoys. Steady breathing and relaxed shoulders mean you’ve picked well.
  • How much is “enough” today? 8–10 slow, smooth reps or 30–45 seconds without strain counts as a good set.
  • On the right track: Over 2–4 weeks, look for smaller startles, quicker calming, and easier settling for sleep.
  • Keep it kind: If your child looks tense or frustrated, shorten the set, slow it down, or switch to an easier activity.

Quick recap

TLR helps babies handle gravity, then should quiet so balance and focus feel easier. Simple rocking, rolling, and balance games can help.

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