Things You Didn’t Know About Your Child’s Brain (But Should)

I’ve spent many hours pondering what happens inside my son Arihaan’s brain. I’ve watched him struggle to focus on a task, become overwhelmed with simple instructions, and flip from one activity to the next in minutes. But what if I told you that all of this is happening because of how his brain is wired — and understanding this can change how we support our kids?

In this blog, I’m diving into some fascinating insights about the brain, especially in children, and how they can help us as parents, teachers, and caregivers better support our children’s development.

The Brain: A Supercomputer in Your Child’s Head

Have you ever felt like your child is a walking contradiction? One minute, they’re hyperfocused on a video game, and the next, they’re melting down over the most minor thing — like being unable to find their favourite toy. It’s frustrating, right? But here’s the thing: the brain is like a supercomputer constantly processing and reacting to things, even when it seems nothing is happening.

When Arihaan becomes overwhelmed or frustrated, it’s often because his brain is firing signals in a way that feels chaotic to him. His brain tries to manage multiple emotions, thoughts, and sensory inputs simultaneously. In fact, children’s brains are still developing and are incredibly sensitive to their environment. This means they often need more time and support to process the world around them than we think.

Your Child’s Brain Is Always Working — Even When It Seems Like It’s Not

One of the most surprising things I’ve learned is that your child’s brain is constantly working, even when they seem still or distracted. Think about it: when Arihaan is zoning out, he’s not just daydreaming. His brain is digesting everything that’s going on around him, trying to make sense of it all. This mental processing happens 24/7, whether they’re playing, learning, or even just sitting quietly.

What happens when the brain gets overloaded? It triggers a “fight or flight” response — a meltdown, frustration, or the sudden need to escape. That’s why sometimes your child might react in ways that feel disproportionate to the situation. Their brain sends signals that they’re overwhelmed and need help managing the flood of thoughts and emotions.

A Simple Yet Powerful Way to Support Their Brain

So, how can we support our children’s brains, especially when feeling overwhelmed or distracted? One strategy is to help them focus on the present moment. This doesn’t mean just telling them to “calm down” — it means guiding their brain to shift gears in a natural and manageable way.

One activity I love doing with Arihaan is a sensory reset. It’s a simple tool to help bring their brain back to the present when it feels overloaded. For example, we might play with a fidget toy or do a breathing exercise. Focusing on a sensory experience gives their brain a much-needed break from all the stimuli. It can return to a more balanced state.

Here’s a simple way you can try it at home:

Pick a sensory object: A squishy ball, textured fabric, or a favourite toy.Focus on the texture: Ask your child to describe how it feels. Does it feel soft, bumpy, or smooth?Breathe together: Deep, slow breaths are a great way to reset the brain. Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 4, and breathe out for 4.Check-in: After a few rounds, ask your child how they feel. Do they notice a difference?

This helps shift their focus from stress to something grounding, allowing the brain to process without feeling overwhelmed.

Rewiring Their Brain: Why Play is So Powerful

Children’s brains are incredibly malleable. This is why activities like play influence how they learn, grow, and cope with emotions. But it’s not just about letting them have fun — play is the brain’s natural way of making sense of the world.

One example I’ve used with Arihaan is a simple game of building blocks. The act of stacking and balancing helps his brain develop both motor skills and problem-solving abilities. But even more importantly, it teaches his brain how to deal with frustration and perseverance. When a tower falls over, he can practice self-regulation and try again.

You don’t need to go overboard with structured learning activities. Simply engage with your child in play that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.

The Power of Patience: Understanding Their Brain’s Needs

As parents, we sometimes feel like we’re not doing enough, especially seeing our children struggling. But here’s the truth: our brains need time, practice, and patience to process, learn, and grow. So, when your child seems distracted, anxious, or overwhelmed, try to remember that they’re not just “misbehaving.” Their brain is trying to navigate a world demanding more than they can handle.

Give them the space, patience, and tools to reset and refocus. Every tiny moment counts in helping their brain develop stronger pathways for focus, self-regulation, and emotional control.

Tips for Supporting Your Child’s Brain:Take sensory breaks: Allow your child to take short breaks throughout the day, focusing on something calming like a fidget toy or a few minutes of deep breathing.Use visual aids: If your child struggles with transitions or instructions, use pictures or simple schedules. This helps their brain process information step-by-step.Demonstrate emotional regulation: Children often mirror the behaviour they see in adults. When you feel overwhelmed, show them how to calm down by taking deep breaths or taking a moment to reset.Incorporate movement: Physical activity helps boost brain function. A short walk, jumping jacks, or stretching can help reset focus and energy levels.Final Thoughts

Understanding your child’s brain is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a parent. The more we learn about how their brains are wired, the better we can support their growth and development. Remember, a calm brain is a focused brain, and with the right tools and understanding, you can help your child thrive in ways you never imagined.

If you struggle to support your child through these challenges, I’m here to help! You don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out for personalized guidance, and let’s work together to create a plan that works for your family.

Book a 1:1 consultation with me here: https://topmate.io/namita_das11

What do you think? Ready to take a closer look at how your child’s brain works? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear your thoughts and tips!

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Recommended Sensory Toys to Support Your Child’s Brain Development

Incorporating sensory toys into your child’s daily routine can significantly enhance their focus, emotional regulation, and overall brain development. Here are some top-rated options:

FARIOX Calming Sensory Toys These liquid motion bubbler timers provide a visually engaging experience, helping children with autism, ADHD, or anxiety to relax and focus. Infinity Cube Fidget Toy Designed to help children with ADD, ADHD, anxiety, and autism, this hand-held toy promotes focus and stress relief through continuous flipping and folding. Squishy Sensory Toys for Kids Featuring four colourful glitter-filled tubes, these non-toxic toys offer a calming sensory experience, relieving stress and anxiety for children aged 3 and up. Pop It Fidget Toy This educational pop-it toy helps children practice numbers 1 to 100 while providing a satisfying popping sound, enhancing both learning and sensory play. Hexwell Double-Sided Silicone Fidget Toy Featuring 11 different sensory activities, this durable silicone pad is perfect for calming, relieving stress, and enhancing focus for kids and adults.

Integrating these sensory toys into your child’s daily activities can provide valuable support for their developmental needs. Remember, each child is unique, so observing which toys resonate best with your child’s preferences and requirements is essential.