Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Laura’s Video Podcast
Ever wondered why your child seems to have bigger reactions than other kids? In this episode of Connect My Brain, Dr. Laura Hanson breaks down the science behind emotional outbursts in a way that makes sense for parents.
Children’s reactions sometimes don’t match the situation – like having a complete meltdown over bumping an elbow or not being able to wait while mom’s on the phone. Instead of just labeling this as “bad behavior,” we want to consider there might be more going on under the surface.
Kids between 7 and 8 years old go through an especially important time in brain development. What’s happening in their lives during this period – including family stress or big events like the pandemic – can have a lasting impact on how they handle emotions.
Think of it this way: adults have years of experience to draw from when dealing with frustrating situations. But kids? They’re still building their emotional toolbox. They don’t have that library of experiences to help them respond appropriately yet.
Factors that can affect how children handle emotions:
- Their body’s ability to process certain vitamins (especially B vitamins)
- How well their eyes work together (which can cause frustration in school)
- What they eat and how their body processes it
- Patterns they’ve learned from watching parents and others
The good news? The brain can change and improve at any age, though it’s easier when children are younger. Don’t wait if you notice your child struggling with big emotions. Getting help early can make a big difference.
We should be looking at the whole picture – not just behavior, but also nutrition, development, and physical factors – to understand what’s really going on with your child. Sometimes what looks like a simple emotional problem might have multiple pieces to the puzzle that need addressing.
Remember, if your current approach isn’t working, it’s okay to explore other options. Every child is different, and understanding your child’s unique brain can be the key to helping them manage their emotions better.
Topics covered in this episode:
- How a child’s emotional responses might not match situations (like having a meltdown over bumping an elbow), and why this mismatch is an important signal to parents that there might be underlying factors to explore
- The critical brain development window between ages 7.5 and 8.5, and how stress during this period – including events like the 2020 pandemic – can significantly impact a child’s emotional regulation abilities
- The connection between nutrition and brain development, particularly the role of B vitamins found in red meat, and why some children might naturally avoid certain foods if their bodies can’t process them properly
- How eye coordination and visual processing (assessed through tools like RightEye) can affect a child’s ability to function in school, potentially leading to frustration and emotional outbursts that might be misdiagnosed as attention or behavioral issues
- The importance of looking at the whole child rather than just symptoms, including genetic factors (like MTHFR and COMT), developmental history, family patterns, and how early intervention can make changes easier since it takes thousands of repetitions to change patterns in teenagers versus just a few weeks in toddlers
Resources mentioned:
- Join the Jump Start program
- Watch Laura’s Video Podcast
- Download the Connect My Brain app on Apple or Google Play (it’s free!)
- Learn more about Courses & Resources at Connect My Brain!
- Download Dr. Laura’s guide to Developmental Milestones
- Connect with Dr. Laura on Instagram and Facebook
- Liking the show? Write a review!
More about Connect My Brain:
Why is this happening to my kid and what can I do about it? If you are the parent of a developmentally delayed child then you’ve probably asked this question more than once. That’s where I come in! I’m Dr. Laura Hanson and I specialize in identifying the “why” and telling you the “what.” Join me every Thursday for a deeper look at how our brains are wired and how to get the most out of your mind. Are you looking to break negative patterns, overcome mood disorders, or optimize your potential? Maybe your child struggles with ADHD, OCD or other learning difficulties. Tune in to Connect My Brain, where I explain concepts like biofeedback and neurofeedback, brainwave frequencies, and much more. Let me help you change your life by changing your mind! Contact me HERE.
