Parents concerned about their children’s ability to focus and perform academically can find reassurance in the insights of world-renowned neurologist Dr. Majid Fotuhi. Speaking to Newsweek, Fotuhi explained that current challenges facing children are not indicative of decreased capability, but rather a result of environmental factors that hinder deep focus and emotional balance. “What parents are noticing is not that children are ‘less capable’ but that their brains are being shaped by an environment that does not naturally support deep focus,” he stated.
Fotuhi, who serves as an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University and is the author of The Invincible Brain, set to release in March 2026, emphasized that today’s children experience more brain strain than any previous generation. The modern attention economy, characterized by fast-paced videos and constant notifications, trains young minds to seek instant gratification, making it increasingly difficult for them to maintain attention in academic settings. Alongside these distractions, children are sleeping less, engaging in fewer physical activities, and facing heightened academic pressures.
Understanding Brain Development
From a neurological perspective, the implications of this environment are significant. According to Fotuhi, the brain networks responsible for attention, emotional regulation, and executive function are still developing throughout childhood and adolescence. “These networks are highly sensitive to lifestyle inputs,” he noted. When overstimulated, under-rested, and stressed, these networks can become inefficient, impacting a child’s ability to focus on academic tasks while excelling in activities such as video gaming.
Fotuhi explained that the brain’s capacity is not static; it can weaken under stress but also strengthen with appropriate interventions. Lifestyle factors play a crucial role in this process. Inconsistent sleep patterns can lead to cognitive fog, while diets high in ultra-processed foods may impair blood flow and increase inflammation. Chronic stress pushes the brain into survival mode, adversely affecting memory centers and complicating the learning process. Furthermore, a lack of physical activity deprives the brain of essential growth factors that support attention and emotional regulation.
Five Steps to Strengthen Cognitive Function
Fortunately, Fotuhi reassured parents that these negative effects are reversible. Drawing on his clinical experience, he recommended five practical steps that can strengthen a child’s brain within eight to twelve weeks. “The key is consistency and structure,” he emphasized. “Small changes, done daily, can reshape brain networks surprisingly quickly.”
Firstly, parents should prioritize stabilizing sleep. Establishing consistent bedtimes and wake-up times, even on weekends, and eliminating screens at least one hour before sleep can foster better rest.
Secondly, fueling the brain properly is essential. Fotuhi advises parents to encourage meals rich in protein, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains while reducing ultra-processed snacks and sugary beverages. He elaborated, “Think of food as brain fuel, not just calories.”
The third recommendation is to ensure daily physical activity. Aiming for 30 to 60 minutes of exercise—through sports, walking, biking, or active play—can yield substantial benefits for cognitive health.
Next, Fotuhi suggests creating a structured home environment. Utilizing visual schedules, clear routines, and defined work-and-break periods can reduce stress and enhance cognitive resources for learning.
Lastly, intentional brain training is vital. Engaging children in working-memory games, attention exercises, mindfulness practices, and teaching organization or time management can strengthen cognitive networks directly.
“When these steps are combined and personalized, parents often see meaningful improvements within eight to twelve weeks—not just in school performance, but also in confidence, emotional balance, and family harmony,” Fotuhi concluded. This comprehensive approach offers hope for parents navigating the complexities of modern childhood, equipping them with tools to foster healthier brain development in their children.
