If you are increasingly worried about your child’s ability to focus or keep up academically, you’re not alone.
World-renowned neurologist Dr. Majid Fotuhi, MD, Ph.D., told Newsweek that those concerns are completely valid.
“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, emotional balance or memory consolidation,” Fotuhi said.
Fotuhi, who is an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University and author of The Invincible Brain (out March 2026), said children’s brains are under more strain now than during any other generation before.
One of the biggest challenges is the modern attention economy. Fast-paced videos, constant notifications and algorithm-driven content train the brain to seek instant rewards, making sustained attention in classrooms feel unusually difficult.
At the same time, children are sleeping less, moving less and feeling more academic pressure than previous generations.
From a neurological standpoint, this matters because the brain networks responsible for attention, emotional regulation and executive function are still under construction throughout childhood and adolescence.
“These networks are highly sensitive to lifestyle inputs,” Fotuhi said. “When the brain is constantly overstimulated, under-rested and stressed, these networks become inefficient—not broken, but undertrained.”
This explains why a child can focus intensely on a video game but perhaps struggle with math homework.
“The brain’s capacity is dynamic. It can weaken under strain, but it can also strengthen with the right inputs,” Fotuhi added.
Lifestyle factors play a powerful role in that process. Inconsistent sleep leaves the brain foggy and impulsive.
Diets heavy in ultra-processed foods can impair blood flow and increase inflammation. Chronic stress pushes the brain into survival mode, shrinking memory centers and making learning harder.
A lack of physical activity also deprives the brain of growth factors that support attention and emotional balance.
The encouraging news, Fotuhi said, is that these effects are reversible. Based on his research and clinical work, he recommended five practical steps parents can take to strengthen their child’s brain over eight to 12 weeks.
“The key is consistency and structure,” Fotuhi said. “Small changes, done daily, can reshape brain networks surprisingly quickly. The brain is not fixed. Like a muscle, it responds to training and care.”
First, parents can aim to stabilize sleep. Set consistent bedtimes and wake-up times, even on weekends, and remove screens at least an hour before bed.
Second, fuel the brain properly. “Encourage meals rich in protein, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and whole grains,” Fotuhi said. “Reduce ultra-processed snacks and sugary drinks. Think of food as brain fuel, not just calories.”
Third, move every day. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of daily physical activity, whether through sports, walking, biking or active play.
Fourth, create structure at home. “Use visual schedules, clear routines and defined work-and-break periods,” Fotuhi said. “Predictability lowers stress and frees cognitive resources for learning.”
Finally, train the brain intentionally. Working-memory games, attention exercises, mindfulness practices and coaching in organization or time management can directly strengthen cognitive networks.
“When these steps are combined and personalized, parents often see meaningful improvements within eight to 12 weeks—not just in school performance, but in confidence, emotional balance, and family harmony,” Fotuhi said.