The Power of the Brain: A Parent’s Perspective

We all know the brain is important—right? It’s one of those vital organs, like the heart, that simply can’t afford to go offline. But if I’m honest, I don’t think many of us really stop to think about what it means to take care of our brain. Not just avoiding injury, but actually investing in its health—daily, intentionally, and holistically.

I recently found myself listening to the brilliant Dr. Daniel Amen, a renowned psychiatrist and brain specialist, and it opened my eyes. He speaks about brain health with such clarity and compassion, and it made me reflect on what I’m doing (or not doing) to support my own brain and, more importantly, my children’s developing brains.

He breaks brain health into four key areas:

1. Physical Health – Is there enough blood flow? Are we feeding our brain the right nutrients? Avoiding things like alcohol and drugs? Are we moving our bodies enough to keep the brain thriving?
2. Psychological Health – Have we processed our past? Are there unhealed traumas shaping our behaviour and beliefs without us even knowing?
3. Social Connections – Are the relationships in our lives nurturing us, or draining us? Community and connection matter more than we often realise.
4. Spirituality & Purpose – Are we connected to something greater than ourselves? Do we have meaning in our lives that fuels hope and resilience?

What struck me most as a parent was learning that the brain continues to develop until the age of 25. 25! Those formative years are critical. The way we parent, guide, protect, and nurture our children’s brains now, has the potential to shape their future in profound ways.

But the part I loved most? Dr. Amen’s research on spirituality and the brain. He found that individuals who pray regularly and have a strong faith often show higher frontal lobe activity. This part of the brain is responsible for focus, planning, empathy, and self-control—basically, the things we all want our kids to grow up with.

Dr. Amen says his purpose is to help people take care of their brains. I love that. What a beautiful and meaningful calling. As a parent, I hope I can do the same—not perfectly, but intentionally.

Let’s raise children who are strong not just in body, but in mind and spirit too.

Love,
Steph x

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.