Today I'm breaking down one of the most important concepts in brain development – executive function.

Ever wondered what executive function actually means? I'll take you on a quick journey through your brain, from the visual cortex in the back to the frontal lobe up front. This is where the magic happens – where your brain develops the ability to make good decisions, plan for the future, regulate emotions, and "read the room."

I explain how executive function is a process that builds over time, starting from the back of your brain and working forward. When everything flows smoothly, you develop into a powerful young person who can execute tasks, turn in homework, and make solid life plans.

Don't miss our upcoming parental webinars starting May 14th! I'll teach you how to understand your child's unique "blueprint" and help their brain develop with the right intensity and frequency. Sign up at https://www.connectmybrain.com/parental-guidance-webinar/

Grab our free milestone app at https://www.connectmybrain.com/app/

Join Dr. Laura’s parenting membership here: https://www.connectmybrain.com/parent-membership/

Download the Connect My Brain app here: https://www.connectmybrain.com/app/

Request a virtual assessment here: https://www.connectmybrain.com/assessments/

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Want help starting or managing your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else! Visit https://marciepaige.com

👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on Apple or Google Play! (it’s free)

In this episode of Connect My Brain, I answer a listener's question: "What is executive function and where is it in the brain?"

Executive function isn't just about following directions—it's the brain's ability to plan, reason, organize, and make good choices. As I explain, these skills develop sequentially as your child grows, starting with the back of the brain and eventually reaching the frontal lobe.

I break down the warning signs at different ages, from toddlers who can't follow simple instructions to college students who struggle to create schedules. I also share why understanding your child's developmental "blueprint" is crucial for addressing these challenges.

The good news? No one is stuck with these patterns! With proper brain retraining, nutrition, and appropriate expectations, we can improve executive function at any age.

Want more resources? Visit http://connectmybrain.com to access our executive function webinars and join our parent membership community for ongoing support!

Enroll in the Parent Membership https://www.connectmybrain.com/parent-membership/

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SHOW NOTES: https://connectmybrain.com/episode152

What do you want to learn more about? Submit your questions here: https://www.connectmybrain.com/survey/

Phone the office: 678-501-5172

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Want help starting or managing your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else! Visit https://marciepaige.com

👉 Join Dr. Laura’s parenting membership here!

Did you know attention is a skill that must be developed? Today, I share why children struggle to focus and introduce my concept of "brain currency" - how your brain evaluates what actions to take based on past patterns.

Everything your child practices becomes their neural pathway! If they've practiced avoidance or device dependence, that becomes their default mode. The good news? We can reshape these patterns!

Join me for a FREE webinar on May 14th at 7PM where I'll expand on these concepts and provide practical strategies. Visit my website to register!

Remember parents - you're the role model. What are YOU practicing daily? Your habits shape your child's brain development!

Grab our free milestone app at https://www.connectmybrain.com/app/

Download the Connect My Brain app here: https://www.connectmybrain.com/app/

Request a virtual assessment here: https://www.connectmybrain.com/assessments/

Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connect.my.brain/

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Want help starting or managing your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else! Visit https://marciepaige.com

👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on Apple or Google Play! (it’s free)

As a neurodevelopmental doctor with three decades of experience, I've seen firsthand how parents struggle with children who can't focus, plan ahead, or stay motivated. The most important thing I want you to understand is this: executive function doesn't just magically appear - it develops through specific stages from the very beginning of life.

In today's episode, I explore the fascinating journey of how your child's brain develops the ability to think, plan, and focus. So many parents ask me, "Why can't my child just sit still and concentrate?" The answer lies in understanding their developmental blueprint.

-> Ready to learn more? Join my FREE webinar on May 14th at 7PM where I'll dive deeper into practical strategies for supporting executive function development. Visit http://connectmybrain.com to register!

Enroll in the Parent Membership https://www.connectmybrain.com/parent-membership/

Subscribe to the Connect My Brain YouTube Channel!

SHOW NOTES: https://connectmybrain.com/episode150

What do you want to learn more about? Submit your questions here: https://www.connectmybrain.com/survey/

Phone the office: 678-501-5172

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Want help starting or managing your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else! Visit https://marciepaige.com

Welcome to Connect the Dots: Truth Bombs! Today I'm talking about how your baby's birth experience can affect their development.

I explain why babies born vaginally get important immune benefits from mom's bacteria and how squeezing through the birth canal helps shape their head properly.

As a mom who had a C-section, I share what I wish I'd known then about birth choices. I also talk about what to do if you need a C-section, forceps, or vacuum during delivery.

I give simple tips for making a birth plan and why having a midwife or doula can be so helpful. Remember, being pregnant is natural, not a disease!

This quick 5-minute video might completely change how you think about giving birth.

Grab our free milestone app at https://www.connectmybrain.com/app/

Join Dr. Laura’s parenting membership here: https://www.connectmybrain.com/parent-membership/

Download the Connect My Brain app here: https://www.connectmybrain.com/app/

Request a virtual assessment here: https://www.connectmybrain.com/assessments/

Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connect.my.brain/

Phone the office: 678-501-5172

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Want help starting or managing your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. She helps coaches and course creators create shows that grow their business and connect with listeners. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else. Visit https://marciepaige.com

Did you know that 90% of generic medications in America primarily come from China? In 2019, government advisor Rosemary Gibson revealed shocking information about medication quality and safety. Research found that 13% of generic medications coming into the US were defectively manufactured, containing carcinogens, lead, arsenic, and other toxins. As a parent or patient, you deserve to know what's going into your body.

I also explore the concerning impact of food dyes on our health - especially for children. Red Dye #40 has been linked to allergies, migraines, and immune dysfunction, while Yellow #5 can damage DNA and white blood cells. These synthetic dyes can cause neurobehavioral problems in children and have already been banned in places like California and the UK.

Food companies are getting sneaky too - rebranding dyes with innocent-sounding names like "allura red" or "brilliant blue" to make them seem natural. You'll find these harmful ingredients hiding in popular snacks like M&Ms, Doritos, and many children's cereals.

Enroll in the Parent Membership

Subscribe to the Connect My Brain YouTube Channel!

SHOW NOTES: https://connectmybrain.com/episode148

What do you want to learn more about? Submit your questions here: https://www.connectmybrain.com/survey/

Phone the office: 678-501-5172

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Dreaming of starting your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. She helps coaches and course creators launch shows that grow their business and connect with listeners. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else. Visit https://marciepaige.com

Welcome to Episode 2 of Connect the Dots: Truth Bombs! Today, I'm talking about why pregnancy health matters so much for your baby's growth.

I'll show you why treating mama like a queen isn't just a nice thought—it's truly needed for your baby to develop well! I'll explain how ongoing stress can change mom's brain and even take stress hormones from your baby through the umbilical cord.

Did you know your baby's balance system forms first, then eyes (4-10 weeks), and finally hearing (18 weeks)? These early senses in the womb shape how your child will grow after birth.

Movement is so important! Your baby needs to move in the womb to grow properly, and this movement helps their brain develop too. Babies are fully formed at birth but still learning how to use their bodies—and movement is the key!

Join me as we learn how to give our babies the best possible start!

Grab our free milestone app here

Join Dr. Laura’s parenting membership here

Request a virtual assessment here

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👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on Apple or Google Play! (it’s free)

In this episode of Connect My Brain, I dive into one of my greatest passions – connecting the dots when it comes to your child's health and development. As a practitioner with over 30 years of experience specializing in pediatrics, I've observed how seemingly separate health issues often share common roots.

When we look at mood swings, attention issues, digestive problems, or even chronic infections, conventional medicine often focuses on treating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes. But I believe in looking at the bigger picture – understanding how your gut health, immune system, brain, and overall body function as an interconnected network.

Remember to download our Connect My Brain app to track your child's developmental milestones, and reach out through the website if you have questions about your unique health blueprint!

Enroll in the Parent Membership

Subscribe to the Connect My Brain YouTube Channel!

SHOW NOTES: https://connectmybrain.com/episode146

What do you want to learn more about? Submit your questions here: https://www.connectmybrain.com/survey/

Phone the office: 678-501-5172

This is the first episode of Connecting the Dots: Truth Bombs! Today I break down why your health before pregnancy matters more than you might think. I explain why just "feeling great" isn't enough to know what's actually happening in your body and how your health directly impacts your baby's brain development.

I reveal why traditional lab tests might show "normal" results even when something's wrong, and why I recommend preparing 1-2 years before conception by understanding your body chemistry through functional labs.

Whether you're planning for pregnancy or already have children with developmental concerns, it's never too late to make positive changes to your health or your child's.

Join Dr. Laura’s parenting membership here: https://www.connectmybrain.com/parent-membership/

Download the Connect My Brain app here: https://www.connectmybrain.com/app/

Request a virtual assessment here: https://www.connectmybrain.com/assessments/

Subscribe to the Connect My Brain YouTube Channel!

👉 Enroll in the Parent Membership!

Last week, I attended the Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special Needs (MAPS) conference, and I'm excited to share what I learned with all of you passionate moms out there! With over 600 attendees—90-95% of them medical doctors—it was truly inspiring to see healthcare professionals focusing on finding the "why" behind our children's health challenges rather than just treating symptoms.

As a chiropractor for 30 years, I've witnessed waves of different diagnoses in children—from autism to oppositional defiance, attention issues, gut problems, and now rising mood disorders. What struck me most at the conference was the emphasis on asking why children struggle with attention, experience anxiety, have gut issues, or show dampened moods—rather than just labeling them.

Subscribe to the Connect My Brain YouTube Channel!

SHOW NOTES: https://connectmybrain.com/episode144

Have a topic you want covered in an upcoming episode? Submit your questions here: https://www.connectmybrain.com/survey/

Phone the office: 678-501-5172