Today I wanted to focus on something absolutely fundamental to our health and development: chemistry. By chemistry, I mean the fuel that runs the human body.

At Connect My Brain, I focus on the mechanical, chemical, and brain aspects of development. While I've talked extensively about mechanics (those developmental milestones children need to accomplish) and the brain (how movement wires up neural pathways), today I'm diving into that crucial third piece—the chemistry that makes it all possible.

Without the correct fuel, it's incredibly difficult to make lasting neurological changes. This is one of the biggest challenges I face in my practice: helping families understand why the chemical aspect is so important for bringing everything together.

Want to learn more? Visit http://connectmybrain.com to explore our summer program and reach out with any questions. I'm here to help your family thrive!

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In today's episode, I dive deep into the fascinating connection between gut health and brain development in children. As a doctor who specializes in developmental health, I've seen firsthand how everything in our bodies is connected, and the belly is no exception to this rule.

I begin by emphasizing the importance of parental health before conception. Many young couples tell me they feel great, but few actively prepare their bodies for pregnancy. This preparation is crucial because the state of health at conception directly impacts the quality of what goes into creating new life.

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SHOW NOTES: https://connectmybrain.com/episode142

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Phone the office: 678-501-5172

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As a healthcare provider and educator, I've seen firsthand how parental commitment can transform a child's developmental journey. Through my work at Connect My Brain, I've developed what I call the "five-two rule" - where children work with us twice weekly while families manage five days at home. I can't stress enough that success largely depends on parents' dedication to following through with our recommended exercises and lifestyle changes.

From my years of experience, I've learned that cellular-level changes require time and consistency. Typically, we see noticeable improvements within 90 days of committed effort. But here's what I want parents to understand - we shouldn't just accept limitations or wait to "see if they grow out of it." I've witnessed remarkable improvements in families who've dedicated themselves to our program, which addresses mechanical, chemical, and brain-based aspects of development.

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Today, I wanted to speak directly to YOU - the parents who are working so hard to help your children thrive. As both a mom and a doctor who has spent 30 years helping families, I truly understand what you're going through when your child faces developmental challenges.

Let me share something I call the "five-two rule." While I might see your child twice a week in my practice, you're with them five days a week. This means you, as parents, are the most powerful force in your child's progress. Over my years of practice, I've seen parenting styles change dramatically, and I want to help you understand why certain ages are so crucial for developing good habits.

I've seen firsthand how developmental delays affect the whole family, especially our dads. Fathers often feel this intense pressure to "fix" everything, and it can be really hard when they can't. I want to be clear - we shouldn't brush off delayed development as "just normal." Early help makes such a difference in your child's journey.

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SHOW NOTES: https://connectmybrain.com/episode140

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Phone the office: 678-501-5172

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Ever wonder why some kids can resist that tempting cookie while others dive right in? Today we are breaking down the fascinating science behind impulse control in children - and it's not as simple as just saying "no."

Whether you're dealing with an impulsive kiddo or just curious about how little brains develop, this episode delivers practical advice backed by solid science, all wrapped up in easy-to-understand examples that make total sense for real-world parenting.

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SHOW NOTES: https://connectmybrain.com/episode139

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Phone the office: 678-501-5172

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Today, I talked about something that's really close to my heart - how our immune system and brain development are connected, especially in kids. You know what's crazy? About one in three kids these days isn't developing quite the way they should, and as a mom and doctor, that really gets me thinking. 

n this episode, we also talked about stress (because who isn't stressed these days, right?), and how it affects both parents and kids. When we're stressed, it actually changes how blood flows to our brain, which impacts everything from how we handle emotions to how we make decisions. But here's the good news - it's never too late to make changes that can help our brains work better.

Whether you're thinking about having kids someday, expecting a little one, or already in the parenting trenches, this episode is packed with practical tips to help create the best environment for your child's brain to thrive. And remember, small changes can make a big difference - we just need to take that first step!

The best part? You don't need a medical degree to understand this stuff. It's all about making small, meaningful changes that can help our kids (and us!) feel and function better. Because at the end of the day, isn't that what we all want for our families?

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SHOW NOTES: https://connectmybrain.com/episode137

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Phone the office: 678-501-5172

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Let me share some fascinating insights about how a mother's health during pregnancy affects her baby's brain development. The connection between our immune system and our baby's developing brain is truly remarkable.

Think of the immune system during pregnancy as a blueprint for baby's brain development. Whether dealing with a virus like COVID-19, managing an old infection like mono, or experiencing high levels of stress, it all impacts how the brain develops. The fascinating part? The baby doesn't even need to get sick - just the mother's immune response can influence brain development patterns.

When explaining brain development to parents, comparing it to gardening helps make it clear. The brain starts with abundant neural connections and naturally trims away the unnecessary ones, keeping the vital pathways. The vestibular system in the inner ear plays a crucial role too, affecting everything from movement to emotional processing.

Many parents are surprised to learn just how significant stress during pregnancy can be. High stress levels can affect how a baby's brain develops, potentially impacting movement, thinking, and language skills. This isn't about creating guilt - it's about understanding how to support healthier pregnancies.

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SHOW NOTES: https://connectmybrain.com/episode137

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Phone the office: 678-501-5172

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Today's discussion delves into the fascinating world of neuroimmune development and its profound impact on children's health, particularly during pregnancy and early childhood.

Recent research about "pandemic babies" (children born after March 2020) reveals important findings about how maternal inflammation can affect fetal brain development, even without direct infection. Using a favorite analogy of tiddlywinks, the complex concepts of neural circuit development become clearer, making brain development more understandable for parents and caregivers.

The episode emphasizes the critical nature of developmental windows - those key periods when the brain, gut, and immune system are forming. Environmental factors during these times can significantly influence a child's future health. Drawing from decades of clinical experience, the crucial connection between gut health and neurological development becomes evident, leading to practical solutions for parents dealing with picky eaters and nutritional challenges.

SHOW NOTES: https://connectmybrain.com/episode136

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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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Today, Dr. Laura Hanson sits down with Dr. Zelinsky from the Mind-Eye Institute to discuss the fascinating connection between vision, brain function, and overall development. Dr. Zelinsky brings a unique perspective to optometry, focusing on how the entire visual system—not just central eyesight—affects learning, attention, and behavior.

For parents concerned about their child's development, this episode offers hope and practical insights. The Mind-Eye Institute's approach goes beyond traditional vision care to address the complex relationship between visual processing and brain function.

Want to learn more about how vision might be affecting your child? Visit http://mindeye.com or call 847-501-2020. The Mind-Eye Institute team can help you figure out if this approach could help your child succeed.

Remember: Sometimes the solution isn't about seeing better—it's about helping the brain process what it sees in a better way.

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SHOW NOTES: https://connectmybrain.com/episode135

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

Phone the office: 678-501-5172

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

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.

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.

Watch Laura’s video podcast!

SHOW NOTES: https://connectmybrain.com/episode134

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

Phone the office: 678-501-5172