Concerns about children’s ability to focus and perform academically have reached new heights as parents grapple with an increasingly distracting environment. World-renowned neurologist Dr. Majid Fotuhi, MD, Ph.D., addressed these worries in an interview with Newsweek, emphasizing that children’s brains are indeed facing unprecedented challenges.
Dr. Fotuhi, an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University and author of the upcoming book, The Invincible Brain, scheduled for release in March 2026, highlighted that modern children are under more strain than any previous generation. The pervasive influence of the attention economy—characterized by fast-paced videos, constant notifications, and algorithm-driven content—has significantly altered the way young minds engage, leading to difficulties in maintaining sustained attention in academic settings.
In addition to environmental factors, Dr. Fotuhi noted that children today are experiencing reduced sleep, less physical activity, and heightened academic pressure. These changes have profound neurological implications. The brain networks responsible for attention, emotional regulation, and executive function are still developing throughout childhood and adolescence. Dr. Fotuhi explained, “These networks are highly sensitive to lifestyle inputs. When the brain is constantly overstimulated, under-rested, and stressed, these networks become inefficient—not broken, but undertrained.”
Furthermore, the disparity between a child’s ability to focus on engaging video games versus struggling with schoolwork illustrates the dynamic nature of the brain’s capacity. Dr. Fotuhi remarked, “The brain can weaken under strain, but it can also strengthen with the right inputs.”
Lifestyle factors significantly impact this neurological development. Inconsistent sleep patterns can lead to a foggy, impulsive brain. Diets high in ultra-processed foods can impair blood flow and elevate inflammation, while chronic stress can diminish memory centers, making learning more challenging. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle deprives the brain of essential growth factors needed for attention and emotional stability.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Fotuhi offers hope: the negative effects of modern living are reversible. Drawing from his research and clinical experience, he proposed five actionable steps parents can implement to enhance their child’s brain function over a period of eight to twelve weeks. “The key is consistency and structure,” he advised. “Small changes, done daily, can reshape brain networks surprisingly quickly.”
Five Steps to Enhance Cognitive Development
The first recommendation is to stabilize sleep. Parents should establish consistent bedtimes and wake-up times, even on weekends, and eliminate screens at least one hour before bedtime.
The second step focuses on nutrition. Dr. Fotuhi urges parents to provide meals rich in protein, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains while reducing ultra-processed snacks and sugary drinks. He emphasizes the importance of viewing food as brain fuel rather than mere calories.
Daily physical activity is the third step. Engaging in 30 to 60 minutes of exercise—whether through sports, walking, biking, or active play—is essential for brain health.
The fourth recommendation is to create structure at home. Implementing visual schedules, clear routines, and defined work-and-break periods can lower stress and free cognitive resources for learning.
Lastly, parents should intentionally train their child’s brain. Incorporating working-memory games, attention exercises, mindfulness practices, and coaching in organization or time management can strengthen cognitive networks directly.
Dr. Fotuhi concludes, “When these steps are combined and personalized, parents often see meaningful improvements within eight to twelve weeks—not just in school performance, but in confidence, emotional balance, and family harmony.”
By following these practical strategies, parents can significantly enhance their children’s cognitive development and overall well-being, paving the way for a brighter future.
