Supporting children’s brain development is about much more than focusing on one factor in isolation.
At the recent Food for the Brain SMART Kids Conference, a clear message emerged from expert Dr. Tommy Wood: helping children thrive requires a systems approach, where nutrition, sleep, play, emotional health, and learning opportunities all come together.

In his session, “A Systems-Based Model for Smart Kids,” Dr. Wood explained that the brain develops over a huge window of time — not just in early childhood, but continuing into early adulthood. While the brain grows most rapidly in the first few years after birth, it remains dynamic and adaptable throughout life. This means there is always an opportunity for supporting children’s brain development, no matter their age.

The idea that you must “get it all right” during the early years is misleading. Although early childhood is important, opportunities to improve brain function, resilience, and wellbeing continue throughout adolescence and beyond. Even small changes later on can have powerful, positive effects.

Why Supporting Children’s Brain Development is About More Than One Thing

One of the most important points made at the conference was that brain health is a system — not a checklist. According to Dr. Wood’s research, the brain depends on three key interacting areas:

• Use: Challenging and stimulating the brain through play, curiosity, and learning builds stronger connections.
• Structure: Providing the building blocks through good nutrition, sleep, and physical activity supports brain tissue health.
• Process: Managing stress, nurturing emotional wellbeing, and creating a supportive environment ensures the brain functions optimally.

Rather than aiming for perfection in one area, supporting children’s brain development means working steadily across multiple areas.
For example:

• Encouraging daily physical activity can boost memory and cognitive flexibility.
• Making small improvements in diet, like including more fruits and healthy fats, can support emotional regulation.
• Ensuring a consistent bedtime routine can enhance focus and learning the next day.

The good news is that these changes don’t have to be drastic. A small shift — a bit more outdoor play, one extra vegetable at dinner, fifteen minutes of quiet reading together — can create ripples across the whole system.

Importantly, the conference also highlighted that every child is unique. Genetics, environment, and personal experiences all shape brain development. As a parent, being flexible, compassionate, and willing to adjust your approach is essential.

Parents were reassured that they don’t need to stress about achieving perfection. The brain thrives on positive input over time — not on being perfect from day one.

Final Thoughts: Supporting Children’s Brain Development at Every Stage

Supporting children’s brain development is not about perfection. As the Food for the Brain SMART Kids Conference highlighted, it’s about building good habits across different areas of life — learning, sleeping, eating, moving, and managing emotions. Every positive step counts. Even small actions, repeated consistently, can strengthen your child’s brain resilience, confidence, and curiosity.

By working with the brain as a connected system, parents can help their children grow into resilient, curious, and emotionally strong individuals — ready to face the world with confidence.

Supporting children’s brain development isn’t a sprint or a strict formula. It’s a long, dynamic journey — and every little thing you do to support them matters.