Dos and Don’ts for the Developing Brain

In this article, we will list and explain what should be done and what should be avoided for healthy brain development.

Dos for the Developing Brain

1. Real-world, hands-on experiences

Children's brains develop through actual experiences. Think cooking together, building with blocks, gardening, even folding laundry. These activities engage multiple senses and require problem-solving.

• Exercise
• Experiences in nature
• Cooking
• Handwork
• Conversation
• Reading
• Writing
  etc.

It is especially good to consciously incorporate activities that use the hands (tidying, cooking, origami, etc.). Hands are heavily represented in the brain's motor cortex. Activities using hands literally build neural pathways.

2. Independence

Enable them to do things for themselves.
Enable them to make choices for themselves and experience the results.

3. Connection with nature

Nature provides endless sensory input and unpredictable challenges that indoor environments cannot match. Every season offers different learning opportunities.

• Interact with various living things.
• Observe.
• Feel the changes of the four seasons.
• Nature games.
  etc.

Exposure to natural environments lowers cortisol, supports attentional recovery (including improvements in selective attention and executive function), and offers rich multisensory experiences.

4. Sensory and movement exploration

The brain learns through the body. Movement isn't just exercise, it's how children understand space, physics, and their own capabilities.

• Use the five senses.
• Sports.
• Art activities.
  etc.

5. A safe-to-fail environment

Do not get angry even when they fail. Make it so they understand what to do when they fail. Be careful not to overpraise, and be mindful so that they can maintain a spirit of challenge and a desire to improve.

Don’ts for the Developing Brain

1. Yelling and fear-based discipline

When children face frequent yelling or threats, their amygdala (fear center) goes into overdrive. This floods their system with cortisol(stress hormones). Over time, this actually shrinks the prefrontal cortex—the part responsible for self-control and decision-making. It can lead to increased anxiety and impulsivity.

What this looks like:

• "If you don't listen, I'm leaving without you!"
• Raising your voice to get compliance
• Using shame or humiliation

Try instead:

• Keep your voice calm, even when setting firm limits
• "I see you're upset. Let's figure this out together."
• Create predictable consequences rather than threats
• Maintain an environment that provides a sense of security even when they fail.

2. Overprotection and overinterference

If parents do everything for the child or constantly issue instructions, the child has fewer opportunities to think for themselves, which may delay the development of problem-solving ability and self-efficacy. The brain’s executive functions (planning and judgment) become harder to cultivate.

What this looks like:

• The parent does all the toy tidying up
• Giving detailed instructions on how to play and how to behave

Try instead:

• Give time to try things on their own and prioritize a watchful stance.
• Limit assistance to the bare minimum.

3. Monotonous, under-stimulating environments

When sensory and motor stimulation is scarce, the formation of neural circuits in the brain becomes insufficient, and the development of sensory integration and motor abilities can be delayed.

What this looks like:

• Playing only with the same toys every day
• A tendency to stay indoors, with no nature or outdoor play

Try instead:

• Have them experience diverse materials (wood, nuts, cloth, stones, sand, etc.) and movements (running, climbing, etc.).
• Provide environments with nature and change.

4. Sleep deprivation

Sleep is essential for the brain’s memory consolidation and synaptic strengthening. If sleep is insufficient during this period, learning ability and emotional regulation may decline, and stress tolerance may also weaken.

What this looks like:

• Staying up late at night
• Naps that are irregular and too short

Try instead:

• For 2–3-year-olds, ensure 11–14 hours of sleep per day (night + naps).
• Create a regular daily rhythm.
• Consistent bedtime routine.
• Dark, cool, quiet sleep environment.

5. Excessive sugar and processed foods

Diets high in sugar and additives cause rapid fluctuations in blood glucose, which can adversely affect the brain’s concentration and emotional stability. Long-term nutritional deficiencies also affect neural development.

What this looks like:

• Giving mostly sweets and juice
• Meals with a skewed nutritional balance

Try instead:

• Center meals on natural ingredients (vegetables, fruits, whole grains).
• Keep processed foods to a minimum.

6. Social isolation

When engagement with others is limited, the development of brain regions responsible for language development, sociality, and empathy (e.g., the mirror neuron system) may be delayed. At this stage, much learning occurs through imitation and dialogue.

What this looks like:

• Hardly interacting with anyone other than the parent(s)
• Spending the entire day alone

Try instead:

• Have appropriate interactions with family members and nearby children.
• Create opportunities to naturally come into contact with people through parks and walks.