How do Children’s Brains Change as they Develop?

Children's brains change significantly during their development, and this has an impact on learning and behaviour. Understanding these changes will help you to support your child, and help them grow into a healthy, confident and social individual.

Parents/carers are the child’s most significant influences in their early years. Later, as children get older, their friends become increasingly important. Because of this, parents often find the adolescent period particularly challenging!

This basic guide will introduce you to some key stages of brain development for your child, and prepare you for the future.

What things influence children’s brain development?

The brain controls everything we do and how we behave – so ensuring healthy development is vital. Various factors contribute to a child’s brain development, including genetics, environment and nutrition.

Which life stage is most important for brain development?

The first stages of a child’s life are most important for the development of a healthy, fully functioning brain. During pregnancy, the mother’s actions can have a huge impact on the unborn child. Medics are adamant that smoking, consuming alcohol or taking any other substances during pregnancy can severely damage the child’s health and brain development. A good balance of nutrients like vitamins, minerals and proteins during pregnancy will ensure that the baby’s brain develops healthily. Plenty of water is also essential for brain hydration - and ensure that your child eats well in childhood, too.

Babies are born with around 10 billion brain cells and the development that occurs early on in the brain provides the foundation for later in life.

How does a child’s environment affect their brain development?

The environment in which a child is raised will also affect the brain’s development. Toxins (poisonous chemicals) in foods, drinks, household goods and even the air can affect it. In terms of the social environment, stimulation through language and positive learning activity are valuable. Encourage learning at home, and - most importantly – make it fun. According to research, 80% of a child’s educational achievement is determined by parental support for learning at home.

Interacting with people – especially one stable, loving carer – is vital to encourage healthy development emotionally, mentally and physically. Your child will respond most effectively to your guidance as you are the constant presence in their short lives so far. And ensuring that your child feels safe and protected will give them the best start in life.

How does the brain develop in the early years of childhood?

The early years of childhood are the most important for brain development. Between birth and 36 months young children gradually develop more effective communication skills, but they are still learning. They find it difficult to process emotions and convey how they are feeling. The inability to communicate clearly and effectively can cause frustration and anger. This period is often referred to as the ‘terrible twos’ (or ‘threes’!), a time of toddler tantrums and meltdowns. It is an incredibly impressionable age – a time of ‘imprinting’ behaviour when the actions and behaviours of others – especially parents and siblings – will be copied.

Scientists suggest that, on average, 80% of adult brain capacity has already been reached by the age of 3, making the early years a vital period for developing skills, emotions and intelligence. A child’s brain develops rapidly between the ages of 3-4. This is when you will really start to notice their developing personalities.

Up to 5 years of age is the period in which synapses in the brain multiply, making vital connections for messages to be communicated. Language, socialisation and understanding develop at this time.

Between 5-6 years is a key time for developing social skills and forming friendships. A significant change in daily routine and relationships usually occurs when your child starts school.

By the age of 8 the human brain already weighs 90% of its full capacity, according to scientists’ estimates. However, although the brain might be almost fully grown in size, it has not matured and developed enough to deal with all of the pressures we all face on a daily basis.

How does the brain change in adolescence and puberty?

The transition from childhood into adulthood can be testing. The brain changes a lot during puberty and adolescence. Teenagers experience huge pressure from both their peers and society. The additional surge of hormonal change during puberty makes for a chaotic mix. Anger and tension can occur as you try to maintain control whilst teenagers assert their independence.

Why do teenagers behave irrationally?

Two key parts of the brain mature at different speeds, which could be the reason for irrational teenage behaviour. The ‘amygdala’ (associated with emotions) matures earlier, and can result in thrill-seeking or risk-taking behaviour. The ‘prefrontal cortex’ is the conductor of the brain’s hormonal orchestra. It moderates social behaviour, plans complex cognitive behaviour, and helps rational decision making – but that part of the brain doesn’t fully mature until the mid-20s. This is why adolescents are impulsive, or act without any thought for the consequences of their actions.

The need to ‘fit in’ means that friends can be a strong influence. Your child may be persuaded to do things they wouldn’t normally do and they may lose interest in things they previously enjoyed.

How do hormones affect teenagers’ brains?

Hormones have a huge effect on our brains. Surges in hormones during adolescence can affect teenagers’ moods and their thinking. You may see changes in their personality. Their sleep patterns may change. They might seem disorganised, moody or irritable. Parents can find it tough when their child becomes distant and withdrawn, or angry and disrespectful. Teenagers want to cut loose of childhood and push the boundaries. This can cause internal conflict within the teenager, as they struggle to control their feelings. It can also cause conflict between themselves and authority figures (parents, teachers). For help in dealing with your teenager, see the NHS site: Live Well.

A teenager’s brain is still in development and it’s a confusing time. They might be demonstrating stereotypical teenage behaviour, but if you suspect there is something more serious going on – or have cause for concern - seek additional support.

So, how do children’s brains change as they develop? A great deal – but it needn’t be a struggle. Set clear boundaries for toddlers or teenagers. Identify appropriate and inappropriate behaviour. Understand that children are not always able to control their own behaviour, and need rules and guidance – until their brains are fully functional! Good luck!

The EQ Knowledge Bank is a resource that tries to answer the questions frequently asked by parents. They might be on education and schooling, or on raising happy and safe children. Whatever you want to know about parenting, we have the information you’re after!