Nourishing the Brain to Support the Whole Child
We ask a lot of young children. Day in and day out. Everywhere they go.
We expect them to learn their ABCs, count to 100, follow instructions, sit still, wait their turn, share, stay focused, and remember where they put their shoes.
But we don’t always stop to ask: Do they have the fuel they need to do all that?
Scenario: A Tale of Two Breakfasts
Let’s imagine two children — both about five years old — walking into a classroom on the same morning.
Child A eats what’s typical in the Standard American Diet (SAD):
A PopTart or sugary cereal
Juice or chocolate milk
Quick, easy, and marketed toward kids
By 9:30 AM, Child A is already struggling:
Eyes glazed over, slouching on the rug
Can’t remember what comes after the letter D
Constantly touching their neighbor during circle
Bursts into tears when they can’t get their coat on right
They’re not “bad.” They’re not “behind.” They’re hungry — not really for food, but for real nourishment. Their body is struggling to process the world around them missing important parts that make up the whole child.
Now let’s look at Child B, who started their day with:
Scrambled eggs, berries, and toast with nut butter
A glass of water or milk
Child B at 9:30:
Alert and ready
Calm, engaged, and focused
Able to pause, listen, and follow through on a task
Less reactive when something doesn’t go their way
Same classroom. Same expectations. Two very different experiences — because of what was (or wasn’t) on the plate that morning.
It’s All Connected: Food, Behavior & Learning
Research continues to show links between nutrition and outcomes in children:
Low levels of iron or zinc are associated with attention difficulties.
Artificial dyes and preservatives have been shown to increase hyperactivity.
Omega‑3s are essential for memory, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
When we nourish the brain, we aren’t just helping kids grow physically — we’re giving them the ability to:
Stay with a task even when it’s hard
Self-regulate during conflict
Recover from frustration
Participate in joyful, focused learning
Want to Learn More?
Join us this month for our Nourish the Whole Child workshop with certified health coach BobiJo Bode.
We’ll talk more about the food–behavior–brain connection and introduce simple ways to shift your family’s habits without shame or stress.
Location: Montessori Moments Studio
Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 6:00 PM
