What a Child’s Brain Needs to Thrive: Dr. Daniel Amen on Anxiety, ADHD, Screens, and Building Mental Strength

In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, Tammy sits down with Dr. Daniel Amen, physician, double board-certified psychiatrist, founder of Amen Clinics, and author of *Raising Mentally Strong Kids", for a powerful conversation about children’s brain health.

Dr. Amen explains why we need to shift the way we talk about “mental health” and begin thinking more deeply about brain health. He shares how children’s brains are shaped by everyday choices — including nutrition, sleep, movement, screens, stress, connection, substances, and the environments they grow up in.

Together, Tammy and Dr. Amen explore how parents can teach children to love and care for their brains, rather than simply nagging them about what not to do. They discuss practical ways to support children with ADHD, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and low resilience by looking at the brain and body as deeply connected systems.

In this episode, we discuss:

▪️ Why “mental health” is really brain health

▪️ How brain health impacts anxiety, ADHD, mood, learning, and resilience

▪️ Why gut health matters for children’s emotional well-being

▪️ The role of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and blood sugar regulation

▪️ Why screens and social media can affect dopamine and motivation

▪️ The importance of delaying smartphones and setting technology boundaries

▪️ How sleep, movement, sunlight, and exercise support the developing brain

▪️ Why connection, listening, and attachment help protect children’s mental health