As a parent, you’ve probably wondered why your child struggles with certain behaviors, has difficulty focusing, or seems overwhelmed by everyday situations. The answer often lies in understanding how their nervous system works. Your child’s developing brain and nervous system control everything from sleep patterns to emotional regulation, and when something isn’t functioning optimally, it shows up in ways that can leave you feeling frustrated and searching for answers. In this guide, we’ll explore how your child’s nervous system develops, what can disrupt it, and most importantly, how you can support their neurological health for better behavior, learning, and overall well-being.
Proudly serving families in Cooper City, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, and throughout Broward County, FL.
What Is Your Child’s Nervous System?
Think of your child’s nervous system as the master control center for their entire body. It’s made up of the brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves that branch out to every part of their body. This incredible network is responsible for everything your child does, thinks, and feels.
The Two Main Parts
Your child’s nervous system has two main components:
- Central Nervous System (CNS): The brain and spinal cord that process information and make decisions
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): All the nerves that carry messages between the CNS and the rest of the body
Key Functions in Daily Life
Key Takeaway: The nervous system controls functions you see every day in your child:
- Movement and coordination
- Learning and memory
- Emotional regulation
- Sleep patterns
- Digestion and immune function
- Response to stress and environment
How Your Child’s Nervous System Develops
Understanding nervous system development helps explain why some children face challenges that others don’t. Development happens in stages, and disruptions at any point can affect how well the system functions.
Critical Development Periods
- Prenatal (Before Birth): The foundation is laid during pregnancy
- Birth Process: A critical transition that can impact spinal alignment
- Early Childhood (0-3 years): Rapid brain growth and connection formation
- School Age (4-12 years): Refinement of motor skills and cognitive abilities
- Adolescence: Final maturation of the prefrontal cortex
The Perfect Storm Framework
A Parent’s Perspective: Many children in Cooper City, Pembroke Pines, Weston, and Southwest Ranches face what we call the “Perfect Storm” – three factors that can disrupt healthy nervous system development:
- Birth Trauma: Even “normal” births can cause spinal misalignments
- Environmental Toxins: Chemical exposures that stress the developing system
- Chronic Stress: Emotional, physical, or chemical stressors that overwhelm the system
Signs Your Child’s Nervous System Needs Support
When a child’s nervous system isn’t functioning optimally, it shows up in various ways. These signs often lead parents to seek help for various conditions without realizing the nervous system connection.
Behavioral and Emotional Signs
- Difficulty focusing or hyperactivity (often labeled as ADHD)
- Excessive worry or fearfulness
- Meltdowns that seem disproportionate to the situation
- Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
- Aggressive behavior or emotional outbursts
Physical and Developmental Signs
Did You Know? According to the Sleep Foundation, nervous system dysfunction often manifests as:
- Sleep difficulties or frequent night waking
- Digestive issues or picky eating
- Coordination challenges or clumsiness
- Sensitivity to sounds, textures, or lights
- Frequent illness or low immunity
- Delayed speech or learning difficulties
Sensory Processing Challenges
Many children struggle with sensory processing, which is directly related to nervous system function. Signs include:
- Over- or under-reaction to sensory input
- Seeking or avoiding certain textures, sounds, or movements
- Difficulty filtering background noise
- Problems with body awareness or spatial relations
The Nervous System-Spine Connection
Your child’s spine isn’t just about posture – it houses and protects the spinal cord, which is the main highway for nervous system communication.
When spinal alignment is compromised, it can interfere with this vital communication.
How Misalignments Affect Function
Spinal misalignments, called subluxations, can:
- Disrupt nerve signal transmission
- Create tension in the nervous system
- Affect the body’s stress response
- Impact sleep, digestion, and immune function
- Influence behavior and emotional regulation
Common Causes in Children
- Birth process stress or intervention
- Falls and accidents during development
- Poor posture from device use
- Emotional stress and tension
- Repetitive activities or sports injuries
Supporting Your Child’s Nervous System Health
The good news is that there are many ways to support your child’s nervous system development and function. A comprehensive approach addresses both lifestyle factors and professional care.
At-Home Strategies
Create a Calm Environment:
- Establish consistent routines
- Reduce screen time, especially before bed
- Create quiet spaces for regulation
- Use calming activities like reading or gentle music
Nutrition for Nervous System Health:
Quick Tip: The American Academy of Pediatrics sleep guidelines recommend these nutritional approaches:
- Focus on whole foods and limit processed options
- Include omega-3 fatty acids
- Ensure adequate hydration
- Consider removing artificial colors and preservatives
Movement and Play:
- Encourage outdoor play and nature exploration
- Include activities that cross the body’s midline
- Practice balance and coordination games
- Allow for unstructured free play
Professional Neurological Care
Neurologically-focused chiropractic care specifically addresses the nervous system’s function through gentle spinal adjustments and nervous system assessments. As documented in peer-reviewed research on PubMed, this approach:
- Identifies areas of nervous system dysfunction
- Uses gentle techniques appropriate for children
- Supports the body’s natural healing ability
- Addresses root causes rather than just symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chiropractic care safe for children?
Yes, when performed by a trained pediatric chiropractor, neurological chiropractic care is very safe for children. The techniques used are gentle and specifically adapted for a child’s developing spine and nervous system. Many parents in Cooper City and surrounding areas have found it helpful for their children’s various challenges.
At what age can my child start receiving chiropractic care?
Children can benefit from neurological chiropractic care from birth. In fact, many parents bring their newborns for assessment after birth to address any stress from the delivery process. The techniques are modified based on the child’s age, size, and specific needs.
How long does it take to see improvements in my child?
Every child responds differently to care. Some parents notice changes within the first few visits, while others see gradual improvements over several weeks or months. The timeline depends on factors like your child’s age, how long the issues have been present, and their overall health status.
Can neurological chiropractic care help with ADHD and anxiety?
While we don’t treat specific conditions, many parents report improvements in their children’s focus, behavior, and emotional regulation when nervous system function improves through chiropractic care. Anxiety and attention challenges often have nervous system components that can be addressed through this approach.
What should I expect during my child’s first visit?
The first visit includes a thorough consultation about your child’s health history, development, and current challenges. We may perform gentle assessments to evaluate nervous system function and spinal alignment. Everything is explained to both you and your child to ensure comfort throughout the process.
Does insurance cover neurologically-focused chiropractic care?
Because we are neurologically-focused rather than a typical back-pain chiropractor, most major medical insurance plans do not cover what we do. Our approach is more specialized and more intensive than what insurance was designed for. However, we accept HSA and FSA — which many families have and don’t realize they can use for this. We also offer family discounts and flexible options to make care affordable. We always find a way for families who are committed to their child’s health.
Your Child’s Nervous System Health Matters
Understanding your child’s nervous system is the first step toward helping them thrive. When their nervous system functions optimally, everything else can improve – from behavior and learning to sleep and emotional regulation. If you’re a parent in Cooper City, Pembroke Pines, Weston, or Southwest Ranches searching for answers to your child’s challenges, know that you’re not alone and that help is available.
At Alive & Free Chiropractic, Dr. Cody Capeloto specializes in neurologically-focused care that addresses the root causes of children’s health challenges. Don’t wait to give your child the support they need for optimal nervous system development. Schedule your child’s nervous system assessment today or call us at (754) 203-5907 to take the first step toward helping your little one live alive and free.