The brain and behaviour

The human brain is a fascinating and complex organ that controls everything from our thoughts to our emotions. Two key areas that play a big role in children’s behaviour are the neocortex and the limbic system.

The neocortex is the logical, thinking part of the brain. It helps us solve problems, make decisions and use language. In contrast, the limbic system is where our emotions live - it’s responsible for feelings like happiness, anger and fear.

One important thing to understand is that we’re generally not good at using both parts at once. We’re often either thinking or feeling - not both.

When a child is crying, yelling or throwing a tantrum, their limbic system has taken the lead. At that moment, they’re not able to think clearly or respond logically - they simply can’t access the neocortex.

By understanding that these behaviours are a natural part of brain development, parents and carers can respond with empathy. Rather than expecting a child to “reason” in the heat of the moment, we can offer calm support - and help them reflect once they’ve settled.

This simple insight can make a big difference in how we connect with and support our children as they grow.