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Hemisphericity, Play, and Screen Time: Helping Kids’ Brains Grow in Balance

Hemisphericity, Play, and Screen Time: Top Tips to Help Kids’ Brains Grow in Balance

Does your child struggle with focus, meltdowns, or emotional ups and downs? It may not just be “behavior.” Many times, the root cause lies in how the two sides of the brain — the left (logic, structure) and the right (creativity, emotion) — are developing.

This concept is called hemisphericity. When one side of the brain grows faster than the other, kids may experience challenges with learning, self-regulation, and attention. The good news? Parents have powerful tools to help strengthen both hemispheres and create balance.

How Hemisphericity Affects Kids’ Development

Think of your child’s brain like a sports team. The left brain is the planner — it thrives on structure, organization, and problem-solving. The right brain is the creator — it fuels imagination, emotions, and big-picture thinking.

When one side is “carrying the team” while the other lags behind, kids can show signs like:

  • Trouble paying attention

  • Frequent meltdowns or mood swings

  • Difficulty with schoolwork or new tasks

  • Emotional sensitivity or quick frustration

By helping both sides of the brain develop together, we give kids the tools they need for smoother learning, calmer emotions, and stronger resilience.

Play vs. Screen Time: Fuel for Brain Growth

One of the biggest influences on brain balance is how kids spend their free time.

  • Play — especially movement-based and imaginative play — activates multiple areas of the brain at once. Dancing, climbing, building, and role-playing all help the two hemispheres “talk” to each other.

  • Screens — while not all bad — tend to stimulate one side of the brain repetitively. Hours of scrolling or gaming can create an imbalance, leaving the brain less flexible and adaptable.

That’s why balance matters: screens can be a tool, but play is the true workout for your child’s growing brain.

How Chiropractic Care Supports Brain and Nervous System Growth

The nervous system is the communication highway between the brain and the body. When there’s stress or interference in that system, it can affect how well the two sides of the brain coordinate.

Gentle chiropractic adjustments help:

  • Improve nervous system communication

  • Enhance focus and attention

  • Reduce stress responses that lead to meltdowns

  • Support healthy development at every stage of childhood

When paired with intentional play and mindful screen time, chiropractic care helps kids thrive by keeping their “team” connected and balanced.

Checklist for Parents: How to Decrease Screen Time & Boost Play

  • Create a tech-free zone before bed (at least 1 hour).

  • Mix structured activities (puzzles, board games, building sets) with unstructured play (imaginative play, running, art).

  • Encourage movement-based play (dancing, playground fun, sports) to fuel both hemispheres.

  • Schedule regular chiropractic check-ups to keep the nervous system balanced and adaptable.

What Experts Say About Screen Time

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) gives clear guidelines for screen use:

  • 👶 Under 18 months → Only video chatting.

  • 👧 Ages 2–5 → Max of 1 hour/day of high-quality content — and watch with them!

  • 👦 Ages 6+ → Set consistent limits so screens don’t replace sleep, play, or family time.

💡 Remember: balance is key — screens should be a tool, not a babysitter.

                                              Learn more and watch Dr Seans video below