Brain Matters

Understanding Your Child From the Inside Out

Brain-Based Truths Every Parent Should Know

One minute they’re sweet and cooperative, the next they’re acting out or overwhelmed and you have no idea why. Whether you're parenting a toddler or a teen, one thing’s for sure: behavior can feel like a mystery, but not one you need to solve alone.

Brain Matters, brought to you by UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics, helps parents make sense of what’s happening inside their child’s growing mind—and why it matters for their health, behavior, emotions, and development.


What's Going On In There?

Understanding these stages helps you set realistic expectations and support your child as they grow.


Parenting with the Brain in Mind

You don’t need a neuroscience degree to understand your child’s brain—just curiosity and care. Brain Matters, created by the child health experts at UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics, shifts the focus from "What’s wrong?" to "What’s going on in their brain?" When you replace frustration with understanding, everything changes—connection deepens, behavior improves, and parenting feels more rewarding.

With Brain Matters, you’ll get:

  • Simple, science-backed explanations of brain development at every stage
  • Proven strategies to enhance learning, emotional resilience, and confidence
  • Practical tools for fostering healthy habits and strong communication
  • Encouragement to trust your instincts and embrace the parenting journey

Because the more you understand their brain, the more confident you’ll feel supporting your child—today, and for the future.


Tools for Growing Minds


Partners in Pediatric Care