As a parent of a young child, you’re likely balancing school schedules, practice times, and game days — all while wondering if you're doing everything you can to support your young one’s development.
One area that may get overlooked in the hustle and bustle? Cognitive growth.
When mental development isn’t prioritized, children may struggle with concentration, memory retention, and decision-making—challenges that can affect both their academic performance and their ability to excel in sports and social settings.
Prioritizing a child's cognitive growth means nurturing their ability to think, reason, and understand their surroundings. Recognizing how mental development influences various aspects of a child's life— from academics to social skills and sports—can significantly impact their overall performance.
At Cover Three, our Kid’s Brain Boost supplement is formulated to help children of all ages and activity levels focus and nourish their brains. We’re committed to protecting developing minds, and we want to help children develop strong attention spans and mental clarity.
So, let’s dive into what cognitive development means, why it matters for young athletes, and how you can support more complex thinking as a parent.
The Brain-Body Connection in Child Development
Physical activity isn’t just great for building strength and agility — it plays a significant role in brain development in children.
Research shows that regular exercise boosts cognitive functions like memory, focus, and problem-solving. In fact, a 2003 meta-analysis found that physical activity had a significant positive impact on children's perceptual skills and academic readiness.
For athletes, this connection is even more powerful. Think about it: decision-making, quick reflexes, and strategic thinking are all brain-powered skills.
When kids move their bodies, they’re not just training muscles — they’re training their minds. Activities like soccer, basketball, and gymnastics require constant mental adjustments, helping kids develop mental flexibility and faster processing speeds.
The Science of a Child’s Cognitive Development
Cognitive development refers to how children acquire, process, and apply knowledge. It involves skills like attention, memory, language development, and executive function — the set of skills that helps with planning, decision-making, and self-regulation.
According to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, brain development is most rapid in the early years, but the brain remains adaptable throughout childhood and adolescence.
Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that support the growth of new neurons. It also triggers the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for learning and memory.
Studies have even found that kids who engage in regular physical activity score higher on tests of executive function and academic achievement.
Abstract Thinking & Mental Reps Matter
We all know practice makes perfect, and that applies to the mental field as much as the physical field. Techniques like visualization — where athletes picture themselves executing plays or scoring goals — help build mental resilience and develop abstract thinking skills.
In 2021, researchers studied 55 fin swimmers. Their work found that athletes who underwent imagery training demonstrated enhanced imagery ability and better psychological stability.
Imagery training involves athletes mentally visualizing themselves performing their sport, which helps improve focus, mental resilience, and performance under pressure. For fin swimmers, this means being able to visualize techniques, perfect strokes, and stay composed during competitions. This type of cognitive training strengthens the brain, helping athletes improve reaction time, mental clarity, and overall performance.
Programs like Hockey IntelliGym, developed with USA Hockey, have proven this point. Kids who participated in off-ice cognitive training saw a reduction in injuries and improvements in their overall game sense.
Even outside of sports, mental exercises like mindfulness and meditation can enhance focus, reduce anxiety, and improve emotional regulation — all critical components of more complex thinking processes.
How Parents Can Support Cognitive Development
You don’t need a psychology degree to support your child’s brain health. Here are a few simple, impactful ways to encourage strong mental development:
(1) Encourage a Variety of Activities
Expose your child to different sports, games, and physical activities. This broadens their cognitive development toolkit and helps prevent burnout.
For example, activities like martial arts can improve discipline and focus, while team sports can enhance communication and cooperation. Social activities, such as clubs and playdates, can help them form personal decision-making skills and influence relationships.
(2) Prioritize Rest and Recovery
Sleep is like a reset button for the brain. Make sure your child is getting enough rest to consolidate learning and recharge for strong cognitive development.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, children aged 6–12 (middle childhood) need 9–12 hours of sleep per night for optimal cognitive and physical development. In early adolescence to early adulthood(ages 13 to 18), kids should sleep at least 8 to 10 hours per day.
(3) Talk About Mental Wellness
Create a safe space for your child to talk about stress, performance pressure, or school struggles. Emotional health is a huge piece of cognitive development and developing their own identity.
Teaching kids to identify and express their emotions can help them build resilience and develop healthy coping strategies.
(4) Incorporate Brain Training Games
Memory games, puzzles, and strategy-based video games can all help sharpen cognitive skills in a fun, low-stakes way. Apps like Lumosity or Peak offer games specifically designed to target cognitive abilities like attention, memory, and problem-solving.
(5) Promote Healthy Brain Nutrition
What kids eat can directly impact brain function. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and walnuts, support brain health, while leafy greens, berries, and whole grains provide essential vitamins and antioxidants that protect brain cells and support cognitive processes.
(6) Support Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
During the formal operational stage (typically beginning around age 11 or 12), parents can support their child's cognitive growth by encouraging activities that stimulate abstract thinking and problem-solving.
Provide opportunities for them to explore complex ideas, ask open-ended questions, and engage in strategic games or discussions. These activities promote logical reasoning, decision-making, and hypothesis testing—skills that are vital for both academic and athletic success.
You can also encourage them to plan ahead and think critically about challenges. This helps them build the confidence and resilience they need to navigate life’s obstacles.
The Role of Brain Development Supplements for Kids
While a well-rounded diet is the foundation of brain health, nutritional gaps can happen — especially for young athletes with demanding schedules (or picky young eaters).
High-quality brain supplements can help bridge the gap in your child’s diet. For example, Cover Three offers science-backed brain health supplements designed to support cognitive function, memory, and mental focus.
Our brain supplements for children and athletes contain essential nutrients such as:
- Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA & EPA) for brain development and function
- Curcumin to help protect the brain from oxidative stress
- Trans-Resveratrol to support blood flow to the brain
Adding a brain development supplement for kids to your family’s routine can support their cognitive development, especially when paired with a healthy diet, physical activity, and quality sleep.
Of course, it’s always best to discuss your child’s cognitive development needs with their healthcare provider before introducing any new brain supplements or kids' vitamins.
Support Brain Health in Children With Cover Three
At the end of the day, supporting your kid’s brain and cognitive development is about giving them the tools to face personal problems, think critically, and trust themselves — whether they’re in the middle of a championship sports game or tackling a tough math problem.
Every pass, every practice, and every conversation contributes to cognitive growth in early childhood.
By creating an environment where mental and physical development are equally valued, you’re setting your child up for athletic success and long-term well-being.
At Cover Three, we empower people of all ages to develop their strongest minds and bodies, helping them stay healthy both on and off the field. To learn more about our brain supplements, reach out to our team or explore our full product line.
