What Are Neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that carry signals between brain cells. When a child laughs, calms down, or focuses, these chemicals are hard at work. More than 100 types exist in the human brain (NIH, 2024), but a few key ones play the biggest role in childhood mood and learning.

 

The Key Messengers


Let’s talk about a few of the brain’s most important “chemical messengers” — called neurotransmitters. These are what help the brain control emotions, energy, and focus in children:

• Serotonin helps balance mood, sleep, and appetite.

• When serotonin levels are low, children may feel more irritable, sad, or anxious.

• When serotonin levels are too high, they might feel tired or sluggish.

• Dopamine controls motivation, focus, and the brain’s reward system.

• When dopamine is low, children might have trouble concentrating or staying motivated.

• When dopamine is too high, it can lead to impulsive behavior or hyperactivity.

• GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) helps calm the brain and reduce anxiety.

• Low GABA can cause restlessness, nervousness, or trouble sleeping.

• High GABA levels may make a child seem overly relaxed or fatigued.

• Norepinephrine helps with alertness, attention, and energy.

• Low norepinephrine levels can cause inattention or day-dreaming.

• High norepinephrine can lead to rapid heart rate, tension, or stress.

• Glutamate supports learning and memory.

• Low glutamate can lead to learning difficulties or poor memory.

• Too much glutamate can overstimulate brain cells and, in severe cases, contribute to seizures.

 


How They Influence Children


Children’s brains are still “tuning” these messengers, which is why emotions can swing quickly.

• During puberty, serotonin levels can fluctuate, increasing mood sensitivity.

• Dopamine surges in adolescence encourage curiosity — and sometimes risk-taking.

• Chronic stress or trauma can suppress GABA, leading to restlessness or sleep issues.


Even diet can shift neurotransmitters: lack of iron or vitamin D may reduce dopamine, while high sugar can trigger rapid rises and drops in serotonin.


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Supporting a Healthy Chemical Balance

1. Sleep well: The brain resets serotonin and dopamine overnight.

2. Eat balanced meals: Protein and omega-3 fatty acids help produce neurotransmitters.

3. Move often: Exercise raises dopamine and endorphins — natural mood boosters.

4. Practice calm routines: Mindfulness, deep breathing, and music relax the nervous system.

5. Seek therapy when needed: Talking through emotions helps retrain brain chemistry naturally.


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When Medication Plays a Role


Some children benefit from medications that help regulate neurotransmitters — like SSRIs for serotonin or stimulants for dopamine balance. When prescribed and monitored by pediatric specialists, these medications can safely restore focus, energy, and emotional stability.

According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2024), roughly 6 million U.S. children take medication for mental or behavioral health — and most see improved school performance and social interaction within months.


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Hope in Brain Chemistry


Neurotransmitters are not “good” or “bad” — they are simply signals. By learning how they work, parents can better understand their child’s behaviors and reactions, turning frustration into empathy and teamwork.


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References

• National Institutes of Health (2024). Neurochemistry and the Developing Brain.

• American Psychological Association (2024). Childhood Behavior and Neurotransmitters.

• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (2024). Facts for Families #2: Medications and Children.