Brain-to-Brain Synchrony Through Shared, Focused Activities

Ever feel like your kid’s brain is on a different radio frequency—like, you’re on NPR and they’re blasting cartoon soundtracks? Enter brain-to-brain synchrony: the closest thing to plugging your brains into the same WiFi. Whether you’re wrangling puzzle pieces or spinning a wild story together, this is your chance to actually sync up (and maybe, just maybe, understand what’s going on in their adorable, chaos-powered noggin).

When you and your child lock in together, your brains literally start to sync up—like two jazz musicians riffing off each other. This boosts emotional connection, helps kids develop empathy and communication skills, and even gives both brains a little workout in attention and memory. For you? It’s a shortcut to feeling like a mind-reading parenting ninja (at least for five minutes).

How to do it

  • Choose a shared activity that goes beyond just watching a screen together. Consider options like puzzles, building with LEGO, or collaborative storytelling. Get creative—using silly voices during storytelling can make it even more fun.

  • Put your phone in airplane mode to minimize distractions. If you want to make a point, you can even toss it across the room for dramatic effect.

  • Join your child at their level, both physically and emotionally. Sit or kneel on the floor with them, and try to see the activity from their perspective.

  • Take turns, ask questions, and let your child lead the activity sometimes. Be open to their imagination—even if the story takes a wild turn, like a dragon suddenly becoming a pizza delivery person.

  • Celebrate your accomplishment together when you finish. Give high fives, do a goofy dance, or proclaim a dramatic “we did it!” to mark the moment.

Tips:

  • Focus on being present, not perfect.
  • Let go of expectations and enjoy the process.
  • Encourage creativity and laughter throughout the activity.

After you pour your morning coffee (or reheat it for the third time).

Sit down next to your child and put in one puzzle piece together, or ask for one story idea.
Grin at your kid and say, ‘Look at us! Brain buddies!’ (bonus points for a fist bump).
Set out a small basket with a puzzle or a storybook in the living room.

When you notice your child getting antsy or bored (read: about to scale the furniture).

Pull one prompt and start a two-sentence story together.
Do your best dramatic narrator voice for the next sentence—cue giggles.
Create a ‘story prompt jar’ with silly ideas your kid helps write.

Right after dinner, before the dishes threaten your sanity.

Set up just the first two pieces or cards, invite your child to join.
Declare, ‘Team [Your Last Name] is in the house!’ with an exaggerated bow.
Leave a favorite board game on the coffee table as a visual reminder.