Episode 17
Love builds brains: Supporting kids through connection and context

This episode is a heartfelt dive into the world of youth mental health, relationships, and the brain. Dr. Jean Clinton shares about how love, connection, and understanding can shape young minds, way more than we often realize. We talk about practical ways to support kids and teens, from connecting before correcting, to being mindful of relationships and context in teaching and counselling.

Dr. Clinton highlights the importance of relationships, connection and context; it’s not just about behaviour intervention, it’s about listening, empathy, and building meaningful relationships that truly help kids thrive.

Important Messages

Connect before you correct: Kids respond better when they feel understood and supported first, rather than immediately “fixed.”

Love builds brains: Relationships and emotional safety are just as important for development as academics or therapy techniques.

Context matters: Kids’ behaviours make more sense when you consider their relationships, environment, and past experiences.

Collaborative dialogue is powerful: Sharing experiences and learning together benefits both adults and children.

Practical, small steps count: Simple, consistent acts of connection make a huge difference over time.

Resources Mentioned

Dr. Jean Clinton (she/her), BMus MD FRCP(C)

Dr. Jean Clinton is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University, Division of Child Psychiatry, in Ontario, Canada. From 2014 to 2018, she served as an education advisor to the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Education.

Dr. Clinton is a trainer in Dr. Bruce Perry's Neurosequential Model in Education (NME). She collaborates closely with Michael Fullan and his New Pedagogies for Deep Learning team. She serves as a member of the MindUP Scientific Advisory Board and as a MindUp for Families advisor. Dr. Clinton was a Fellow of the Child Trauma Academy and has been a Zero to Three Academy Fellow since 2013.

For over 35 years, Dr. Clinton has been a consultant to children and youth mental health programs, child welfare, and primary care. She has a keen interest in brain development and the crucial role that relationships, belonging, and connectedness play.

Dr. Clinton believes in a compassionate, competency-based learning system that fosters deep learning and relational focus. She advocates for an education that enriches both learning and life, leading to a better, sustainable world.

Dr. Clinton has authored her first book, Love Builds Brains.

Exception Seekers is edited and produced by North Star Networks