June 2, 2026

Dear Families,

Summer is a season of movement for children; bike rides, sports camps, swimming, playground adventures, and spontaneous backyard games that seem to last until sunset. While all of that activity is an important part of childhood, it also means we tend to see more bumps, falls, and head injuries this time of year.

Concussions can feel especially anxiety-provoking for parents because symptoms are not always immediately obvious. A child may seem “mostly fine,” only to develop headaches, fatigue, irritability, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating later on. Many families are left wondering: How serious is this? What should recovery actually look like? And how do you balance rest with helping your child return to normal life?

This month, The Neuropsychlopedia is focusing on helping families better understand concussions, what they are, what signs to watch for, and how to support recovery without panic or misinformation. One of the most important things I often remind parents is that recovery is rarely about complete isolation or shutting life down entirely. Instead, it is about thoughtful monitoring, gradual return to activity, and supporting the brain while it heals.

There is a great deal of outdated or conflicting advice online about concussions, especially when it comes to screen time, school participation, sports, and rest. My hope is that this month’s resources help simplify the process and provide guidance that is grounded in both research and real-life parenting.

Children are resilient, and with proper support, most recover very well. Being informed, not fearful, is one of the best tools we can give families.

Wishing you a safe, active, and joy-filled summer.

Warmly,
Rebecca A. Fontanetta, PsyD, ABPdN
Board-Certified Pediatric Neuropsychologist
Founder, The Neuropsychlopedia

This Month’s Reflection

One of the hardest parts about concussions is that they are often invisible.

Unlike a cast or a brace, there is rarely something concrete families can point to while a child is recovering. A child may look completely fine on the outside while quietly struggling with headaches, fatigue, irritability, slower processing speed, or feeling “not quite like themselves.” For many parents, that uncertainty can feel incredibly stressful.

Over the years, I’ve worked with many families who worry about whether they are doing too much or too little, returning to activity too quickly, or unintentionally making recovery harder. And unfortunately, there is still a great deal of outdated messaging surrounding concussions that can increase anxiety rather than support healing.

What I often remind parents is this: recovery is not usually about perfection. It is about balance.

Children recovering from concussions generally do best with thoughtful support, monitoring symptoms, gradual reintroduction to activities, and appropriate accommodations when needed, not a complete shutdown from life for extended periods of time. Brains heal best when we reduce overload while still helping children stay connected to routines, relationships, and a sense of normalcy.

I also think it is important to acknowledge the emotional side of concussion recovery. Children can feel frustrated, isolated, worried about falling behind, or anxious about returning to sports and activities they love. Parents often carry their own fears quietly while trying to stay calm and reassuring. Supporting recovery means supporting the whole child,  cognitively, emotionally, socially, and physically.

My hope is that the information we share this month helps families approach concussions with more clarity and confidence, and a little less fear. Knowledge does not eliminate uncertainty completely, but it can help families feel more grounded as they navigate recovery together.

What the Research Shows

Gentle Reframe

Hearing the word “concussion” can feel scary for many families. Parents often worry about long-term effects, school struggles, sports participation, and whether their child’s brain will fully heal. While those fears are understandable, it can be helpful to gently reframe what recovery often looks like.

Most children who sustain a concussion do recover well.

Recovery is not always linear. Some days may feel better than others, and symptoms can temporarily increase when children return to school, activities, or busy environments. That does not necessarily mean something is “wrong” or that permanent damage has occurred. Healing brains often need time, pacing, and support.

It is also important to remember that symptoms after a concussion are real, even when they are invisible. A child may appear physically “fine” while still experiencing fatigue, irritability, headaches, or difficulty concentrating. Compassion and flexibility can make a meaningful difference during recovery.

Parents do not need to approach concussion recovery from a place of panic or perfection. Instead, the goal is thoughtful monitoring, open communication, a gradual return to activity, and helping children stay connected to their routines and sense of self while they heal.

Children are remarkably resilient. With proper support, accommodations when needed, and time, most children return to the activities, learning, and relationships they love.

Knowledge, support, and patience are often far more powerful than fear.

If You’d Like to Explore Further

A Closing Thought

As parents, it is impossible to prevent every fall, collision, or injury that comes with childhood. Children are meant to move, explore, take risks, and engage with the world around them. While concussions can feel frightening, they are also something many families navigate successfully with the right support and information.

My hope is that this month’s newsletter helps replace some of the fear and uncertainty surrounding concussions with clarity, confidence, and compassion both for your child and for yourself as a parent.

Recovery is rarely about doing everything perfectly. It is about listening, observing, pacing, and supporting children as they heal and regain confidence in themselves and their bodies.

As always, thank you for being here and for allowing The Neuropsychlopedia to be part of your parenting journey. I’m grateful to continue sharing evidence-informed guidance that supports not just children, but the families who care for them every day.

Wishing your family a safe, active, and restorative summer.

With gratitude,
Rebecca A. Fontanetta, PsyD, ABPdN

Photo and Graphic Credits: iStock and The Neuropsychlopedia