Ever feel your kid’s brain runs out of battery halfway through math homework? By 3 p.m., my girls go from cartwheels to couch puddles. That’s oxidative stress—cellular wear-and-tear—that drains their brains faster than my phone on TikTok.

Storytime

Last September, I packed my daughter’s lunchbox with Goldfish and juice. By 3 p.m., she melted like Elsa on a hot day. The next week, I tried blueberries and almonds. Same kid, different ending—she actually finished homework before tears.

The Science (in Mom-Speak)

• Kids with ADHD show higher oxidative stress markers (Scientific Reports).
• Antioxidants like berries, citrus, and colorful veggies act like cleanup crews.
• Sleep + protein breakfasts = steadier energy.
• One study even linked better antioxidant status with improved attention spans.

FAQ (Because I Know You’re Thinking It)

• “But my kid hates fruit.” Start with smoothies. Frozen berries hide in yogurt.
• “Isn’t this just sugar?” Not the same. Fruit sugar comes with fiber and antioxidants.
• “What if I forget?” Prep snack bags on Sunday—you’ll thank yourself Wednesday.

Real-life mom takeaway: Other moms are quietly swapping fruit snacks for blueberries. Don’t let your kid be the only one fading before spelling test time.

What to try this week: Add a handful of blueberries to breakfast and an orange in the lunchbox. Baby steps, superhero results.