Focus and Being Calm Issues for Kids Aged 6-12
Supporting children in developing focus and managing impulsivity is vital for their growth and well-being. Below are the top recommended resources for caregivers, including books, supplements, websites, and TED Talks.
Recommended Books
- The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson: Provides neuroscience-based strategies aligned with Christian values to help children regulate emotions and improve focus. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- Mindful Movements by Thich Nhat Hanh: Offers mindfulness techniques that resonate with Christian principles, fostering calmness and focus in children. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- The Power of a Praying Kid by Stormie Omartian: Encourages children to develop a prayer life, helping them build resilience and manage stress effectively. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- Growing in God’s Love: A Story Bible by Elizabeth F. Caldwell & Carol A. Wehrheim: Shares biblical narratives that emphasize patience and self-control, promoting emotional and behavioral regulation. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones: Presents engaging stories of faith that help children find emotional stability and focus. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- Mindful Kids by Whitney Stewart: Offers mindfulness activities that align with scriptural principles of peace and patience. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado: Provides daily reflections to help children develop focus and trust in God’s guidance. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
Beneficial Supplements
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 1,000 mg EPA and DHA daily: Improves brain function and reduces impulsivity. [LINK]
- Zinc: 10 mg daily: Supports attention and reduces hyperactivity. [LINK]
- Magnesium: 200 mg daily: Enhances calmness and focus. [LINK]
- Probiotics: 5 billion CFUs daily: Improves gut health, influencing emotional and behavioral regulation. [LINK]
- Vitamin D: 600 IU daily: Boosts cognitive and emotional health. [LINK]
- L-Theanine: 100 mg daily: Promotes relaxation without drowsiness. [LINK]
- Rhodiola Rosea: 100 mg daily: Reduces stress and improves mental clarity. [LINK]
Informative Websites
- KidsHealth: Offers articles on managing stress, focus, and behavioral health in children.
- HealthyChildren.org: Provides expert advice on emotional and behavioral health for kids.
- CDC Parent Portal: Shares resources on managing children’s health, including tips for emotional regulation.
- Sleep for Kids: Highlights the role of sleep in improving focus and reducing impulsivity.
- Harvard Health: Healthy Sleep: Offers insights into sleep’s role in children’s cognitive and emotional development.
- The Sleep Foundation: Provides age-specific tips for improving sleep, focus, and behavior.
- MindUP: Resources for teaching mindfulness to help children regulate emotions and focus.
Insightful TED Talks
- My Philosophy for a Happy Life by Sam Berns: Inspires children to develop resilience and positivity, improving emotional balance.
- All it Takes is 10 Mindful Minutes by Andy Puddicombe: Introduces mindfulness techniques to enhance attention and self-regulation.
- Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Lee Duckworth: Encourages perseverance and focus for long-term success.
- How to Raise Successful Kids—Without Over-Parenting by Julie Lythcott-Haims: Advocates for fostering independence and emotional resilience in children.
- The Happy Secret to Better Work by Shawn Achor: Shares practical strategies for cultivating happiness and focus.
- Got a Wicked Problem? First, Tell Me How You Make Toast by Tom Wujec: Demonstrates creative problem-solving techniques to reduce stress.
- The Power of Believing That You Can Improve by Carol Dweck: Teaches the growth mindset to foster resilience and focus in children.