Embrace Fleeing from Toxins: Avoiding Harmful Substances and Behaviors for Kids Aged 6-12
Recommended Books
- “Good Night, Animal World: A Kids Yoga Bedtime Story” by Giselle Shardlow
- Synopsis: This book offers a charming bedtime story featuring animals making healthy choices, subtly promoting the idea of avoiding toxins and embracing wholesome habits, which aligns with Christian values of stewardship and caring for one’s body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- “Let’s Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent and Respect” by Jayneen Sanders
- Synopsis: Through age-appropriate language and illustrations, this book empowers children to understand and assert their boundaries, fostering a sense of self-worth and promoting healthy relationships while indirectly discouraging engaging in toxic behaviors. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- “The Ultimate Kids’ Guide to Being Super Healthy: What you need to know about nutrition, exercise, sleep, hygiene, stress, screen time, and more” by Dr. Nina L. Shapiro
- Synopsis: In this book, Dr. Shapiro embarks on an amazing journey through the body as it gets fed, protected, exercised, cleaned, energized, and rested. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” by Sean Covey
- Synopsis: While focused on teens, this book’s principles can be adapted for younger kids, teaching them about self-discipline and making positive choices, rooted in Christian values of responsibility and purpose. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- “The Whole Brain Child” by Daniel Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson
- Synopsis: This book offers strategies for nurturing a child’s brain development, helping them build resilience and make healthy choices, while integrating spiritual principles of love and mindfulness. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- “It’s So Amazing! A Book about Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families” by Robie H. Harris
- Synopsis: Addresses topics related to reproductive health and sexuality in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner, empowering children with knowledge to make informed choices and avoid risky behaviors that can lead to toxic consequences. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- “The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food” by Stan and Jan Berenstain
- Synopsis: Through the familiar characters of the Berenstain Bears, this book teaches children about the importance of balanced nutrition and making healthy food choices, instilling values of moderation and self-discipline that can extend to avoiding other toxins in life. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
Beneficial Supplements
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil): Omega-3 fatty acids support brain health and may help reduce inflammation associated with substance abuse withdrawal symptoms. Suggested dosage: 250-500 mg EPA/DHA combined, 2-3 times per week. [Study: “Omega-3 fatty acids as a treatment for perinatal depression: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial”, published in The Journal of Psychiatric Research in 2011 by Su et al.] [LINK]
- Vitamin D: Essential for bone health and immune function, vitamin D may also support mood regulation and mental health, which can be affected during substance withdrawal or avoidance. Suggested dosage: 600-1000 IU per day. [Study: “The Role of Vitamin D in the Prevention of Late-Life Depression”, published in The Journal of Affective Disorders in 2017 by Shaffer et al.] [LINK]
- Magnesium: Magnesium plays a crucial role in relaxation and stress management, which can be beneficial during the withdrawal process from toxins. Suggested dosage: 80-200 mg per day. [Study: “Magnesium in the Central Nervous System”, published in The University of Texas Medical Branch in 2011 by Slutsky et al.] [LINK]
- Probiotics: Gut health is linked to overall well-being, including mental health. Probiotics may support gut health, which in turn can positively impact mood and behavior. Suggested dosage: Follow manufacturer’s instructions for children’s formulations. [Study: “Probiotics in Mental Health: A Review of Current Literature”, published in The Harvard Review of Psychiatry in 2017 by Wallace et al.] [LINK]
- Vitamin B Complex: B vitamins play a role in energy production and mood regulation, which can be beneficial during the detoxification process. Suggested dosage: Follow manufacturer’s instructions for children’s formulations. [Study: “Effects of B vitamins on neuropsychiatric symptoms and brain health”, published in The International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2016 by Kennedy et al.] [LINK]
- Zinc: Zinc supports immune function and may help reduce cravings associated with substance withdrawal. Suggested dosage: 5-10 mg per day. [Study: “Zinc in Gut-Brain Interaction in Autism and Neurological Disorders”, published in Nutritional Neuroscience in 2011 by Li et al.] [LINK]
- Choline: Choline is crucial for brain development and cognitive function, supporting healthy brain function during the crucial developmental years. Suggested dosage: 125-250 mg per day. [Study: “Choline: Clinical Nutritional and Genetic Aspects in Men”, published in Nutrition Reviews in 2011 by Zeisel et al.] [LINK]
Informative Websites
- 1. KidsHealth.org – https://kidshealth.org
- Synopsis: This website provides comprehensive information on various health topics, including nutrition, exercise, and mental health, offering guidance on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid harmful substances.
- 2. HealthyChildren.org – https://www.healthychildren.org
- Synopsis: Developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, this site offers evidence-based resources and advice for parents and caregivers on promoting children’s physical, emotional, and social well-being, including strategies for avoiding toxins and unhealthy behaviors.
- 3. ChooseMyPlate.gov – https://www.myplate.gov
- Synopsis: Run by the USDA, this website offers practical tips and resources for promoting healthy eating habits, helping children and their families make informed choices to support overall health and well-being.
- 4. CDC.gov/HealthyLiving
- Synopsis: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a wealth of information on healthy living, including resources on substance abuse prevention, physical activity, and nutrition, helping families make healthy choices and avoid harmful behaviors.
- 5. NIDA for Teens – https://nida.nih.gov
- Synopsis: This website, created by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, offers educational resources and interactive tools specifically designed for teenagers, helping them understand the risks associated with substance abuse and make informed decisions to avoid harmful behaviors.
- 6. Let’s Move! – https://letsmove.obamawhitehouse.arichives.gov
- Synopsis: Led by former First Lady Michelle Obama, this initiative aims to promote healthy eating and physical activity among children and families, offering tips, recipes, and resources to encourage an active and healthy lifestyle.
- 7. HealthyChildren.org/English/healthy-living/fitness/Pages/default.aspx
- Synopsis: This section of HealthyChildren.org focuses on fitness and physical activity for children, providing guidance on how to incorporate exercise into daily routines and encourage active lifestyles, helping children avoid excessive inactivity and promote overall health and well-being.
Inspiring TED Talks
- 1. “How to make stress your friend” by Kelly McGonigal
- Synopsis: McGonigal explores how changing our mindset about stress can lead to healthier responses and better overall well-being, providing valuable insights for children on managing stress and avoiding harmful coping mechanisms like excessive eating or isolation.
- 2. “Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are” by Amy Cuddy
- Syonpsis: Cuddy discusses the impact of body language on self-confidence, providing parents tools to help children develop a positive self-image that can deter unhealthy behaviors.
- 3. “The brain-changing benefits of exercise” by Wendy Suzuki
- Synopsis: Suzuki explains how physical activity positively impacts brain health and cognitive function, motivating children to stay active and avoid excessive inactivity, which can lead to a range of health issues.
- 4. “How to stay calm when you know you’ll be stressed” by Daniel Levitin
- Synopsis: Levitin shares strategies for managing stress and staying calm in challenging situations, empowering children to cope effectively with stressors and avoid harmful behaviors like excessive eating or turning to drugs of abuse.
- 5. “The power of vulnerability” by Brené Brown
- Synopsis: Brown explores the importance of embracing vulnerability and building resilience, encouraging children to seek support and connection rather than turning to harmful coping mechanisms like excessive isolation or substance abuse.
- 6. “The puzzle of motivation” by Dan Pink
- Synopsis: Pink discusses the factors that truly motivate us and how traditional reward systems may not always be effective, offering insights for children on finding intrinsic motivation to make healthy choices and avoid harmful behaviors.
- 7. “What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness” by Robert Waldinger
- Synopsis: Waldinger shares insights from a decades-long study on happiness, illustrating to parents the importance of relationships in promoting mental health and well-being in children.