Love Bonding: Building and Sustaining Relationships for Kids Aged 6-12
Recommended Books
- “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds [LINK]
- Synopsis: This book encourages children to embrace their creativity, take risks, and find their unique talents and passions, promoting a sense of purpose and self-expression.
- “What Do You Do with an Idea?” by Kobi Yamada [LINK]
- Synopsis: Through a simple and inspiring story, this book teaches children the power of believing in themselves, pursuing their ideas, and finding meaning and purpose in their interests and passions.
- “The Energy Bus for Kids: A Story about Staying Positive and Overcoming Challenges” by Jon Gordon and Korey Scott [LINK]
- Synopsis: This book teaches children the importance of a positive attitude, resilience, and perseverance in overcoming challenges and achieving their goals, promoting a sense of purpose and optimism.
- “You Be You” by Linda Kranz [LINK]
- Synopsis: Through colorful illustrations and affirming messages, this book encourages children to celebrate their individuality, embrace their strengths, and find meaning and purpose in being themselves.
- “The Day You Begin” by Jacqueline Woodson [LINK]
- Synopsis: This book celebrates the beauty of diversity and encourages children to embrace their differences, find common ground with others, and discover the richness and meaning that comes from understanding and acceptance.
- “Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It” by JoAnn Deak and Sarah Ackerley [LINK]
- Synopsis: This book teaches children about the power of their brains and the importance of growth mindset, perseverance, and resilience in pursuing their goals and finding purpose in learning and growing.
- “I Am Human: A Book of Empathy” by Susan Verde [LINK]
- Synopsis: Through simple text and beautiful illustrations, this book teaches children the importance of empathy, kindness, and compassion, helping them understand their connection to others and find purpose in making the world a better place.
Recommended Supplements
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA) [LINK]
- Dosage: 250-500 mg per day of combined EPA and DHA.
- Frequency: Daily.
- Support:
“Omega-3 supplementation improves cognition and behavior in children with ADHD” (Bloch & Qawasmi, Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatr*, 2011)
“Fish oil supplementation and child behavior: a randomized controlled trial” (Osendarp et al., The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007).
- Vitamin D [LINK]
- Dosage: 600-1000 IU per day.
- Frequency: Daily.
- Support:
“Vitamin D and the risk of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies” (Anglin et al., British Journal of Psychiatry, 2013)
“Effect of vitamin D supplementation on symptoms of depression in overweight or obese subjects: a randomized clinical trial” (Jorde et al., Journal of Internal Medicine, 2008).
- Probiotics [LINK]
- Dosage: 5-10 billion CFU per day.
- Frequency: Daily.
- Support:
“Probiotics and prebiotics in preventing food allergy and eczema: update and recommendations of the World Allergy Organization” (Fiocchi et al., World Allergy Organization Journal, 2015)
“Probiotic effects on mental health: a systematic review” (Ng et al., Annals of General Psychiatry, 2018).
- Magnesium [LINK]
- Dosage: 80-130 mg per day, depending on age.
- Frequency: Daily.
- Support:
“Magnesium intake and depression in adults” (Jacka et al., Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 2010)
“Magnesium deficiency and ADHD in children” (Mousain-Bosc et al., Magnesium Research, 2004).
- B Vitamins (B6, B12, Folate) [LINK]
- Dosage: B6: 1-2 mg, B12: 1-2 mcg, Folate: 150-300 mcg per day.
- Frequency: Daily.
- Support:
“The effect of vitamin B supplementation on cognition in the elderly: a systematic review and meta-analysis” (Ford et al., PLOS One, 2019)
“Homocysteine-lowering by B vitamins slows the rate of accelerated brain atrophy in mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial” (Smith et al., PLOS One, 2010).
- Zinc [LINK]
- Dosage: 5-10 mg per day.
- Frequency: Daily.
- Support:
“Zinc and copper in depression” (Nowak et al., Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 2005)
“Zinc supplementation improves growth and immune function in children” (Prasad, The Journal of Pediatrics, 1996).
- Iron [LINK]
- Dosage: 10 mg per day.
- Frequency: Daily.
- Support:
“Iron deficiency and cognitive functions” (Falkingham et al., PLOS One, 2010)
“The effect of iron deficiency on infant development: A review” (Lozoff et al., Progress in Neurobiology, 2006).
Helpful Websites
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – HealthyChildren.org
- Synopsis: Provides expert advice on child health, including tips on fostering social skills and emotional well-being, crucial for developing and maintaining friendships.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – www.cdc.gov
- Synopsis: Offers resources on child development stages and social skills, helping parents understand and support their children’s ability to form healthy relationships.
- KidsHealth from Nemours – KidsHealth.org
- Synopsis: Provides information on children’s health, behavior, and development, including articles on friendship and social interactions, to support healthy relationship building.
- The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning – casel.org
- Synopsis: Offers resources and guidelines for parents to help children develop social and emotional skills, which are foundational for forming and maintaining friendships.
- Parenting Science – parentingscience.com
- Synopsis: Delivers science-based insights on child development and parenting, with articles on social development and strategies to nurture children’s friendships.
- Greater Good Science Center – Parenting & Family – https://greatergoodberkeley.edu
- Synopsis: Provides research-based resources on fostering positive relationships and emotional well-being in children, helping parents guide their children in building strong friendships.
- PBS Kids for Parents – www.pbs.org>parents
- Synopsis: Offers practical advice, activities, and videos to help parents encourage social skills and friendship-building in their children.
Insightful TED Talks
- “Every Kid Needs a Champion” by Rita Pierson
- Synopsis: Rita Pierson emphasizes the importance of human connection in education, advocating for strong, positive relationships between children and adults to foster a supportive environment that enhances emotional and social development.
- “How to Speak so that People Want to Listen” by Julian Treasure
- Synopsis: Julian Treasure provides practical tips on effective communication, which can help children learn how to express themselves clearly and listen actively, crucial skills for building and maintaining friendships.
- “What Adults Can Learn from Kids” by Adora Svitak
- Synopsis: Adora Svitak highlights the value of mutual respect and learning between adults and children, encouraging parents to listen and learn from their kids, which can strengthen their bond and model healthy relationship dynamics.
- “To Raise Brave Girls, Encourage Adventure” by Caroline Paul
- Synopsis: Caroline Paul discusses the importance of encouraging bravery and risk-taking in girls, promoting confidence and resilience that can enhance their ability to form and sustain strong friendships.
- “The Power of Women’s Anger” by Soraya Chemaly
- Synopsis: Soraya Chemaly explores the constructive use of anger and assertiveness, providing insights for parents on teaching children to understand and express their emotions in ways that support healthy relationship building.
- “For Parents, Happiness is a Very High Bar” by Jennifer Senior
- Synopsis: Jennifer Senior addresses the pressures of modern parenting, offering a perspective on setting realistic expectations and focusing on emotional well-being, which can lead to healthier family dynamics and better role modeling for children.
- “How to Make Stress Your Friend” by Kelly McGonigal
- Synopsis: Kelly McGonigal reframes the perception of stress, suggesting ways to manage it positively, which can help children develop coping mechanisms that support their emotional health and social interactions.