Love Loving: Creating Meaning and Purpose for Teens Aged 12-18
Must-Read Books
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
Synopsis: This book provides practical advice and strategies to help teenagers develop positive habits that lead to success, happiness, and a sense of purpose in life. - The Teenage Brain: A Neuroscientist’s Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults by Frances E. Jensen and Amy Ellis Nutt [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
Synopsis: Offering insights into the teenage brain, this book equips parents with the knowledge and understanding needed to support their adolescent’s emotional and cognitive development, promoting lifelong mind and body health. - The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed by Jessica Lahey [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
Synopsis: Jessica Lahey explores the importance of allowing teenagers to experience failure and develop resilience, independence, and self-motivation, helping them find meaning and purpose in their lives. - Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
Synopsis: Angela Duckworth examines the role of grit—passion and perseverance—in achieving success and happiness in life, encouraging teenagers to pursue their goals with determination and purpose. - You Find You: Finding Your True Self, Louise Hines [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
Synopsis: Louise Hines says there is a way to become who you were always meant to be – find your true self, love you and become the best YOU possible! - The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brene Brown [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
Synopsis: Focusing on self-acceptance and authenticity, this book encourages young readers to embrace their imperfections, fostering resilience and a sense of purpose. - Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
Synopsis: Carol Dweck explores the power of mindset in shaping success and happiness, teaching teenagers to adopt a growth mindset that promotes resilience, self-belief, and a sense of purpose in life.
Recommended Supplements
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA) [LINK]
- Dosage: 500-1000 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day
- Frequency: Daily
- Omega-3 fatty acids support cognitive function and mood regulation in adolescents. (Richardson, “Omega-3 Fatty Acids in ADHD and Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders,” International Review of Psychiatry, 2006)
- Vitamin D [LINK]
- Dosage: 600-1000 IU per day
- Frequency: Daily
- Vitamin D is essential for brain health and cognitive function, especially in adolescents. (Holick et al., “Evaluation, Treatment, and Prevention of Vitamin D Deficiency: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline,” The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2011)
- Probiotics [LINK]
- Dosage: Follow product recommendations for age-appropriate dosage
- Frequency: Daily
- Probiotics support gut health, which is closely linked to mood regulation and overall well-being in teenagers. (Hill et al., “Expert Consensus Document. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics Consensus Statement on the Scope and Appropriate Use of the Term Probiotic,” Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2014)
- Multivitamins [LINK]
- Dosage: Follow product recommendations for age-appropriate dosage
- Frequency: Daily
- Multivitamins can help fill nutritional gaps and support overall health and well-being in adolescents. (Bailey et al., “Multivitamin-Mineral Use Is Associated with Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Mortality among Women in the United States,” The Journal of Nutrition, 2015)
- Magnesium [LINK]
- Dosage: 200-400 mg per day
- Frequency: Daily
- Magnesium is important for nervous system function and can help with stress management and mood regulation in teenagers. (Boyle et al., “The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Subjective Anxiety and Stress-A Systematic Review,” Nutrients, 2017)
- Zinc [LINK]
- Dosage: 10-15 mg per day
- Frequency: Daily
- Zinc is important for cognitive function and overall well-being in adolescents. (Prasad et al., “Zinc Status and Serum Testosterone Levels of Healthy Adults,” Nutrition, 1996)
- Iron [LINK]
- Dosage: 10-15 mg per day
- Frequency: Daily
- Iron is essential for cognitive function and energy levels in adolescents. (Murray-Kolb et al., “Iron Status and Neuropsychological Consequences in Adolescent Girls,” Nutrition Reviews, 2006)
Top Well-Being Websites
- Teen Mental Health – www.Teenhelp.com
- Synopsis: Teen Mental Health provides evidence-based information, resources, and tools to help teenagers develop resilience, cope with stress, and cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in life, promoting lifelong mind and body health.
- ReachOut – http://mobile.us.reachout.com
- Synopsis: ReachOut offers articles, stories, and forums where teenagers can find support, learn coping skills, and connect with others, helping them develop resilience, find purpose, and maintain overall well-being.
- Mind Matters – www.mindsmatter.org
- Synopsis: Mind Matters provides information, activities, and resources on mental health and well-being for teenagers, helping them build resilience, develop a strong sense of self, and find meaning and purpose in life.
- Youth Beyond Blue – www.beyondblue.org.au
- Synopsis: Youth Beyond Blue offers information, stories, and resources on mental health and well-being, including tips for managing stress, building resilience, and finding purpose and meaning in life as a teenager.
- The JED Foundation – https://jedfoundation.org
- Synopsis: The JED Foundation provides resources, tools, and programs to support teenagers’ mental health and well-being, including tips for managing stress, building resilience, and finding purpose and meaning in life during the adolescent years.
- HealthyChildren – www.healthychildren.org
- Synopsis: HealthyChildren.org offers resources and articles for parents and caregivers on promoting teenagers’ physical, emotional, and social well-being, helping them develop resilience, find purpose, and maintain overall mind and body health.
- Mindful Schools – https://mindfulschool.net
- Synopsis: Mindful Schools provides free mindfulness activities and resources designed specifically for teenagers, helping them develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and a sense of purpose and meaning in life, promoting lifelong mind and body health.
Inspiring TED Talks
- “The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown
- Synopsis: Brené Brown discusses the importance of embracing vulnerability, fostering authentic connections, and helping teenagers develop resilience and a deeper sense of purpose.
- “How to Make Stress Your Friend” by Kelly McGonigal
- Synopsis: Kelly McGonigal reframes how we view stress, offering insights into how it can be used as a tool for growth and resilience, helping teenagers find meaning and purpose in challenging situations.
- “The Art of Being Yourself” by Caroline McHugh
- Synopsis: Caroline McHugh explores the concept of authenticity, encouraging teenagers to embrace their true selves, pursue their passions, and find meaning and purpose in their uniqueness.
- “The Power of Believing That You Can Improve” by Carol Dweck
- Synopsis: Carol Dweck discusses the power of a growth mindset, teaching teenagers that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work, ultimately leading to a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.
- “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Lee Duckworth
- Synopsis: Angela Lee Duckworth discusses the importance of grit, teaching teenagers that passion and perseverance are essential for achieving long-term goals and finding purpose in their lives.
- “How to Live Passionately—No Matter Your Age” by Isabel Allende
- Synopsis: Isabel Allende shares her journey of rediscovering passion and purpose later in life, inspiring teenagers to pursue their interests, embrace challenges, and live with intention.
- “How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over” by Mel Robbins
- Synopsis: Mel Robbins offers practical advice on overcoming self-doubt, taking control of one’s life, and finding purpose and meaning by setting and achieving personal goals.