Love Loving: Creating Meaning and Purpose for Kids Aged 6-12
Must-Read Books
- The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- Synopsis: This book offers practical techniques to help parents support their child’s brain development, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience to promote lifelong well-being.
- Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World: How One Family Learned That Saying No Can Lead to Life’s Biggest Yes by Kristen Welch [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- Synopsis: Kristen Welch shares her own experiences and provides practical advice on raising children who are grateful, responsible, and compassionate, promoting a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.
- The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- Synopsis: This book helps parents understand and speak their child’s love language, fostering a deep and meaningful connection that contributes to their overall well-being and happiness.
- The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives by William StixrudPh.D. and Ned Johnson [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- Synopsis: By empowering children to take control of their lives, this book helps them develop resilience, self-motivation, and a sense of purpose, setting the foundation for lifelong health and happiness.
- Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- Synopsis: Carol Dweck explores the power of mindset in shaping success and happiness, teaching children to adopt a growth mindset that promotes resilience, perseverance, and a sense of purpose in life.
- Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids by Kim John Payne, M.ED. and Lisa M. Ross [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- Synopsis: This book advocates for simplifying children’s lives to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting emotional well-being and a deeper connection with family and community, fostering a sense of meaning and purpose.
Recommended Supplements
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA) [LINK]
- Dosage: 250-500 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day
- Frequency: Daily
- Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to improved cognitive function and mood regulation in children. (Montgomery et al., “Meta-analysis of LCPUFA Supplementation of Infant Formula and Visual Acuity,” Pediatrics, 2011)
- Vitamin D [LINK]
- Dosage: 600-1000 IU per day
- Frequency: Daily
- Vitamin D plays a crucial role in brain development and cognitive function. (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 can support gut health, which is closely linked to mood and overall well-being in children. (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 in nutritional gaps and support overall health and well-being. (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: 65-200 mg per day
- Frequency: Daily
- Magnesium is essential for proper nervous system function and can help with relaxation and mood regulation. (Boyle et al., “The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Subjective Anxiety and Stress-A Systematic Review,” Nutrients, 2017)
- Zinc [LINK]
- Dosage: 5-10 mg per day
- Frequency: Daily
- Zinc plays a crucial role in brain development and cognitive function in children. (Hambidge et al., “Zinc Absorption and Infectious Disease Morbidity and Mortality,” The Journal of Nutrition, 2000)
- Iron [LINK]
- Dosage: 7-10 mg per day
- Frequency: Daily
- Iron is essential for cognitive development and overall energy levels in children. (Lozoff et al., “Long-Lasting Neural and Behavioral Effects of Iron Deficiency in Infancy,” Nutrition Reviews, 2006)
Top Well-Being Websites
- KidsHealth.org
- Synopsis: KidsHealth provides articles, videos, and interactive activities covering a wide range of health topics, including emotional well-being and mindfulness exercises, to help children develop a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
- HealthyChildren.org
- Synopsis: HealthyChildren.org offers resources, articles, and tips for parents on promoting children’s physical, emotional, and social well-being, helping them develop a strong sense of purpose and meaning in life from a young age.
- Mindful Schools – get.calmclassroom.com
- Synopsis: Mindful Schools provides free mindfulness activities and resources designed specifically for children, helping them develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
- PBS Kids – pbskids.org
- Synopsis: PBS Kids offers a variety of games, videos, and activities focused on promoting children’s social-emotional development, resilience, and well-being, supporting their journey to finding purpose and meaning in life.
- Sesame Street in Communities – familypromise.org
- Synopsis: Sesame Street in Communities provides resources, videos, and activities for parents and caregivers to support children’s social-emotional development, helping them build self-esteem, resilience, and a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
- Zero to Three – www.zerotothree.org
- Synopsis: Zero to Three offers resources and articles for parents on promoting young children’s social-emotional development, helping them develop a strong sense of self, connection to others, and purpose and meaning in life.
- The Gottman Institute: Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children – Gottman.com
- Synopsis: The Gottman Institute offers articles, videos, and resources for parents on promoting children’s emotional intelligence, helping them develop strong social connections, resilience, and a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
Inspiring TED Talks
- “How to Raise Successful Kids — Without Over-Parenting” by Julie Lythcott-Haims
- Synopsis: Julie Lythcott-Haims explores the harm of over-parenting and discusses how to raise independent and resilient children, allowing them to find their own purpose and meaning in life.
- “Teach girls Bravery Not Perfection” by Reshma Saujani
- Synopsis: Reshma Saujani discusses the importance of teaching bravery to children, encouraging them to take risks, embrace failure, and find purpose beyond perfection.
- “What I Learned from 2,000 Obituaries” by Lux Narayan
- Synopsis: Lux Narayan shares insights from analyzing thousands of obituaries and discusses what truly matters in life, helping parents guide their children in finding meaning and purpose.
- “What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness” by Robert Waldinger
- Synopsis: Robert Waldinger shares findings from the longest study on happiness and discusses the importance of meaningful relationships and connections in promoting lifelong health and well-being for children.
- “The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown
- Synopsis: Brené Brown explores the power of vulnerability, discussing how embracing vulnerability can lead to stronger connections, resilience, and a deeper sense of purpose for children.
- “How Great Leaders Inspire Action” by Simon Sinek
- Synopsis: Simon Sinek discusses the importance of finding one’s “why” and how having a clear sense of purpose can inspire action and fulfillment in children’s lives.
- “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Lee Duckworth
- Synopsis: Angela Lee Duckworth explores the power of grit, discussing how passion and perseverance can lead to success, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose for children.