Stress, sleep & wellness

As the mother of a middle school student, I knew sleep mattered, but was surprised to read about how greatly it can influence academic performance (not just how much sleep, but also when!) in Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman's thought provoking book, NurtureShock. I highly recommend this fascinating and very readable book that challenges many of the assumptions we "know" to be true about raising kids.

Next came this eye-opening article, Late-Night Texting Can Negatively Impact Schoolwork, which talks about the potential negative side effects of use of electronic media during the evening before sleep.

Of course, our children lead busy and enriched lives, full of extracurriculars and homework and family fun too. How can we help our kids make the most of all these opportunities? By focusing on wellness too! Here are a few books that might help your family get started:

Elementary
Don't Pop Your Cork on Mondays! The Children's Anti-stress Book by Adolph Moser
Real Spirit: Fun Ideas for Refreshing, Relaxing, and Staying Strong by Elizabeth Chobanian
Stress Can Really Get on Your Nerves! by Trevor Romain
What Would You Do? Quizzes about Real-Life Problems by Patti Kelley Criswell

Middle & high school
My Anxious Mind: A Teen's Guide to Managing Anxiety and Panic by Michael Tompkins
Stress Relief: The Ultimate Teen Guide by Mark Powell