Chrissie Davies has more than two decades of experience in advocating for and understanding children with challenging behaviours. Says Chrissie: ‘When we truly understand that children don’t see the world in the same way as adults, and we teach them how to keep their brains happy and healthy, we understand that this is really the most important parenting tool we will ever need.’ What inspired you to write the book?

As an experienced educator, I am sure you can understand that I have read a picture book or two, to children over my long career. I know that certain concepts are challenging for children to grasp and that using storytelling is a compelling way to explain these. Love Your Brain is a gentle way to help kids learn about the importance of self-care and looking after their brains. I want families and educators to use the book as a tool to draw children into conversations about growth mindset, acceptance, inclusion, and neurodiversity, as it is essential for children to understand themselves and to develop an identity. What age is the book best suited to?

The book is geared towards primary school-aged children. The main character, Little Brainiac, is based on my daughter, who was seven-years-old when I wrote the book. I could see how engaged she was with the concepts, and the text is relatively simple for kids to read independently. The book is not really a story, but more a ‘how-to’ guide for kids to understand what brains need to be healthy. The key to getting kids on board with anything is empowering them with the knowledge and skills aimed at their level, so they can be independent and take responsibility for their brains and behaviour.

Read the full article as puiblished on The Parents website.

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