🔬 Core Research & Foundational Texts

Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (n.d.). Toxic stress. Harvard University. https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/toxic-stress/
This foundational resource explains the distinctions between positive, tolerable, and toxic stress. The toolkit incorporates this framework to help caregivers recognize stress levels and respond supportively, fostering resilience in children.

Gottman, J., & DeClaire, J. (1998). Raising an emotionally intelligent child: The heart of parenting. Simon & Schuster.
This book offers emotional coaching strategies for parents, aligning closely with the toolkit's goals of helping children name feelings, use calming strategies, and strengthen emotional literacy.

Nagoski, E., & Nagoski, A. (2019). Burnout: The secret to unlocking the stress cycle. Ballantine Books.
This book emphasizes the need to complete the physiological stress cycle—a key concept applied in the toolkit through activities like movement, connection, and co-regulation.

Perry, B. D., & Szalavitz, M. (2021). What happened to you? Conversations on trauma, resilience, and healing. Flatiron Books.
Co-authored by Oprah and Dr. Perry, this book deeply informs the trauma-informed and brain-based approaches embedded in the toolkit’s activities, including “Amy and Neo.”

Siegel, D. J., & Bryson, T. P. (2011). The whole-brain child: 12 revolutionary strategies to nurture your child’s developing mind. Delacorte Press.
This book provides the scientific and practical foundation for teaching kids about the “upstairs” and “downstairs” brain. The toolkit’s use of Amy and Neo directly builds on this model.

Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.
Van der Kolk’s research emphasizes how trauma and stress are stored in the body. The toolkit draws from this insight through its use of somatic tools like body sensation charts and grounding strategies.

Zero to Three. (n.d.). Social-emotional development. https://www.zerotothree.org/early-development/social-emotional-development
This organization’s research-based guidance on emotional development for infants and toddlers supports the toolkit’s attention to co-regulation, attachment routines, and early brain development.

Restorative Practices International. (n.d.). Restorative questions. https://www.iirp.edu/restorative-practices/restorative-questions
Restorative language and practices are foundational to the toolkit’s approach to repair and discipline. This source provides the model for restorative chats and circle scripts.

Shanker, S. (2016). Self-reg: How to help your child (and you) break the stress cycle and successfully engage with life. Penguin.
Shanker reframes behavior through the lens of stress and regulation. His ideas about co-regulation and sensory awareness are deeply reflected in the toolkit’s approach to meltdowns and emotional responses.