Our own hormones: the best mental health medicine we already have

Children feel deeply. Their emotions move quickly, and often before they have words to explain what’s happening inside them. One of the most powerful things we can teach them is that their brain and body already come equipped with internal tools designed to help them feel steady, supported and safe. These tools are the hormones and neurochemicals that influence mood, confidence, connection and resilience — and Wellbeing Hacks teaches children how to activate them in ways that are simple, realistic and developmentally appropriate. They are hormones and neurochemicals — the body’s natural mental health support system.

And Wellbeing Hacks teaches children exactly how to activate them.

🌿 Serotonin: the calm + steady happiness chemical

In the book, Frizz explains that noticing the good things — even tiny ones — changes the way the brain feels.

In Wellbeing Hack #10 — Be Thankful, children learn that when they do something kind their brain releases serotonin.

Serotonin is responsible for stable happiness, not the big fireworks kind.It helps children feel safe, settled and grounded.

This is why small gratitude practices over time are powerful — they change brain chemistry gently and steadily.

💛 Oxytocin: the connection & comfort chemical

In Wellbeing Hack #6 — Be Kind, children discover that kindness doesn’t just help other people — it actually changes how their brain feels.

When children:

• help someone

• say something kind

• offer comfort

• or include someone who looks left out

their brain releases oxytocin.

Oxytocin is the hormone of:

• bonding

• connection

• trust

• and emotional safety

It tells the nervous system, “I am not alone. I belong.” For anxious children, this is life-changing.

🏃‍♀️ Endorphins: the “feel better in your body” chemical

In Wellbeing Hack #23 — Be Active, children learn that moving their body is not about fitness or sport performance — it’s about feeling better.

Movement — even small movement — releases endorphins.

Endorphins:

• lift mood

• reduce stress

• help the body let go of frustration

• and restore energy

This is why a run around the oval, a dance in the kitchen, or five jumps on a trampoline can completely change a child’s emotional state.

🌟 Dopamine: the motivation & “proud of myself” chemical

In Wellbeing Hack #4 — Practice & Persist and Wellbeing Hack #7 – Be Proud, children learn that when they try, even if they don’t get it perfect, something powerful happens in their brain.

Every small achievement releases dopamine.

Dopamine says:

“Keep going — you’re doing great.”

It builds:

• motivation

• belief in self

• resilience

• the ability to try again after setbacks

This hack teaches children how to feel capable and confident.

🥕 Gut-brain serotonin: food for feelings

In Wellbeing Hack #22 — Eat Good Mood Food, children learn that food affects mood because the gut and brain talk to each other.

Healthy gut = smoother serotonin regulation = calmer emotional baseline.

Kids don’t need to know the microbiology — they just learn:

“Some foods help my brain feel better. I can choose those.” Empowering, not guilt-based.

So yes — our bodies do make their own mental health support, but children need to understand how to access it.

And that is what Wellbeing Hacks does:

It makes brain science feel safe, doable and child-sized.It gives children real ways to help themselves in moments when feelings feel too big.It teaches them that their body is not the enemy — it’s trying to help.

The book doesn’t replace therapy.It complements it.

It gives children language, strategies, confidence and hope before adolescence arrives.

We are not waiting for the crisis to come. We are building the skills before they’re needed.

Check out how Wellbeing Hacks can help your kids

Why Buy? | Wellbeing Hacks 

With support

Lena