My Brain, My Friend

The research behind My Brain, My Friend

Science

These references, grouped by card, come from the bibliography dated 19 October 2026. They support the underlying ideas, not a clinical trial of this card set. Some findings come from adults or animal research and cannot be directly generalized to every child.

Science includes uncertainty. Sleep-related brain clearance, oxytocin and screen-related claims need particular care; conflicting evidence is included below. The cards’ metaphors and small activities are learning tools, not medical advice or guaranteed effects.

1. Emotions

Naming feelings is studied as a form of emotion regulation. Brain weather is a metaphor, not a literal description of the amygdala.

References

2. Dopamine

Dopamine is involved in reward prediction, motivation and wanting—not simply pleasure or applause after completing a task.

References

3. Nature

These studies examine nature exposure, stress markers and rumination. They do not establish a universal time threshold or guarantee the same response for every child.

References

4. Movement

Reviews link exercise with brain health, plasticity and cognition. BDNF is a protein involved in neuronal support; brain fertilizer is a metaphor.

References

5. Habits

Habit formation involves repetition and context. The time needed varies; a small experiment is not a fixed timetable for building a habit.

References

6. Sleep

Sleep’s role in memory consolidation is well established. Brain clearance during sleep remains debated: the bibliography includes the original finding, a conflicting study and a later scientific discussion.

References

7. Connection

Social support can influence stress responses. Oxytocin’s role is complex; a hug or high-five does not guarantee a specific hormonal change.

References

8. Mistakes

These studies examine growth mindset, responses to errors and achievement. Benefits depend on context; mistakes do not automatically produce learning.

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9. Screens

The bibliography covers eye strain, evening light exposure and media multitasking. It does not establish that all screens flood the brain with dopamine or that the 20–20–20 rule is a proven brain-health intervention.

References

10. Hydration

These studies examine hydration and cognition in children and adolescents. They do not prescribe a universal amount of water or guarantee an immediate improvement in focus.

References

11. Self-talk

Research examines how self-talk and self-compassion relate to emotional regulation and resilience. Supportive words are a practice, not a substitute for help when needed.

References