The Quiet Superpower Every Child Needs

If you had to guess the single most impactful change for kids’ health and well-being, what would it be?

❑ Healthier eating
❑ Daily exercise
❑ More sleep
❑ Less screen time
❑ More mindfulness

Keep your answer in mind and we’ll reveal what the research says at the very end of this recap.

In the meantime, here’s a hopeful trend: yoga has become one of the fastest-growing health practices in North America.

Among youth ages 4–17, participation has nearly tripled in recent years. That means more kids are discovering movement not just as exercise, but as a path to calm and confidence.

One of those kids is Maddie Toren. At just 14, she became Arizona’s youngest certified yoga instructor and created Om Warrior Kids — an animated series that helps kids stretch, breathe, and find their center.

She even put together a free Om Warrior playlist to help families try yoga and mindfulness at home — a simple way to turn movement into calm right in your living room. Check it out here →

This month, we’ve been looking at health through some unexpected windows — from Adam’s reminder that true wealth is measured in energy and vitality, to Tammy’s insight that stress can shrink a child’s potential while stories help it grow, to Sylvia’s take on how even something as small as dental health ripples through a child’s whole body.

Read their full articles below and then don’t forget to scroll to the bottom, where we’ll reveal the research-backed answer to the question on the #1 most impactful change for kids’ health.

The Richest Kids Aren’t the Wealthiest—They’re the Healthiest

True wealth for kids isn’t a fat bank account—but a strong body, sharp mind, and rested nights. Discover easy science-backed ways to raise healthy children who thrive. Read More (4 min)

Stress Shrinks Kids’ Brains and Stories Expand Them

Discover how stress literally shrinks developing brains—and how stories can reverse the damage by building resilience, empathy, and emotional strength. Read More (6 min)

The Price of a Smile: What Happens in the Mouth Doesn’t Stay in the Mouth

Brushing and flossing are more than just routines; they’re building blocks for lifelong health. Learn how small habits early on can protect hearts and keep smiles bright. Read More (4 min)

Homeschooling Beyond the Stereotypes: How Parents Are Using TikTok to Reclaim the Narrative

Parents share real homeschooling stories on social media — from students with IEPs discovering their strengths, to families building confident, connected learning communities. Read More (3 min)

Embracing the Inquisition: Tales of Surviving My Toddler’s Why Phase

A gentle reminder that a toddler’s endless “whys” aren’t just noise—they’re the roots of curiosity, connection, and learning. By leaning into their questions with patience and wonder, we nurture not only their growing minds but also our bond with them. Read More (4 min)

Bedtime Was Just a Suggestion

This blog takes you inside the ups and downs of bedtime and shows how a little creativity can turn chaos into connection. With 12 playful tuck-in games, it paints a picture of evenings that end with giggles, closeness, and calm instead of stress. Read More (4 min)

The Easiest Way to Bring Yoga Home

Most parents love the idea of yoga for their kids… but making it happen at home? That’s usually where it falls apart.

Om Warrior Kids changes that. With 100+ short, animated videos led by a young certified instructor, kids see someone their own age modeling calm, confidence and strength, feeling instantly relatable. Parents love that it’s safe, ad-free, and comes with printable yoga cards so the whole family can join in.

Bonus for REK members: use code EMPOWER for 10% off your first 3 months. Start your 7-Day Trial here >>

So, ready for the big reveal?

The research is clear: the #1 most impactful change for kids’ health and well-being is … 🥁 ... sleep!

Consistent, quality rest is the foundation that makes everything else work better. It fuels learning, stabilizes emotions, boosts immunity, and even makes kids more likely to stay active and eat well. Think of it as the quiet superpower that amplifies every other healthy habit.

And here’s where the circle closes: yoga and meditation are proven allies in helping all of us wind down, quiet the mind, and slip more easily into restorative rest.

Try these resources to make bedtime feel lighter, calmer, and even fun:

Podcast with a sleep expert — practical insights for helping kids get the rest they need.

12 bedtime games to try tonight — playful ways to turn bedtime battles into bonding moments.

As we head into October, we’ll be exploring a brand-new theme, Values & Beliefs, because raising empowered kids isn’t just about healthy bodies, but strong inner compasses.

Here’s to calmer nights and brighter mornings. And maybe a chance to ask yourself: what small shift could help your household protect the superpower of sleep this week?

Your friends at REK,

P.S. Our last Camp SuperNova session is now enrolling for November 24 take-off! Save your child's seat for an entrepreneurial learning experience they will never forget!