In a new world where parents are increasingly seeking natural alternatives to common discomforts or challenges for their children, it’s important we tune into our communities and work through these obstacles together. As concerns about synthetic ingredients and their potential effects grow, the quest for safer solutions gains momentum and opens up new avenues for innovative solutions.
There was a time when WishGarden considered discontinuing our Attention Ally Focus Friend for Kids formula (formerly Genius Juice Jr.) simply due to its lack of popularity. But our Customer Success Manager, Danielle Wetzstein, confidently protested this idea and we thank her for it! Danielle enlightened us on how effective the formula has been for her child over the years, and she didn’t know what she would do if it wasn’t available to her and her family. She suggested that we simply change the name to something more on the nose. Because of Danielle, this formula is still available to our communities and still helping children with their focus, attention, cognitive abilities, and nervous system health.
I interviewed Danielle about her experience with the formula and why she loves it so much. Here is what she shared with us:
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How long have you been using Attention Ally for your kids & why do you love it so much?
I have been using Attention Ally for my son for nearly 2 years now. I love this product for my kids because it is effective and my kiddos like the taste.
Kids (all humans really) can get emotional, frustrated, and fidgety sometimes when trying to complete a task. In my experience, Attention Ally works well to calm their emotions, body, and improve concentration. As an herbalist, I love the herbs in this formula. They nourish the nervous system, provide micronutrients, and cognitive function. I frequently give this formula to my kiddos after school, a time of day when they tend to be buzzy. Attention Ally is so beneficial in helping them ground & stay focused on tasks such as homework, studying, and chores. This product helps them calm their busyness (of body and mind) and allows them to organize their thoughts to execute their responsibility at hand. Attention Ally does not negatively affect my kiddos sleep which is a huge consideration for kids, as any parent knows.
Attention Ally is an extremely valuable resource for parents, children, & families.
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How quickly did you notice its benefits after you started using it? Was it immediate or did you notice behavioral changes over time?
Attention Ally works quickly - in the moment. Over time my kids recognized and enjoyed the calm focus Attention Ally brought. Succeeding at their task - be it homework or studying for a test they rocked later is well worth it to them! Nerve tonics such as milky oats assist in this long-term cascade effect.
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Do your kids mind the taste? Do you add it to anything or just use it straight up?
My kids think this formula tastes great and take it straight up!
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From a practitioner standpoint, do you believe integrative health is the best approach or do you solely rely on herbs for the most part?
Attention Ally is a wonderful asset, or shall I say ally, when addressing attention concerns in children. The ingredients of this herbal formula are curated to be fast acting and nourishing to overtaxed systems. Attention Ally could be a key player when used as a part of a comprehensive program, such as mindfulness practices, addressing nutrient deficiencies, etc.
If necessary and approved by their practitioner, using Attention Ally alongside medication is a great idea because it has herbs that nourish the body long term. It has nervous system support with scullcap, passionflower, milky oats. It contains micronutrients & minerals from the nettles. And gotu kola is actually known to help with sleep issues, which many with issues focusing deal with.
From my experience, I feel it is important to look at all avenues when supporting children with trouble focusing because one size does not fit all. For instance, one would not expect an athlete with respiratory issues to not use their inhaler or Deep Lung when needed. Folks diagnosed with attention disorders could benefit from assistance from medication or herbal remedy that work for them in a similar way. I love that integrative medicine (ND, acupuncturists, etc.) & herbalism tends to take a look at the whole person and asks comprehensive questions, such as, are there nutritional deficiencies? Food or environmental allergies? Learning style clashes, etc. Addressing the whole person is essential. I would also incorporate some mindfulness & meditation practices too.
Knowing your child and what works best for your family is key to answering this question. Another reality is nutraceutical & herbal supplements are expensive and not covered by major medical insurance. This can be too expensive for some families to do over time. Sometimes judgment and stigmas can get in the way of parents exploring all options.
Attention Ally is great for young kids, homeschoolers, and older kids that can manage taking things like this on their own.
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What is your family’s bedtime routine?
Sleep hygiene has always been a priority to our family. Every evening at the same time my kids prepare their clothes & backpacks for the next day, bathe, brush teeth, take Sleepy Nights for Kids & magnesium, and finally lie down in bed with a book in a calmly lit bedroom. I lay down to read and snuggle before turning the lights out for dream time.**Side note: Attention Ally and Sleepy Nights kids share some ingredients...milky oats & passionflower.
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Do your kids ask for the formula on their own?
Sometimes now that they are older (11 & 13 years old). If they are finding it difficult staying focused, they tend to ask for Attention Ally as a tool to assist them in succeeding at their task at hand. Sometimes, more often, I notice they could use some extra assistance to stay on task.
Rebecca Younger is passionate about herbs and women's health. She aspires to plant seeds of inspiration within her community about plant medicine and healthier ways of life. She studied Herbal Medicine at Herbalism Roots in Denver and is a certified Doula through the Matrona Foundation. She is the customer journey lead at WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or sell any product.
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