Tips for Parents and Kids Back to School Emotional Balance

Whether they are little or big, going back to school can bring upon big emotions for parents and children.  Thankfully, there are a few ways we can prep our mind and body to keep those big emotions at bay.

Using aromatherapy is a wonderful way to get your day started on the right foot and your night ended in a relaxed more sleep.

The use of hydrosols or essential oils topically or aromatically can assist to decrease anxiety and worry and help one feel grounded and focused to take on the day.

Hydrosols are best for children as they are not as concentrated as essential oils.  Essential oils are loved by many and wonderful as long as they are age appropriate and used safely per one's health profile.  One must always check precautions and with your health care provider before using aromatherapy or natural products, especially with children.

Hydrosols or essential oils of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), frankincense (Boswellia carteri) can be all you need.  Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) is also a wonderful essential oil to add to the diffuser.  Simply add one or a combination of your choice to a diffuser in the morning before school while you and the kiddos are getting ready, or spray a few spritz of hydrosol around the room, or even use it topically in your skin care routine as a toner or moisturizing spritz.

Allow your self and your children plenty of time to be awake and get ready in the morning's so there isn't an added rush while trying to keep a calm and worry free atmosphere.

Make a healthy breakfast and give yourselves time to think and talk about the day.

Make a plan for pick up so your child knows exactly what the school day looks like, pick up or drop off, and what might be happening after school.

Believe or not, children are just like us.  They like to know what the plan is.  They do better with a schedule.

Just to note, you can also create roller ball blends (kid safe per age and health profile) that can be applied on the wrists before school.  Apply the blend on your wrists too!  Remember, those emotions can sneak up on both of you.  

You can also create a nasal inhaler along for the ride and if those big emotions sneak up, you can take a few minutes to hug and deep breathe while inhaling from your calming and grounding inhaler blend.

One more fun idea?  Aromatherapy jewelry is super fun!  You can even get matching bracelets or necklaces.  Apply the essential oils to the pad provided that goes into the jewel or add to a lava stone on the piece.  It is nice when you both can be reminded of each other throughout the day and have a calming aroma close to you that reminds you of home.

If you aren't much into aromatherapy, that's okay.  I mean really, who doesn't love a massage?! 

Schedule yourself a massage!  Don't even think about.  When you are there, always think to yourself "inhale the good, exhale the bad".  This will help to relax those tense muscles.  It is way easier to relax when we aren't super tense and our shoulders are down where they are supposed to be.  Substitute with a relaxing lavender and epsom salt bath two or three times a week for fifteen minutes, followed by a glass of water to rehydrate.

How about getting some channels opened up so your energy can flow and vibe?  Ever tried reflexology?  Reflexology is a therapy where pressure is applied to the feet, hands, or ears.  The pressure points correspond with certain organs and areas of the body.  Reflexology is good for all sorts of emotions and physical ailments.  Scheduled a few times a year or prior to change, it can really be helpful to bring upon balance.

Well, maybe you are thinking you are just not into ANY of that... and I certainly should not mention acupuncture because you might say that is out too?

Okay, don't worry!  I got you too!

Back to the BASICS that we all should do every single day but tend to get busy -

• Decrease the caffeine, especially after lunch time.
• Increase your water intake - aka hydrate.  The body is so negatively affected when it is dehydrated. 
• Stretch at least two times daily for ten minutes (add some calming nature sounds if you will).
• Deep Breathe for a few minutes or meditate after stretching.
• Limit or cut our the alcohol because it does not help balance emotions.
• Limit processed foods and fast foods.
• Add fruits and veggies to every snack and meal.
• Work on your weekly schedule ahead of time and stay on task.
• Don't strive for perfect, just better today than yesterday.
• Take time to notice something you love about yourself and your kiddos.  Confidence can change your day.
• Walk or exercise.  Even if it is only for fifteen minutes.  Walk off those worries and allow your mind to find clarity.
• Go to bed on time.  Stay on a sleep schedule for you and your kiddos as much as possible.

All of these things are small steps to a bigger step towards mental and physical wellness.

Questions are welcomed!  Wishing you all a smooth back to school return!  Jamie

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