Notice your child is anxious about going back to school? That he is apprehensive about returning to school? Here are some tips from naturopathy to help him manage his emotions.

First of all, communication

It cannot be repeated often enough, dialogue with your child is very important. In these moments of doubt, your listening and presence is what is best for your child. Accept what they have to say, without judging them. The adult look is not the same as a child's. The child functions very much by affect. A real emotional sponge, it will capture all your unspoken words. Indeed, body language is just as powerful as words: your attitude and your speech must be coherent... If, for you, the beginning of the school year is synonymous with anxiety, it is very likely that it is the same for your child. In this case, it might be worthwhile for you to look into the matter and consult our article "Back-to-school anxiety: rely on herbal medicine"

Flower essences for subtle accompaniment.

After listening to your child's fears and trying to reassure her with your words and your presence, the flower essences, including the Bach flowers presented here, can help her through this period. 

To help toddlers entering kindergarten who may be suffering from separation anxiety:

• Honeysuckle 17: to soothe a feeling of nostalgia.
• Walnut 33 : to create a safe space inside, far from any outside influences.

In the case of a bullied child who is severely lacking in confidence in his abilities and does not want to go to school in the morning:

• Larch 19 : for self-confidence.
• Heather 14: to open up to others
• Walnut 33: to detach oneself from the gaze of others

If your child is anxious during the day and at night and locks himself into the fear that he won't make it:

• White Chestnut 35 : to stop obsessive thoughts.
• Verbena 31: to calm an overworked mind 
• Impatiens (impatiens) 18: to settle down calmly in the present moment.

Advice for use:By mouth: 4 drops 4 times a day or about 15 drops to put in a gourd

For better support, refer to a certified professional who will be able to advise you on your child's needs.

Adapted plants to find serenity.

In first intention, you can prepare infusions of lemon balm. This plant helps children to find sleep and calm their anxieties. It is known for its relaxing and soothing qualities. Lemon balm is indicated to relieve the effects of stress: "ball in the stomach", difficult digestion, disturbed sleep in children as in adults...

The matricaria or German chamomile allows to calm the agitated and choleric temperaments. It helps young children defuse the frustrations of the day often manifested by crying and tantrums. Young kindergarteners who have to learn to deal with their frustrations during the day can sometimes "explode" at night. Chamomile tea (in addition to active listening) helps to alleviate their emotions.

Passionflower is traditionally used to help people fall asleep. It is also very effective in helping the child to concentrate. Indeed, it avoids "mental scattering". This plant will be indicated for the children whose concentration is light and who will need a help to focus their attention on a precise time.

A DIY essential oil spray to keep worries at bay

With your child, make an essential oil spray to ward off doubts and fears. 

In a bottle filled with water, dilute a few drops of an essential oil (very few) that he will have chosen for its perfume and a few drops of lavender aspic. You can, why not, write a magic formula according to the age of your child. Shake well before spraying on the pillow at night, in the bedroom at bedtime or on a handkerchief during the day. Lavender has calming properties. It will help to temporize anxious minds.

Quality sleep for quality learning.

It is important to provide a safe environment at bedtime so that the child can fall asleep quickly. The apprehension of going back to school can be a source of agitation at bedtime. From now on, it is good for your child to resume the habits of school time: go to bed early, at a fixed time following a ritual that you will have established together. 

Often, at the time of the evening kiss, the tongues are loosened... Enjoy it! Without making a big deal about it and worrying about nothing, survey him to find out what he thinks about the upcoming school year. Ask him how he sees his reunion with his friends, how he plans to dress, what he hopes to learn, etc... You'll find the right words, positive, hopeful and comforting. Trust yourself and you'll see, your child won't have to worry about going back to school!