Bringing a little "Calm" to Children's Active Schedules
By Marybeth Watkins, MS, BS
Children today lead busy and active lives. This is even more apparent with the beginning of a new school year. There are new routines, including school and bus schedules, new teachers and classmates, sport practices and games, club activities, music lessons and other events. And once these new routines are firmly established, children find themselves in the midst of the October through December holiday season. For children to feel nervous and a bit stressed-out under this barrage of activity and excitement is understandable. And it is natural for parents to want to support their children in these activities and help them stay calm in the midst of all this excitement.
Parents can help their children reduce the feelings of stress and anxiety by helping to prepare for their activities, encouraging them with positive support and by recognizing when these steps are not enough and the energy or activities are becoming disruptive to a child’s ability to sleep and maintain balanced behavior throughout the day.
Some simple steps that parents can take to help their children maintain during this busy time include a little nutritional support and some common sense ideas.
1. Herbal support for kids using a chamomile daytime blend and Valerian nighttime blend help support the nervous system so kids can stay focused and calm. These herbs, along with a catnip and skullcap extract help to bring balance to nervous or anxious children, calm hyper-energized activities and promote restful sleep so important to growing bodies
2. Adding a multi-Vitamin that is rich in B-complex vitamins helps kids maintain physical energy as well as mental focus.
3. Eating a well-balanced diet that is high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in simple sugars or sweets is essential for all kids.
4. Helping the child prepare for a new activity. Talk to them about the first day of school or their new team or activity with realistic expectations to make them feel more confident. Encourage participation without pressuring for achievement.
5. Incorporate some "down time" throughout the day, whether it’s 10 minutes talking with them after school about their day, or having them read quietly in bed for 20 minutes before turning out the lights.
Regardless of the activity or time of year, parents are able to equip themselves with a natural approach that will see both them and their children throught this busy time. So relax, and bring a little "calm" to this busy fall season.
References:
Kids, Herbs, Health…A Guide to Natural Remedies, Linda B. White, MD and Sunny Mavor, AHG, Interweave Press, USA, 1998.
Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child, Janet Zand, LAc., OMD, Rachel Walton, RN and Bob Rountree, MD, Avery Press, USA, 1994.
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