It’s official, 2020 is a year for the history books. Who would have thought that in a single year we’d not only see a global pandemic, but also see things like murder hornets, invasion of the Saharan dust, and social unrest? These things can be pretty scary for adults, imagine how they can affect our kiddos? Mix all of this stuff up with going back to school, kids not only have to deal with all these odd events life has thrown our way but also normal scary things like meeting a new teacher, making new friends, and navigating new hallways and classrooms. Kids have a lot of stuff on their plates even though they’re just kids. They need a little extra help navigating life, and Plant Therapy wants to help support you and your little ones through these challenging times. We’ve put together a few of our favorite KidSafe blends and a couple of easy tips to help you and your family ease worry in this especially worrisome time.
No Worries
No Worries is one of our newer KidSafe blends that showcase some sweet, woody, and citrusy essential oils that help melt away stress, fear, and anxiety. The best part is, it not only smells great, but it’s a great option for both kiddos and adults! To experience the amazing benefits of this blend, all you have to do is toss some in your favorite diffuser or inhaler. If a topical application is your preference, you can dilute to 2-3% in your favorite unscented lotion or body butter and apply before school or at the end of the day (or both on those rather difficult days).
Talk It Out
It’s important when dealing with fear and anxiety in children not to shrug it off or belittle the feelings. Fear and anxiety are real feelings that can’t be shut off or controlled. As children are undergoing emotional development, acknowledge their feelings, validate them, and help them overcome and process them properly. A good way to do this is to talk to your children and, most importantly, listen to them. Set aside some time in the day to sit and talk about what is worrying them. Allow them to be honest and open about it. When they are done, team up and talk about how to help ease their worries. It can be as simple as coming up with a plan together on how to tackle that issue or talk about things you’re already doing to help.
Happy Place
When fear and anxiety overcome us, finishing out the day, or even the task at hand, can be a challenge. These times make it seem like a meltdown is inevitable and you should just give up. This is when Happy Place comes in handy. When diffused or applied topically, Happy Place can help ease the physical responses that come with fear and anxiety, more specifically, restlessness.
Family Story Time
Just being together as a family can help ease panic, stress, and worry. Having someone to talk to, cuddle, or just be present with makes all the difference in the world. That’s what makes family storytime a great solution to challenging times. It grants us all of the above and more! A good book is not only a great resource to take advantage of for family time, but it also clears the mind and allows us all to embark on a great adventure somewhere else. Diffuse your favorite blends while reading, and you’re all set!
Calming the Child
Calming the Child brings emotional support during any challenging and scary times, especially for our kiddos. Beautifully blended, Mandarin, Tangerine, Lavender, and Roman Chamomile essential oils help ease worry and anxiety and restore mental peace. It works well diffused, in a personal inhaler, or can even be used in our Aroma Plush Pals. Try diffusing Calming the Child during other calming activities like nap time, coloring, play dough, or even legos.
Sleep & Relaxation
Getting enough sleep is crucial, especially for our kids. When they’re tired, children have a hard time navigating their feelings, and it all kind of blends together in a melting pot. When this happens, there’s little you can do but just let it work itself out. Sleep is the perfect way to do that. Sleeping allows the brain to take a rest, and your little ones will oftentimes wake up feeling more refreshed and ready for whatever life throws at them. If you need ideas on what oils to use for sleep and relaxation, check out our blog post on Essential Oils for Sleep and Relaxation: Comparisons, Uses, & a DIY. Plus, kids need more sleep than us adults! Making sure they’re getting the recommended amount can make all the difference.
- Newborns need 14-17 hours of sleep a day.
- Infants (4-11 months) need 12-15 hours a day.
- Toddlers (1-2 years) need 11-14 hours a day.
- Preschool children (3-5 years) need 10-13 hours a day.
- Children 6-13 years old need 9-11 hours a day.
- Teenagers need 8-10 hours a day.
- Adults need 7-9 hours a day.
What are some of your tried and true methods to calm your kids down when they’re scared? Let us know in the comments below!
