Returning to school can be exciting and nerve-racking for our little people and parents. As an ex-kindergarten teacher, some of the most common worries I heard about were who would be in their class, will they be with their friends and will they make friends, what teacher they’ll have, what will they learn, where will they sit and what if it’s too hard!
There are loads of variables for us to anticipate, and it can become overwhelming and stressful.
If you’re finding your child(ren) is bouncy, resistant to get ready or go to school, finding it hard to detach in the morning, or crying the night before school, then we have three ways to use essential oils to establish ritual and help ease back to school stress.
We always recommend patch testing on the skin and clothing for sensitivities before use.
1. Put a drop on their collar in the morning
This ritual includes applying a small amount to your child’s clothes (always test on a small patch before using) on either their collar or in the middle of their neckline.
Encourage your child to hold this spot close to their nose and take a deep breath when they have big feelings. Three deep breaths helps regulate an overstimulated nervous system and can help bring them back down to baseline.
The last thing a stressed child needs is unwanted attention, so this practice is subtle and can be done throughout the day. Our essential oil scents will last all day, so they can use this practice at school to help calm the farm without drawing too much attention.
We recommend You’ve Got This or Calm the Farm essential oil blend and repeating the mantra on the back of the bottle to promote positive self-talk and thoughts.
2. Spray the room or them before they leave the house
By spraying your space, you’re creating an environment that not only smells good, but your family is reaping the benefits of breathing deeply and the properties of the essential oils.
Our Nighty Night room spray is excellent for calming the nervous system and helps aid in sleeping. Using this product before bed can help set your child(den) up for a good night’s rest, meaning they will be more prepared for the next day at school. Pair this with sharing three things you’re thankful for about the day will uplift thoughts and feelings, helping them drift off happier.
Spraying the kids before they leave the house is another ritual involving pause and connection with their breath. You can include the mantra on the back of the bottle to help build confidence and self-belief as they leave home to embrace the day.
To do this, pump three to five sprays around their body, starting above their head. Encourage them to stand still long enough to feel the droplets land on their skin, cooling their mind and body. This is another mindfulness tool and opportunity to connect.
You could include a moment to share what you’re most looking forward to, or you, as a parent, can share one thing you love about them, which can help make leaving the house a positive and loving experience.
The room sprays we recommend are Calm the Farm to reduce anxiety, and bubbling energy and You’ve Got This to increase confidence and decrease stress.
3. Roll essential oils on their wrist
Our essential oils come in compact rollers for practical application. The slim and lightweight design allows your child to carry one in their pocket, lunch box or school bag.
To use, roll the essential oil onto their wrists or in the centre of their palm and encourage them to close their eyes and take three deep breaths.
This simple practice has a calming and centring effect. I use this in my Kid’s Yoga classes, and they absolutely love it!
We recommend our Calm the Farm, Acceptance or You’ve Got This essential oil roll-on.
If you would like to learn more ways to use essential oils then check out our article what are essential oils and how to use them.
