At Home Integrative Therapies for Big Emotions as your Kids Go Back to School

By Jackie Hojati, ARNP, FNP-C
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Has your child been shedding tears, maybe even throwing some tantrums, and telling you they don't want to go back to school?
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Back to school nerves are common and are due to a mix of emotions. Parents, you remember what it was like joining a new classroom and not knowing what table you were going to be sat at; getting a new teacher and not knowing if he or she was going to like you; meeting new classmates; the change of schedule; the list goes on. Kids can often exhibit a multitude of different emotions due to thinking about these upcoming changes.

By Jackie Hojati, ARNP, FNP-C
​
Has your child been shedding tears, maybe even throwing some tantrums, and telling you they don't want to go back to school?
Back to school nerves are common and are due to a mix of emotions. Parents, you remember what it was like joining a new classroom and not knowing what table you were going to be sat at; getting a new teacher and not knowing if he or she was going to like you; meeting new classmates; the change of schedule; the list goes on. Kids can often exhibit a multitude of different emotions due to thinking about these upcoming changes such as:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Separation anxiety
• Stomach aches
• Defiance
• Tantrums

Thinking outside of the box by incorporating natural, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) type therapies for kids can help calm their symptoms related to starting the new school year in the short-term. Teaching them these different techniques early in life helps support other types of anxiety related situations they may have as they grow into adulthood. Forms of therapy that can be found outside of the home and where an appointment will surely need to be made would include therapies such as:

• Acupuncture
• Hypnosis
• Biofeedback/cognitive behavioral therapy
• Chiropractic Care

Some of the above therapies have been seen to be very effective in helping with anxiety related symptoms and insurance will sometimes help cover costs. It would be worth the time to contact your insurance company to see what types of benefits they cover for CAM.
Below is a list of therapies that can be easily done in the comfort of your own home when the crying, tantrums and anxiety has kicked into high gear:

• Animal therapy; children can feel more comfortable and hopeful around animals which reduces worry and negative thoughts
• Aromatherapy; it is thought that the activation of nasal smell receptors causes the brain to send message-like signals to parts of the brain that affect mood. Some of the most popular essential oils to diffuse for anxiety related symptoms include: bergamot, lavender, rose, and chamomile.
• Massage; there are a lot of fun different types of massage you can use on kids at home to make it an enjoyable experience for them.

• Story-time and imagery (story-time massage); easy-to-follow massage strokes with words and sentences from popular tales or fun situations.
• Foot Massage; use lotion and do before bedtime to get kids relaxed.
• Head massage with essential oils; try before putting them in for a bath or shower.
• Back massage; light and deep strokes before bed.
• Hand-held massage; alternative as it provides vibration as well.

• Play therapy and art therapy; spending time outdoors, making crafts, drawing, painting, or doing any sort of activity that gets your child's mind and body engaged creates an environment where they are better able to express themselves. Physical activity decreases stress hormones in the body and increases brain chemicals that control mood.
• Supplements; you may read on popular natural forums or blog sites of most commonly used supplements for children. The most popular are melatonin, fish oil, B-complex, magnesium and probiotics. Please consult your provider if you have questions about what supplements might work best for your child.
• Journaling; having kids reflect on events can help them view their different feelings in an objective way. They should know that their journals are safe, private, and theirs and that they can reveal whatever it is that is on their mind.
• Yoga; can be found on the YouTube channel with many different videos geared toward kids.
• Deep breathing; can help get more oxygen into your bloodstream which then opens up your capillaries. It's a physical effect on the body that calms kids down. An easy way to teach them deep breath is by blowing bubbles.
• Music therapy; slow or calming music can decrease the heart rate of someone who has anxiety. Music stimulates different parts of the brain and helps kids process internal and external information. 

Validate your child's worries by acknowledging them. Remind them that like any new activity, starting school, having a new teacher and classroom and making new friends can be hard at first but soon will become easier. Stay positive and realistic. Many of your child’s anxieties or fears over starting a new school year are real and valid. They may have thoughts of the past where they remember instances where they were laughed at, did badly on a test, sat alone at lunch, or lost a friend.
Let your child know that sometimes things happen and that they will happen throughout their life! Let them know that no matter what you will be there for them, you hear them, understand their feelings, and that it’s okay and normal to feel the way that they are feeling.