On your mark, get set, GO! Just when you?ve settled into a comfortable summer schedule things are about to change up again.

Now it?s time to get school supplies and get ready for all that goes along with going back to school.

Some children may be looking forward to going back and seeing friends they haven?t seen during the summer vacation. On the other hand, there are many students that show signs of back-to-school anxiety.

The young child starting school for the first time, the older student changing schools, concerns about a new teacher in a new classroom even in the old familiar school - all of these situations can cause a bit of anxiety.

I can remember having dreams or should I say ?nightmares? about loosing my locker combination and not making it to class on time because I couldn?t get into my locker! That never did happen, but I sure did worry about it and yes, I really did have dreams about that!

Homeopathy is not used just on a whim or because of ?what might be.? However, when extreme anxiety starts affecting sleep patterns, mood changes, acting out issues or even headaches and stomach aches then homeopathy can be the answer to putting life back-on-track.

Here are a few of my favorite remedies for some of the previously mentioned conditions.

Aconitum napellus: If there is true fear of going to school. There could even be acute panic attacks, restlessness, or possibly fear of being in a crowded room.

Argentum nitricum: For children who experience anxiety accompanied by digestive issues such as loose stools and gas, this remedy can provide relief. The child may be overly emotional with lots of nervous chatter.

Arsenicum album: Consider this remedy when there is anxiety accompanied by a feeling of chilliness and extreme restlessness. The child may seem overly organized to try and deal with their anxiety.

Gelsemium: This remedy is often used for anticipatory anxiety. If your child feels weak, shaky or paralyzed by fear before a big event this can help calm their nerves.

Ignatia: Often thought of as a grief remedy. A child may have feelings of homesickness and sadness. The child may have hurt feelings and be easily offended by others.

         

Lycopodium: Fear of failure and looking foolish in front of others can be a reason to think of this remedy. The child may lash out verbally and may even use the tactic of putting others down to build themselves up.

Pulsatilla: This is a favorite for children who are clingy and tearful and may help with separation anxiety and the need for constant reassurance.

If you as the parent are feeling overly anxious and overwhelmed for your child you may want to consider taking a couple doses of Ignatia 30 or 200.         

A good potency and frequency to consider for your child when taking any of the remedies mentioned above is to use a 30c and start with one dose in the morning and one dose in the evening. If twice a day is not working then you may go up to 3-4 times a day for a couple of days. Then decrease the frequency as symptoms improve and stop taking all together when the symptoms are much better.

Consider keeping a journal with symptoms, remedies used and progress seen. It is very difficult after the fact to remember all those details. However, they can be helpful in the future as needs may present again and you may not remember exactly how you handled it previously.

Colds, flu, conjunctivitis and other illnesses may also be a concern as school begins and cooler weather sets in. Homeopathy can give you peace of mind knowing that there is something truly ?safe and effective? for you and your family's needs. Please watch for my future blogs concerning how to handle some of these communicable diseases.