Raising an anxious or stressed out child today can be a demanding task. Our kids face all sorts of challenges and pressures such as academic, social and emotional. Often they find themselves locked in their thoughts, buried in stress and fearful of all kinds of situations. Does this sound the least bit familiar to you? If so, please read on!
Thankfully, quick fix choices are a thing of the past, and we no longer want to focus on what’s wrong with our child but more on the underlying cause of their anxiety. Now, the best way to help your child is to work together to understand their fears and what emotions are the results of their stress. Easier said then done - right?
Let me share a little bit about my daughter...My daughter has been anxious almost since birth. From a toddler to high school, we’ve tried so many different therapies including medication. Some strategies have worked better than five amazing natural remedies we used for successfully treating her anxiety!
My Daughter’s Journey
My daughter has been anxious almost since birth. From a toddler to high school, we’ve tried many different therapies including medication. Some strategies have worked better than others for her. I’m happy to report she survived her years as a guinea pig and I’m excited to share the five amazing natural remedies we used for successfully treating her anxiety!
1. Nourish
Diet is one of the most comprehensive and meaningful ways to eliminate stress and lower cortisol levels which causes anxiety and stress in the first place. For years physicians have known that a high protein-low carb diet is best for stress reduction.
What else can you do? Add snacks to your child’s diet because maintaining blood sugar levels throughout the day is necessary to reduce anxiety.
Also, ditch the dairy and wheat products. If your child drinks sugary caffeinated beverages, try to limit them or say sayonara to them altogether.
2. Massage
First and foremost make sure the therapist is certified and has expertise in child massage therapy. The touch used should be more gentle and soft and can be done in a chair or even standing.
Make sure the therapist asks permission and your child agrees before the therapy begins. The benefits are numerous including a decrease in stress, anxiety and heart rate. Touch, in particular, reduces stress and promotes the growth of myelin the insulating material around our nerves.
3. Acupuncture
Again, make sure your therapist is licensed and works with children. The thin needles don’t hurt, but even so, the treatments can be done with your child sitting on your lap. The benefits are rich and include reducing stress, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, depression and many more ailments.
4. Biofeedback
This painless, noninvasive technique is often used to treat children with anxiety and pain. Kids love this procedure because they will sit in front of a computer monitor watching games, cartoon, stories or listen to tunes or songs.
As the images or sounds change, your child will learn how to change their physical state and feelings. It’s an incredible thing to watch as your child engages in this therapy because they have so much fun participating.
5. Aroma Therapy
Depending on the age of your child, essential oils are valuable to enhance mood, alleviate fatigue, promote relaxation and primarily reduce anxiety. Because a child’s skin and systems are delicate be sure you research the essential oils used for purity, and that the oil is organic.
Children will only use blends that are one-third to one-half as potent as what’s recommended for adults. Lavender and chamomile are both considered safe for children, and both can calm anxiety! Try using a diffuser in your home or giving your child a nice warm bath with five drops of lavender oil in the water. A warm bath will surely calm your anxious child.
Benefits of Natural Healing Therapies
Natural therapies have been around for centuries and are used to restore and renew the body. In most cases, they have fewer to no side effects and are less expensive than conventional treatments. My daughter loved the idea that she was focusing on her healing of her mind, body, and spirit. One bonus is when children start to use different non-invasive therapies they value and learn about their bodies. As a parent, this is so reassuring knowing your child is focusing on wellness.