As kids across the country are preparing to return to school in the next few weeks, some will be returning in person while others will be remote learning from home. And others, like my 1stgrader, will be doing a mix of the two. While we have all been through quite the ordeal over the past 5 months, I feel like our children have been hit especially hard.
While COVID-19 is sparing most kids’ bodies, it’s not being so kind to their minds. Nobody is immune to the stress that comes with a pandemic and related quarantining. Children, however, may be at particular risk. Living in a universe that is already out of their control, they can become especially shaken when the routine they count on to give the world order–the rituals in their lives, the very day-to-day activities–get blown to shreds.
In talking with other parents there are three concerns that usually come up regarding their children.
- The mental and emotional effects of social isolation and mask wearing.
- The concern that kids might get sick with COVID 19 or something else yet be treated and forced to quarantine as if they had COVID.
- Apprehension about motivation and focus, especially for those doing remote only learning for Q1.
We are dealing with these issues now as my daughter is currently remote learning and starts in-person learning for 2 days per week in mid-August and my son heads back to preschool at the end of the month. I have done some research and thought that I would share some of the things that we are incorporating into our daily routines to support our minds and bodies the best way that we can.
mENTAL & EMOTIONAL HEALTH
According to Dr. Mary Margaret Gleason, a child and adolescent psychiatrist who is vice chief of the mental health program at CHKD, COVID-19 has affected everyone. While most children haven’t experienced the infection, they’ve all been exposed to life changes and stresses. Past community crises, such as Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and mass shootings, have shown us the long-lasting impact of such events on some children’s mental health, along with their emotional and behavioral development.
Mental health problems affect one in six children, and rates go up during community crises. Specifically, a higher number of children develop: anxiety, depression, disruptive behavior problems, sleep disorders, substance use disorders and suicidal symptoms.
It’s important to note that most children do not. For most, the memory of COVID-19 will shape their world view in the same way that the Great Depression shaped how many of our grandparents and great-grandparents lived.
They will remember it, they might overstock on toilet paper, or be overly cautious about spreading germs, but it won’t interfere with their development or their long-term relationships.
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?
You can start by limiting their exposure to COVID news. Provide them with fact based age-appropriate information but please, turn the TV off. They do not need to be exposed to 24/7 doom and gloom news coverage. You can also help by simply being there for your child. Have conversations about what frightens them, what they are concerned about and help them process their fears by listening and offering guidance. One of the best ways to help support our children during these unprecedented times is to love them and be there for them. If you notice your child is still struggling and their behavior concerns you, I encourage you to seek professional help.
ESSENTIAL OIL SUPPORT
Most of the mental health issues being experienced by children can be supported by calming oils or emotional support oils. The oils can be diffused or applied topically.
Calmer(stress/sleep): Calmer Restful Blend is a calming essential oil blend that promotes a calming and serene atmosphere, allowing bedtime to be a peaceful and welcoming experience. Rolling Calmer onto the bottoms of feet and the back of the neck helps create a stress-free mood when tensions are high. Combining the soothing properties of Lavender, Cananga, Buddha Wood, and Roman Chamomile essential oils in a convenient and safe delivery method along with the skin moisturizing benefits of Fractionated Coconut Oil, Calmer can be used as part of your nightly ritual.
Cheer(negative emotions): Everyone knows a bright disposition and cheerful attitude can smooth over many of the bumps and challenges of life. A favorite for the diffuser, doTERRA Cheer Uplifting Blend of citrus and spice essential oils provides an aromatic, cheerful boost of happiness and positivity when you are feeling down. Its sunshiny, fresh, optimistic aroma will brighten any moment of your day.
Steady™ Grounding Blend: helps balance mood and soothe upset feelings when emotions seem close to the surface. As a parent, you notice when your child seems to be extra sensitive. Sometimes, this means they need a long nap, an extra snuggle, or some one-on-one time. You can help your child feel more calm and balanced with Steady. This blend combines essential oils of Amyris Wood, Balsam Fir, Coriander, and Magnolia with Fractionated Coconut Oil. Apply Steady on the bottom of the feet, to wrists, or to the back of the neck to promote feelings of calmness and steady the emotions.
nATURAL IMMUNE SUPPORT
Your immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend against germs. It helps your body to recognize these “foreign” invaders. Then its job is to keep them out, or if it can’t, to find and destroy them. Luckily, there are some super easy and natural ways to keep your immune system strong.
BALANCED DIET
To bolster immunity, eating a balanced diet is key. Your goal should be to eat the rainbow with colored fruits and veggies throughout the day. The most nutrient rich foods are homegrown. If you are unable to grow your own, buy local if possible. Wholegrains are another food for a balanced diet. Some examples are oats, wholegrain bread and brown rice. Beans and lentils are a healthy source of fiber. Healthy fats should be limited and include olive oil, nuts and seeds. Eating fish and chicken are healthier meat options. And don’t forget the water!! Your goal each day should be to drink 1oz of water for every pound of weight. For example, if you weigh 150lbs, your goal should be to drink 150oz of water per day.
A healthy lunch for a child could consist of low-fat cheese, fruit salad, sliced cucumber and hummus or a turkey and tomato sandwich on whole-grain bread with sliced apple. Water is always a better option than juice or soft drinks which are full of sugar and as a result, weaken the immune system. A research study was done by Loma Linda University in which participants were fed different forms of sugar found that the effectiveness of white blood cells (our immune cells which fight infection) decreased up to 50% after 1-2 hours of eating sugar, lasting up to five hours!
SUNSHINE
Spend some time in the sun. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient, which means the human body needs it but can’t make it. While some foods contain vitamin D, people have traditionally gotten most of their vitamin D from the sun: When exposed to ultraviolet light, a chemical reaction takes place in the skin that results in the production of vitamin D. The sun’s UV rays help your body make this nutrient, which is important for your bones, blood cells, and immune system. It also helps you take in and use certain minerals, like calcium and phosphorus.
ESSENTIAL OIL SUPPORT
We know that when we take care of ourselves through diet and exercise that our body systems receive what they need to take better care of us. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true: when we don’t eat well and exercise, we limit our body’s capacity. It is a never-ending cycle, especially when it comes to our immune systems. The good news for us lies in an additional option—many different essential oils can help play a role in boosting and supporting your immune system.
On Guard Touch: doTERRA On Guard Touch provides a gentle and convenient application method for doTERRA’s proprietary On Guard essential oil blend. Perfect for both children and adults, doTERRA On Guard Touch can be applied topically to the chest and bottoms of feet when seasonal threats are high and to experience its energizing, uplifting aroma. Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary, the essential oils in On Guard, are known for their purifying properties to the skin.
On Guard Beadlets: doTERRA On Guard Beadlets are an easy and convenient way to obtain the immune-boosting benefits of doTERRA On Guard Essential Oil Blend. dōTERRA On Guard Beadlets provide a flavorful dose of doTERRA’s proprietary blend of Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary, all contained in tiny vegetable beadlets that dissolve in the mouth to freshen breath and support the immune system. doTERRA On Guard Beadlets are perfect for home use, while traveling, and to boost your family’s immunity—anytime, anywhere.
Stronger Protective Blend: Created especially for kids, Stronger Protective Blend evokes feelings of wellness and vitality when needed most. It promotes a natural immune defense and is soothing to the emotions and the skin during times of distress. This blend combines Frankincense, Cedarwood, Rose, and Litsea essential oils with Fractionated Coconut Oil. These emotionally soothing oils combine in Stronger to create a dynamic blend that strengthens the mind and body.
fOCUS
Focus is important because it is the gateway to all thinking: perception, memory, learning, reasoning, problem solving, and decision making. Without good focus, all aspects of your ability to think will suffer. The simple reality is: if you can’t focus effectively, you can’t think effectively.
CLUTTER FREE AREA
Evidence suggests that when multiple visual stimuli are competing for your attention, you have a harder time narrowing your focus to only one of them. That means the clutter in your life is making you unfocused. You’ll have a harder time staying on task at school. Decluttering brings better focus back to your world. If your child is remote learning, carve out a corner somewhere in the house and make sure it is a clutter-free zone.
ESSENTIAL OIL SUPPORT
InTune: InTune is a proprietary blend of essential oils carefully selected for their ability to enhance and sustain a sense of focus. No matter your age, staying focused on the task at hand is sometimes difficult. This is especially critical during the formative years when learning and growing create habits and a foundation for life.
The carefully selected essential oils in doTERRA InTune Focus Blend work together, supporting efforts of those who have difficulty paying attention and staying on task. Sandalwood, Frankincense, and Lime promote a sense of clarity, while the benefits of Patchouli, Ylang Ylang, and Roman Chamomile are calming and soothing. The pleasing aroma of InTune Focus Blend makes this essential oil blend an easy and delightful one to use.
Thinker: Ideal for everyone and for daily use, Thinker Focus Blend is the optimal support to use when distractions are high. Designed to create a sense of alertness and clarity, Thinker is the perfect go-to when it’s time to pay attention and concentrate. Featuring Vetiver, Peppermint, Clementine, and Rosemary perfectly combined with Fractionated Coconut Oil for sensitive skin, Thinker is a natural way to feel more focused. Roll Thinker onto your temples, wrists, and the back of your neck to help bring a sense of clarity to the situation at hand.
Embracing the uplifting benefits of Clementine, Thinker can help with mental energy while promoting a stronger sense of concentration. Herbal and slightly sweet, the unique aroma helps instill feelings of clarity during times of confusion. To create a supportive and positive environment for enhanced creativity and focus, incorporate Thinker into your daily learning practice.
MOTIVATION
Some call it bribery, others call it motivation. Whatever you call it, sometimes kids need a little encouragement, especially with remote learning. Of course, the form of motivation will vary depending on the age of your child. The younger ones can be motivated by simple things like a special snack, Friday fun night, or a trip to the store for a toy. Older kids are more fired up by extra screen time, filling up their car with gas or more time with friends.
Motivation has a great impact on the learning process. Motivation alone can determine if the person will pass or fail. While some people learn more by outside influences, others may achieve more by their personal aspirations. Knowing what your child responds too is key to helping them achieve success in school.
ESSENTIAL OIL SUPPORT
Motivate: Once you have worried feelings under control and you feel more centered, you can continue the positive energy by using doTERRA Motivate Touch. Especially for those that feel stuck or mired in pessimism, the Encouraging Blend can help inspire you to find a way around and over the barriers you may be facing.
Help yourself finish what you start by diffusing doTERRA Motivate while doing school work to keep yourself going.
Counteract your feelings about your past setbacks and apply doTERRA Motivate to your temples and pulse points to counteract negative thoughts and doubt.
Our children are, no doubt, facing countless emotions and uncertainty with all that is going on in the world right now. As parents, we want to keep our children safe, secure and protected. There are very simple steps that we can take to support ourselves and our kids during these stressful and confusing times. Believe it or not, this support can be as simple as being present, going outside, eating well and empowering yourself with high quality essential oils.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.