I don't know about you but it hardly feels it's the end of summer and our dear little people are already thronging back to school! As I looked at my daughters returning to the classroom I couldn't' help thinking what it was like B.H. (before homeopathy): tears, anxiety and tantrums seemed to rule the BBBTSD (big bad back-to-school-day).

So, with that experience in mind, I would like to share with you some techniques and remedies which I have found invaluable for times of anxiety and stress, be it a change such as going to school for the first time or returning to school after the holidays, or other stressful situations, such as interviews, journeys and new circumstances.

General Tips
Take your time: Look at what the "real" issue is behind your child's unhappiness: are they mirroring your anxiety? Are they uncomfortable because there is somebody in their school environment they are unhappy with? Spend time with your child finding out exactly what the problem behind the behaviour is: it will bring valuable insights. Do try to approach the situation in a relaxed manner; don't let your child think they are doing something wrong.

Feed them well: artificial food colourings, preservatives, ready meals, fizzy drinks, sugary snacks, all contribute to mood swings, hyperactivity, tantrums and frayed tempers. Feeding children reminds me of the old computer programming acronym GIGO (garbage in, garbage out). So feed them good, wholesome, fresh food, lovingly prepared (even a simple salad lovingly prepared is better than an elaborate ready meal); make mealtimes special, sitting at the table rather than in front of the TV: all these contribute to relaxation and better communication. Give them a good multi-vit and/or fish oil supplement during the winter months and include some fresh citrus fruit in their diet.

Allow them plenty of sleep: don't let them watch violent programs on TV, especially near bedtime!

Make sure they get plenty of exercise and they spend some time outdoors. Autumn days can be mild and sweet with wonderful vivid colours which are a real visual treat.

Dealing with Anxiety the Homeopathic Way: if all else fails, here are some homeopathic remedies which can make the difference between a nervous wreck and a calm, reasonable child (and adult):

Aconite: any ailments from sudden onset, real fear, shock, fright, any colds and earaches resulting from exposure to the elements, especially cold wind; never been well since fright
Arg-nit: anticipates the worst; panicky, claustrophobic; moves incessantly; craves sugary or salty foods
Arsenicum: fastidious, chilly, nervous, can behave in an OCD way; need a lot of company
Calc-carb: nervous, peevish, stubborn; many fears (animals, spiders, the dark) and nightmares
Calc-phos: nervous exhaustion, too much studying, overwork, growing pains
Chamomilla: ratty, dissatisfied, fractious; throws tantrums; "teething problems"
Gelsemium: slow onset, apprehension, weakness and trembling; "jelly knees"; paralysed with fear
Lycopodium: stage-nerves, (very anxious beforehand but ok once in there); digestive upsets
Mag-phos: cramping headaches due to over-study; menstrual pains
Phosphorus: nervy, delicate, sensitive, prone to nightmares and nosebleeds; vivid imagination
Pulsatilla: weepy, clingy, better for fresh air and cuddles; needs lots of reassurance
The above is only a small sample of easily obtainable remedies: Book a consultation for more complicated behavioural issues.