back to school support for kids
Late summer marks the transition of going back to school and the busy days of preparing for fall ahead. Heading back to the classroom is both exciting and overwhelming. This transitional time can be challenging both emotionally and physically. New worries and fears about a shift in routine are very common and the shared space of the classroom exposes kids to a surge of germs. Kids are resilient and with the right stress and immune support they can start the new school year off on the right track.
On average, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged kids get around five to eight colds per year, and teenagers can expect to get around three to four. The key is to support our kids' developing immune systems through this process and help minimize how often they get sick, the severity of their symptoms, and their ability to quickly bounce back. Likewise, it's important to support our kids' nervous systems so they are better equipped to build self-confidence and get the most out of their school experience.
The foundation of optimal health always starts with a balanced and varied diet, sound sleep, stress management, and staying well hydrated. Beyond this, we have our favorite herbs and supplements that support immunity, focus, energy and help stay on top of back to school jitters.
Elderberry Syrup
Elderberries are rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants and have been shown to shorten duration of colds, help protect against the flu, and boost the immune system. Anthoiummune is our favorite elderberry syrup, made in small batches with antioxidant rich, organic elderberries and elderflowers from Maine. Flowers and berries are harvested at their peak, and processed immediately to capture and preserve the valuable phytonutrients available in the raw fruit and flowers. Anthoiummune is a delicious and effective way to support immune system health. Kids absolutely love the taste!
Herbal Immune Support
Immune tonic herbs deeply nourish the immune support. Our Children's Immune Boost formula features powerhouse herbs like astragalus and nettles, traditionally taken on a daily basis during the fall and winter months to strengthen immunity and lessen our chances of succumbing to common viral infections. These herbs are slow-acting with a prolonged effect, so the most benefit would be seen when taken daily. It can be easily mixed with elderberry syrup, a smoothie, or juice.
Multi Vitamin & Mineral Formula
A high quality multivitamin helps ensure your child is getting optimal amounts of the nutrients their body needs to thrive in the new school year. Vitamin Code Kids by Garden of Life is a yummy cherry-flavored, organic whole food multivitamin that is packed with essential vitamins and minerals designed to meet the unique needs of children and help fill nutritional gaps to support optimal health.These food-based nutrients come with their natural cofactors, along with live probiotics and enzymes, just like raw foods!
High Potency Probiotic
The word probiotic literally translates to “good bacteria”. We have ten times more bacteria in our digestive system than we have human cells. The gut bacteria function as an organ that digests our food, makes vitamins, protects us from infections, and acts as the front line of our immune system. These good bacteria populate the digestive tract to keep bad bacteria from getting a foothold, aid digestion, and support absorption of nutrients and regularity while also building the immune system. Ther-Biotic Children’s Chewable is a cherry flavored, broad-spectrum, hypoallergenic probiotic supplement providing 25 billion CFU formulation.
Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids
Omega 3’s are needed by every single cell in our bodies. The omega-3 fatty acid, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is complements the supportive nutrients in a multivitamin. It supports brain and eye health, especially focus, memory and attention, as well as immune system function. Nordic Naturals strawberry-flavored DHA Junior is made entirely from Arctic cod liver oil and provides a therapeutic does of omega-3 DHA.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps to maintain adequate blood levels of calcium by increasing the level of absorption from food — which will help kids build strong bones and also plays a critical role in the immune system. Vitamin D also supports skin health, brain development, proper neurotransmitter function, and a healthy mood. Kid's Super Daily D3 provides 400 IU of vitamin D3 in one convenient unflavored drop.
Zinc
Zinc is a powerful antioxidant that plays an important role in immune cell production and supports healthy growth, cognitive development, and gut health in children. Kid’s Chewable Zinc provides 5 mg of zinc in a natural mixed berry flavor tablet.
Flower Essences for Emotional Support
Flower Essences are liquid, plant preparations made from the fresh flower blossoms of a plant that imprint water with their energetic patterning. Similar to acupuncture, sound healing, or reiki, these vibrational remedies work on an energetic level and can have profound effects on the overall wellness of any being. The five flower essences used in Bach's Kids Rescue Remedy are specifically used for stressful or transitional periods and can help calm worries, fears, and back to school jitters.This blend can also be used for general acute stress, periods of grief, anxiety, or nightmares.
Homeopathy for Transitional Support
Pulsatilla is an excellent remedy for transitional stages and can support both kids and adults in times of significant change. It suits children who are timid and are overwhelmed easily by changes in routine, and helps them adjust to change and gain confidence and independence. It can also be helpful for parents who have trouble letting go of their little ones or easily take on their children's emotions.