Back to School Diffusions for Kids and Emotional Parents

“This morning, I am diffusing rose, sweet orange and bergamot – a happy and heart-supporting combo that gives a nod to my tender heart and another nod to her eager, excited one.”

This morning is bittersweet for me. In about two hours, my five-year-old will be going to her elementary school for a two-week program that begins to prepare her for kindergarten. She will be connecting with her classmates and teachers. She will be learning the morning routine. And she will be learning math. Oh my.

I knew she would go to school eventually. I’ve been looking forward to watching her grow into her independence and into herself. At orientation, we were told that during this year she will change more than in any other year in her childhood. Be still, my heart. I mean, I am supposed to be helping her grow up, right? So why does this hurt a bit? She, on the other hand, is ready and excited to begin her adventure in learning. Why can’t I be as excited as she is right now? Why do I feel sad at the prospect of my baby not being a baby anymore?

Everything changes

This is what parents go through as we watch our kids grow and change. It’s an exciting time for them but a sad one for us. To me, things are suddenly moving at a breathtaking pace. I do want her to go through all of this, of course, but I want it to happen… well, maybe not so quickly.

I find myself wanting to look at baby pictures with her. I want to hold on to her tightly because a time is coming when she won’t let me hold on any longer. I’m told that as the years go by things will be different – summers will draw to a close and I’ll be counting down the days until she and her sister go back to school again. But…

Are we there yet?

I have dreamed of giving her the world and now, here I am doing that with hesitation. I want to take a bit of it back for the sake of prolonging this sweet, sweet time. As she learns to be more independent and aware of the world around her, she is going to become her own person. That won’t be easy or fun or sweet all of the time.

I know she will push against me to define herself. She will test her boundaries and limits in school and in life. I will likely have to motivate her to get up and going. I will have to push her to fly out of the nest. For now, however, she is ready to start and can’t be contained. I, on the other hand, will be crying with the other parents on her first day of kindergarten. I will be sad but I will also be thrilled to watch my little girl take that step and then grow up a whole lot more this year.

For all of you parents on either side of this – maybe you’re happy to get them out the door and going or maybe you’re holding on tightly as they try to wriggle out of your loving grasp – essential oils can help with the emotional balance of it all.

Here are a few suggestions for you to try as you send your kids back to school.

Back to School Diffusions for the Family

• Rosemary, peppermint and lemon - For motivating the student who doesn’t want to get out of summer mode and go back to school. This happy and energizing combo can wake up even the grumpiest summer gamer who got used to staying up into the wee hours and doesn’t want to get back on the school-routine clock.
• Clary sage, rose and bergamot -  For soothing a parent’s heart who is feeling sad about sending the kiddos off to school. Also a happiness booster for students who don’t want to give up their summer fun.
• Bergamot, lavender and Roman chamomile - While this is more of an evening combo for bringing balance to anger and hot tempers (adolescence - lol), this can be a soothing diffusion to ease tempers and soothe emotions associated with the change that comes with back-to-school time. Great for volatile situations.

Looking for some essential oils for back to school? Explore the best essential oils for back to school.

Authored by:  Authored by:  Charlynn Avery - Aura Cacia Aromatherapist & Sr. Wellness Education Manager and Wellness Lifestyle Enthusiast

This inspiring post lived on Aura Cacia’s Noteworthy site while it was in existence.  The name “Noteworthy” was inspired by the three aroma notes – top, middle and base – found in essential oils. When these three notes come together they create a beautiful, balanced synergy.  Noteworthy was full of contributions by real women aspiring to create a beautiful, balanced synergy in their own lives – and the lives of others.  We are pleased we could continue to share this post to our aromatherapy community.