Find the Breath
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Mindful Parenting
We can’t live in a bubble and neither can our kids and really who wants too? However, being out in the world especially this time of year means germs, germs, germs. Thankfully therapeutic grade essential oils can help both prevent and lessen the duration of seasonal or environmental threats. I am NOT a doctor and I am not suggesting to disregard your Doctor's orders but I do recommend doing your research and I am sharing what I use with my family.
A word on making your own blends -- some oils can’t mix together, in fact, it’s dangerous to do so. I’ve tested these blends and have a unique understanding so I can promise you these are safe for kids of all ages (that’s you, too, Momma!). When you’re using a carrier oil, you want something like fractionated coconut oil (which directly absorbs into the skin!) or a sesame oil, jojoba oil or even an almond oil. You want to be careful of nut allergies but all of these are great ways to make the blend stick so that the intensity of the essential oil is not so strong and you can spread the oil love! The oils I love are from doTERRA and if you're interested in learning more about bringing these oils into your practice, click here.
Peaceful Start: Peppermint + Bergamot. Peppermint is for clarity of mind and focus. Bergamot is beautiful, it’s a citrus and it’s perfect reducing stress, calming and uplifting. Think of it as the superhero essential oil cape your kids never knew they needed! How to Layer: Add the carrier oil to a bowl or empty bottle, three or four drops of each essential oil and then mix together. This is a great oil for the chest, back and feet. If you’re on the go, you can put the carrier oil in your hands and mix the oils there -- that’s perfect for the drop-off line.
Healthy & Happy: Thankfully, doTERRA has taken care of this blend for us!! Keeping ON GUARD nearby throughout the school year is the best way to avoid the seasonal and environmental threats that tend to follow kids like… well, the plague! A few drops of ON GUARD in a diffuser in their bedroom. The best one is FROM DOTERRA, which you can buy here. You can use it to get rid of that teenager “essence,” to help them sleep, to help them relax -- you can use it without them knowing, especially as you’re working to help your kids get into their own mindful practice. And you can make other blends in the diffuser too, instead of using a carrier oil.
Sweet Rest: As you ease into a new routine, your kids can have trouble going to bed early. Monster Spray (lavender + water) is a great way to ease little ones into bed after a long, fun and exciting day. For your tweens and teenagers, SERENITY in a diffuser is a nice way to help them relax. If your child has difficulty breathing during activities, oils are often not recommended. Yoga Breathing Exercises are a great way to calm them down and I have a few of those to help you here.
Homework Helper: Sandalwood + Frankincense + Lime. Super earthy so they’ll bring your kids down to the task at hand and ease homework time. Add these three to a diffuser the moment you walk in, allowing them to breathe in the scents as you prepare a quick snack and set the stage for a peaceful evening session.
Getting your kids (and yourself!) into a routine at the beginning of the school year is a LOT easier than starting mid-year -- you’ve got the perfect chance to be mindful about this start and although I can’t guarantee it, I bet starting on this foot will not only ease their sad and/or anxious feelings about going back to school, but will help you flow through the transition, too.
Getting your kids back into the flow of school, homework and after school activities can be challenging after a summer of freedom. Late nights, varied eating habits and time away requires a bit of wrangling to get back into a smooth routine. With my own children and the families I work with, I often recommend some essential oils blends (with my favorite doTERRA products!) (that you can read about here!) to start and end the day.
If your child has any sensitivities to oils, these breathing exercises can be an alternative that might just become a routine you can’t live without.
Try these out and share your results with me! I’d love to see your routines -- tag me on Instagram and use the hashtag #MindHugs to join the conversation.
Rushing to get kids ready to go to school in the morning can be challenging -- but if you take ONE moment, one piece of the routine to keep your kids connected to their focus of the day will not only help YOU have a smooth morning but it will help their teachers too.
Your iPhone -- and your kids’ iPhones -- can start buzzing the moment you open your eyes. And it can seem hypocritical to use your device while telling your kids not to use it, so don’t. Disconnect before the day begins to connect with your kids on a face-to-face level. Ask them what they’re excited for today, ask them what they did yesterday, ask them to take a minute to think about their intention for the day. You don’t have to use the word intention but these conversations are going to be some of the most energizing of your day and for your kids too. These are the memories that your kids will cherish so give yourself permission to take action to make them!
While you’re are in the midst of their morning routine, have them pause and breathe in and out deeply and slowly through the nose and notice their bellies rising and falling. With little kids, it is a lot easier to make this into a game. With your older kids, just make it a short and easy exercise to practice focus and calm before the school day begins.
As you’re building your mindful practice with your kids, share your photos with me on Instagram! BUT only after you take the time to connect with your kids in a moment of mindfulness!
