Help For School Fear by Eugenie Rowson

Many children experience some fears and anxiety as each new school year begins. A few late nights or fluttery tummies in the days before school begins are often signals not only of nervousness, but also of excitement at seeing old friends and meeting new ones. It is perfectly natural for your child to be nervous, excited, anxious and eager all at the same time leading up to, and during the first days of, school. However, for some children the beginning of a new school year or starting at a new school brings on a sense of terrific anxiety and stress. Sometimes children need to learn new ways to adjust to their new schedules and environments. Other times, previous incidents can contribute to the perception of future problems. Some behaviours to watch out for are:

• Physical illness (vomiting, diarrhoea, or other symptoms)
• Excessive crying / tantrums
• Avoidance behaviours (hiding, not wanting to get out of the car)
• Aggressiveness (hitting, kicking, biting)
• Lack of appetite
• Withdrawal from family / activities

The most important thing to do is to talk to your child about how he is feeling, and let him voice his fears and worries. Offer reassurance and remind your child that he is not the only one who is a little uneasy about the first day of school. You can also point out all the positive aspects of starting school and how much fun it will be. If possible, take your child to school and pick him up yourself on the first few days.

There are also many homeopathic remedies that will ease the emotional and physical symptoms of panic and anxiety, gently and without any side effects. Choose the remedy (or remedies) below that best describes your child’s symptoms. You will be amazed how effective these remedies can be for an anxious child or a worried parent!

Aconitum 200C – your typical ‘panic attack’ remedy and homeopathy’s Rescue Remedy. To be used for a sudden and intense feeling of fright, panic, anxiety, worry and foreboding. Accompanied by oppressed breathing, racing heart, palpitations with stitching pains in the chest, flashes of heat, sweating. Panic tends to be worse at night.

Argentum Nitricum 200C– headless chicken type of behaviour – when you panic or worry about a forthcoming event. For a highly emotional state where fears are running high. A godsend for anxiety accompanied by an upset tummy.

Arsenicum Alb 200C – anal type of behaviour – for great fear, anxiety or panic accompanied by restlessness and exhaustion. Disturbed by untidiness, disorder or confusion. Oversensitive to pain, noise and odours.

Gelsemium 200C – ostrich type of behaviour – especially helpful for anticipatory fears and panic before an event or interview. The person feels emotionally and physically numb with fear and can’t get motivated.

Kali Phos 200C – an essential brain, nerve, heart and lung nutrient which improves symptoms of anxiety, panic, hysteria, nervous dread, dizziness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, nervous tension, night terrors, insomnia, diarrhoea, lethargy, irritability, depression and hyper-sensitivity.

Lycopodium 200C – for lack of self-confidence and courage. Apprehensive about forthcoming events. For a feeling of terror and panic before school.

Pulsatilla 200C – for fear or anxiety about separation which leads to clinginess, tearfulness and emotional changeability. Fear of a loved one being harmed. A great remedy for emotions of panic that are connected to separation anxiety, including in babies and children. This is a great remedy for the toddler who hangs onto mom or dad’s leg for dear life at the school gate!

Homeopathic remedies are affordable, safe and highly effective. They are available from homeopaths, at health shops and selected pharmacies or online from www.theresaremedyforthat.com.