Parenthood is a beautiful journey filled with ups and downs, and helping our children navigate their emotions is one of the most rewarding aspects of it. Bach flower remedies offer a natural and compassionate approach to support children in managing their feelings and emotions as they grow and develop.
In this guide, Lucy Edwards a Bach Flower Practitioner, explores how these remedies can be a valuable tool for parents in addressing various emotional challenges that children may encounter.
So firstly, what are Bach Flower Remedies?
Bach flower remedies are a natural and gentle system of emotional healing developed by Dr Edward Bach, a British physician and homeopath, in the early 20th century.
The remedies are derived from the essence of 38 different flowers and plants, each chosen for its unique ability to address specific emotional states and imbalances.
These remedies are prepared through a process that captures the energetic and vibrational qualities of the plant or flower. Importantly, Bach remedies do not contain any physical components of the original plant, making them safe for all ages, including children and pets.
The underlying philosophy of Bach flower remedies is the belief that emotional well-being is vital for overall health and happiness.
They work by gently addressing the underlying emotional causes of various challenges, helping individuals restore emotional balance and harmony. These remedies do not replace conventional medical treatment but can be used alongside it to support emotional well-being.
Individuals can use up to seven Bach flower remedies at any one time, combined into a treatment bottle. This allows for complete personalisation and a combination which is tailored specifically to the individual to address many areas of their life and get to the root cause of an issue.
In the following section, we’ll explore specific Bach flower remedies that can be particularly helpful for children of all ages in managing a wide range of emotional challenges and transitions in life.
Temper Tantrums and Emotional Outbursts
Tantrums and emotional outbursts are common challenges faced by toddlers and older children as they grapple with their evolving emotions and communication skills.
Cherry Plum is a remarkable remedy for children who have lost control and find themselves overwhelmed by frustration or anger. It helps restore a sense of inner calm and control.
While Cherry Plum remains an invaluable remedy, understanding the root cause of these emotional eruptions can lead to more targeted solutions. Here are specific remedies that can be particularly helpful when you delve deeper into the trigger:
- Holly: This remedy addresses outbursts of anger, temper, and spite, especially if they manifest as biting, hitting, or hair pulling. It helps children manage intense emotions and fosters a sense of empathy.
- Beech: For children exhibiting intolerance or a “my way or the highway” attitude, Beech can promote tolerance and understanding, allowing them to be more adaptable.
- Impatiens: When impatience and irritation arise, perhaps while toddlers are learning to move or talk, Impatiens can soothe these emotions, bringing a sense of calm and patience.
- Vine: If your child tends to be bossy and overly assertive, Vine can help them find a more balanced approach to interacting with others, reducing the likelihood of tantrums triggered by power struggles.
Sleep Issues: Nightmares, Restlessness and Fears
For parents dealing with sleep issues in children, Bach flower remedies offer gentle support. Depending on the specific sleep problem, different remedies can be considered:
- Nightmares and Night Terrors: If your child experiences nightmares, night terrors, or panic during sleep, Rock Rose can help alleviate the terror and fear. Aspen may be beneficial if your child feels unconscious anxieties or anxious for no reason.
- Fear of the Dark: For children who fear the dark or have worries about monsters under the bed, Mimulus can help alleviate their fears and provide a more restful night’s sleep.
- Hyperactivity and Restlessness: If your child struggles to settle down at bedtime due to hyperactivity or an active mind, Vervain is helpful for enthusiastic and high-energy children and Impatiens is helpful for children who have a need for speed or who may struggle with interrupting conversation.
Potty Training
Chestnut Bud aids in the learning process by encouraging children to learn from their experiences and mistakes.
It can be particularly useful during potty training and bedwetting phases.
Walnut is a helpful remedy for adapting positively to new circumstances and moving forward confidently.
Starting School
Starting school can be a significant transition for children. Walnut supports them in adjusting to these changes and approaching this new phase of life with optimism.
Larch is an excellent remedy for boosting self-confidence, especially if a child feels inferior or anxious in the school environment.
Mimulus is beneficial if they have specific worries, such as fear of being made fun of or difficulty making friends.
Teenagers and Emotional Challenges
As children grow into teenagers, they face a myriad of emotional changes and challenges. Bach flower remedies can offer support during these tumultuous years:
- Body Image Concerns: Crab Apple is the cleansing remedy that can help teenagers feel more positive about their changing bodies.
- Critical Behaviour: Beech is beneficial for teenagers who tend to be overly critical and judgmental of others, fostering greater understanding and empathy.
- Strong-Mindedness: Vervain can help teenagers who are strong-minded and passionate about their beliefs, providing a more balanced perspective.
- Decision-Making: Wild Oat assists teens in the process of deciding their life’s direction, helping them choose their path with confidence.
- Exam Stress: Bach flower remedies are valuable during exam periods. Hornbeam aids in overcoming the overwhelm of tasks, Chestnut Bud supports learning, and Rock Rose addresses panic during exams. Mimulus can help with the fear of poor grades, while White Chestnut is useful for excessive exam-related worrying.
Dosage for Children: A Gentle Approach
When working with a combination remedy, the typical dosage is a minimum of 4 drops, 4 times a day, placed under the tongue. For babies, the drops can be added to their bottle or applied topically to pulse points.
You can also put the drops in to water so adding drops to a water bottle taken to school each day can be a simple and easy way for children to take their drops.
Bach flower remedies are a natural and safe way to support emotional well-being in children.
They can complement other forms of treatment or therapy but should not replace them. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your healthcare provider.
Discover the Transformative Power of Bach Flower Remedies for Children
Bach flower remedies offer a gentle and holistic approach to helping your child manage their emotions and navigate the various stages of life.
To learn more about how personalised remedies can support your child’s emotional well-being, we invite you to explore Mindful Remedies.
Via the link below you can create a bespoke remedy tailored to your child’s unique needs and empower them to thrive emotionally.
Simply choose up to seven remedies and your treatment bottle will get shipped to you wherever you are in the world. You can also book an online consultation with Lucy Edwards, Bach Practitioner and author of this blog post.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.