Get the whole family ready for Back To School season with these helpful tips and routines that will have your kiddos focused and excited for the year ahead!

Many of us know that just by diffusing essential oils in our home and workplaces, we get so many benefits. But let me share a quick testimony from another YL member about one of our oil infused products called Mindwise we also use in our home.

“I wanted to share a little bit about how the supplement MINDWISE from Young Living has been extremely helpful for focus and attention support, for my youngest son.

He started Kindergarten in 2017 and after some conversations with his teacher about half way through the year, I knew he needed some additional support. His focus and attention at school needed help. I had also experienced it first hand at home and was just hoping he would work through this as the school year progressed. I ran across a post somewhere of a mom talking about how Mindwise had helped her daughter and the drastic changes she saw in her. I knew I had to try it with him!!

I started giving him Mindwise in May 2018. I actually started giving it to my older son as well. It is a great supplement for immune support. The dosage for a child is listed on the bottle, but I started with just 1 tsp in the morning in their NingXia Red. Then a few weeks later I added 1 tsp at night in a little grape juice. I stayed consistent, twice a day, even through the summer months.

So 8 months in, I can say that Mindwise has helped my now 1st grader, SO SO MUCH! We are having a totally different school year. 🙌 We have gone from just sitting down to do 10-15 minutes of reading or math, being a huge struggle, to him now sitting right down and getting to work. We are over halfway through the new school year and I have not had one single conversation with his teacher about him not being in his seat when she needs him to be or not focusing on school work. His work comes home completed, when last year we had to finish a lot of things at home that he was not getting done in class. I think I should also mention that in addition to Mindwise and Ningxia Red, I try to avoid artificial colors and keep a close eye on his diet.

I have been using Young Living products for 6+ years and this supplement just never crossed my mind to try. I am so thankful to the mom who shared her story and to Gary Young for formulating this amazing supplement!! ❤️🌟📚”
YL Member, April

BACK TO SCHOOL

Back to School can be an exciting but hectic and stressful time for kids, parents, and teachers.

Oils can help make the transition into a new school year with a new teacher, new classroom, new concepts, and new friends, a little easier. Get ready for some great ideas which some have been found to be successful and may help your youngster.
 

Please note that I’m not a medical professional in any way and cannot treat or diagnose anything. PLEASE use your best judgement and/or consult your physician for those things as needed.

MORNING ROUTINE
One of the biggest things I struggled with as a teacher and parent was getting back into a morning routine. This is HUGE to kicking off the school year right – the excitement the night before the first day can sometimes cause less sleep and cranky kids. Whenever possible, the routines actually need to start a few days prior to the first day back.
 

Start your days off diffusing Lemon and Peppermint or Citrus Fresh to help uplift and energize, as well as help with mental clarity so the kids are ready to focus at school.
 

One of my favorite Rise ‘n Shine blends is 4 drops Peppermint with 4 drops Lemon. The refreshing scents are uplifting and energizing!!
 

Perhaps your family just needs energizing and centering, so try 4 drops Peppermint with 2 drops Frankincense to 'Perk up the Day'.
 

And, most definitely, NingXia Red is a must as part of a morning ritual to help support healthy minds and overall health and wellness. Ningxia Red is full of anti-oxidants (do a Google search if you aren’t sure why our bodies need these), vitamins, minerals, NO refined sugar and immune supporting essential oils!!

FIRST DAY JITTERS
First day jitters are a real thing, and it’s not always just the kids. More often than not, there’s a mixture of excitement and anxiety of going back into that social setting and dealing with schoolwork for the kids, and a parent’s natural concern for their child’s well-being. So, before the kids leave for school, apply Peace & Calming or Joy on the bottom of their feet to help promote feelings of confidence and happiness, and to help alleviate feelings of anxiety.
 

For girls, get a diffuser necklace in a style they like and put one drop of their favorite emotional oil on it for a little extra support during school, and for boys, find a cool diffuser leather bracelet and put one drop of their favorite oil or blend that won’t be an overwhelming aroma but something they can smell when they need to get their heads right.
 

As a teacher, I recommended this to several parents for their children. It was amazing how many would actually do it! I even had one mom to give me a diffuser bracelet similar to her son’s! You could do this with some samples to let your child’s teacher choose his/her favorite (and to start the school year with good vibes). Should you have a teacher who may be opposed, perhaps a cotton ball in a zip bag will work and your child could smell as needed, zip it back in the bag, stick in their pocket or in their backpack. (This method lasts for a long time.) One thing I know is that children love finding something that works for them! So, give them a way to support themselves and become independent!!

Here are some Etsy finds for diffuser jewelry options for kids:

Bracelets:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/480108359/essential-oil-kids-diffuser-bracelet

https://www.etsy.com/listing/535241580/adjustable-diffuser-bracelet

https://www.etsy.com/listing/587409770/anxiety-bracelet-diffuser-bracelet-lava

Necklaces:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/588811854/kids-diffuser-necklace-childs-lava

https://www.etsy.com/listing/508417775/earthtones-lava-stone-diffuser-necklace

https://www.etsy.com/listing/230062050/kids-essential-oil-diffuser-necklace

Remember, diluting oils for kids is soooo important for their sensitive skin! In fact, it's a smart idea to have tried oils before the first day so you'll know how your child will react to them.

Young Living's V-6 is a mix of acceptable carrier oils and with the provided pump is easy to use for all.

Parents, if you’re struggling with dropping that child off at school, try diffusing Grounding, Valor, and/or Orange on your way to school. They’re smooth and may help relieve everyone of those anxious feelings!

GETTING IN FOCUS

I can’t begin to tell you how difficult it is for me to focus in certain situations! So, think about our kids!! Bless their hearts!!  You’ve already been told about MindWise previously in class and have heard a great testimony. MindWise offers significant memory and focus support and is available in pre-measured packets which make it soooo easy for a busy mom to administer!
 

We all know getting in focus may not only be an issue prior to school but could last throughout the day. Here’s a great roller bottle recipe that you might find useful.

In a 10ml bottle:
5 drops Peace & Calming
5 drops Vetiver
5 drops Valor
5 drops Lavender
5 drops Cedarwood
Top with V-6 or your favorite carrier oil
Apply to temples, wrists, and/or the back of the neck
(Apply for focus support prior to heading to school!)
 

I can’t tell you how many parents I had tell me that getting their student to settle down and refocus for family time, chores and homework was a monumental task! (Anyone else?)
 

Starter Kit oils, like Lavender, or Citrus Fresh may help when diffused. Valor applied topically on the wrists, behind the ears, or even a drop over the heart may also work!

If you’re looking for a great go-to, it would have to be GeneYus from the KidScents line. This pre-diluted oil is designed specifically for kids!! It’s a blend of powerhouse oils: Sacred Frankincense, Blue Cypress, Cedarwood, Idaho Blue Spruce, Palo Santo, Melissa, Northern Lights Black Spruce, Bergamot, Vetiver, Geranium, Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Hyssop, Coriander, and Rose!!! Seriously, when diffused (1 hour up to 3 times a day) or applied topically behind the ears, children 2-12 may be assisted in focus, concentration and recall.
 

And, here are 3 diffuser recipes to support focus!! Remember, what works for one may not work the same for others based on body chemistry. We're all different. However, these ideas all get an A+ from this teacher!!

UPSET STOMACHS

A day of school food and snacking, as well as anxious feelings, can cause upset stomachs. Applying TummyGize to kids can help ease stomach discomfort and settle some of those anxious feelings that show up as queasiness.
 

Even though TummyGize is pre-diluted, a little goes a long way. One or two drops rubbed on the stomach will help for most stomach discomfort.

Another great option is a daily supplement of Mighty-Pro, a kids’ prebiotic and probiotic that has over 8 billion active, live cultures packaged in easy one-dose packets! Get this, kids actually love this, and you may find you have to put these “pixie stick” like packets in a not so easy to reach place! Research has shown that our overall health starts in our gut. As with all probiotics, Mighty-Pro works over time and when taken on a regular basis, offers great support for tummies and overall immunity! Boom!!! What a win!!
 

If mom or dad has discomfort from nervous snacking or anxious feelings, a little DiGize Vitality in a vegetable capsule can support healthy digestion, or DiGize rubbed on the belly can bring some relief for discomfort. (If you find the smell less than pleasing, layer some Peppermint oil over the Digize.)

STAYING HEALTHY

It’s inevitable that kids will bring home germs from school, so keeping the whole family healthy can be a challenge. Keeping hands clean and supporting the immune system are two ways to combat what kids bring home.

Thieves Waterless Hand Sanitizer is a great addition to your oily arsenal in the car! A squirt rubbed in the hands before entering school each day gives a quick boost, or better yet, add a 3 oz. bottle to the backpack so your kiddos can use it throughout the day! (The 7.6 oz bottle makes a great First Day of School gift to the teacher, too!! You could add a tag: “Stealing Germs from users everywhere”)
 

Thieves Foaming Hand Soap by every sink at your house is also an easy way to add immune support to your family’s daily regimen!
 

Add a drop of Thieves Vitality to a morning smoothie for kids, or in their oatmeal - helps support their immune system. Adults, add it to your morning shot of NingXia Red or add 4 drops in a vegetable capsule with 4 drops Lemon Vitality, 3 drops Oregano Vitality and 2 drops Frankincense Vitality.
 

Diffusing in the car and at home not only smells great but is another way to offer immune support to your family throughout the school year. Enjoy the recipes that follow.

You may also want to consider adding Longevity or Inner Defense to YOUR daily regimen of supplements for immune support.

HEALTHY HAIR AND SCALPS

Some think, ‘It’s just hair’, but truly, hair and scalp care is very important to overall health!

When school starts, the weather is still warm, and kids get to have outside recess where they sweat and open their pores to all kinds of toxins. That’s why it’s so important to wash their hair frequently or daily.

KidScents Shampoo is made from naturally derived ingredients and safe for kids - parents may choose to add a drop or two of oils like Tea Tree, Lavender, or Rosemary for a little extra cleansing support of the scalp. Remember, a healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair!
 

Additionally, parents concerned with shared brushes, hats and such, may find a mix of 4 drops of each: Tea Tree, Lavender, Purification and Rosemary topped with water in a 2 oz bottle useful when sprayed onto the scalp and/or around the hairline.

HOMEWORK TIME

We talked earlier about GeneYus from the KidScents line and how it helps with focus and mental clarity when applied topically. It’s super easy to use because it’s already diluted, too!!
 

Being a 3rd grade math teacher, I know the struggle many parents have with new methods and material they haven’t seen for about 20 years. So, why not give yourself some support also? Can I get a big ole YES!!?? Lol! Brain Power, which is high in sesquiterpene compounds, may give you some clarity and confidence when you diffuse it while helping your student with his/her homework. You may choose to apply it topically on the neck, throat or under the tip of your big toe (Don't laugh or roll your eyes, your brain Vita-flex point is there).

Or, you may prefer to use Clarity topically to keep the confusion down…no joke, with Basil, Rosemary and Peppermint, it’s made to support alertness!!

Other single oils you may find useful include Vetiver, Lemon, or Peppermint.

Here’s an easy roller bottle recipe to support mental clarity:
In a 10ml bottle, add
4 drops Rosemary
6 drops Lemon
2 drops Cypress
top with V-6 or your favorite carrier oil. Apply to temples, wrists, and/or back of the neck.

FAMILY TIME

One of the things I noticed more and more was the neglect of Family Time. So, let me advise you, MAKE TIME FOR YOUR FAMILY!!! Even if it’s just eating dinner with everyone or spending 30 minutes together doing something everyone enjoys, do it!! It may also mean that everyone rides together to the ballgame instead of arriving in shifts.

Think: TOGETHERNESS

With that being said, let’s look at how oils may assist you…
• Diffuse something to promote family, such as, Oola Family, Harmony, Joy or Peace & Calming!
• Let the kids choose the diffuser recipe. It could be something fun like Root Beer (Stress Away, Wintergreen and Peppermint), or Island Breeze (Citrus Fresh, and Stress Away) or something seasonal
 

Make it fun and get them involved. It’ll improve everyone’s mood and make Family Time enjoyable!

SLEEPYTIME

What time do your kiddos go to bed? That can be so tricky, and is so very important!! Bedtime routine sets the mood for the next day and often decides its outcome before it’s even started. Oils can play a huge role in this!
 

Inhaling oils is directly linked to our limbic system which controls emotions, memories and stimulation. Therefore, oils like Peace & Calming, Lavender, Cedarwood, and Sleepyize may assist in turning off our thoughts so we can rest.  Applying these oils to the bottoms of kids’ feet may comfort and help them relax and fall asleep faster.

Dream Catcher is a blend of Sandalwood, Tangerine, Ylang Ylang, Black Pepper, Bergamot, Juniper, Anise and Blue Tansy and children love the smell! One testimony documented in the Reference Guide for Essential Oil app states, "Our little girl asked for this blend every night for a while, until she felt comfortable with sleeping in her own bed. Later, if she was having a bad dream she would come ask for some to be put on her forehead and would go right back to bed and sleep soundly for the rest of the night."

You may DIY a linen spray for the whole family.
It’s as simple as a 2 oz spray bottle with:

10 drops Lavender
2 tsp witch hazel or vodka for disinfecting (this is optional)
Top with Distilled water
Shake well before each use. Spritz the pillows before bedtime. Nighty-night!

Sweet Dreams diffuser recipe: 3 drops Frankincense, 3 drops Tangerine, 3 drops Lavender

RECAP

I hope you’re realizing that Essential Oils can be a vital part of a successful start Back to School and throughout the year! Remember, they can be used aromatically, topically and the Vitality oils may be used internally!!

Celebrate the great start to an exciting school year with some of these fun recipes and remember that once you’ve incorporated essential oils into your routine, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without them!

Diffuser blends:
You are Wonderful: 3 drops Joy, 4 drops Orange
Happy Day: 5 drops Lavender, 5 drops Citrus Fresh, 3 drops Joy
Fun Times: 4 drops Spearmint, 3 Drops Northern Lights Black Spruce, 3 drops Bergamot, 2 drops Geranium

Orange glazed sugar cookies:
Make with your favorite sugar cookie mix (homemade or one from the store) that’s had about 10 drops of Orange mixed in. Bake and top with a powdered sugar and milk glaze that’s had another 8-10 drops of the same oil mixed in. Bake as outlined in recipes. Enjoy!!
Note: Orange oil is calming, so the kiddos could have more than one without being hyped up for the rest of the evening!

Thanks for joining us!! Have a great School Year!!!