Back-to-school season can be a very anxious and stressful time for children. There are so many new things to worry about - new teachers, new classmates, new subjects. It can be hard to adjust to all of the changes.

Heading back to school can be especially difficult for children who already struggle with anxiety and stress. They may have difficulty sleeping, not want to eat, and may seem withdrawn. If you notice your child exhibiting any of these behaviours, it's important to talk to them and see what's going on.

Here are a few tips to help ease your child's anxiety during the back-to-school season:

1. Talk to your child's teacher. Let them know about your child's anxiety and stress and ask if they can keep an eye out for any signs of distress.

2. Help your child plan ahead. Make a list of all the things they need to do before school starts and help them break it down into manageable tasks.

3. Encourage your child to socialize. If they're feeling anxious about starting school, tell them it's okay to be a little shy at first. But encourage them to reach out and talk to their classmates.

4. Practice positive thinking. Help your child focus on the positive aspects of going back to school, like seeing their friends every day or learning new things.

5. Be there for your child. Let them know that you understand how they're feeling and that you're always there for them if they need to talk.

With a little help and support, your child can get through the back-to-school season with ease. Just remember to be patient and understanding and offer as much support as possible.

Back-to-school also means lunch-packing season is in full swing and we know proper nutrition keeps our tots thriving. Sometimes though, even the most well-meaning diet might be missing some of those key minerals and vitamins.

You might consider fermented nutrient-dense supplements like  Bio-Strath. It can easily be hidden in your child's day-to-day routine and provide them with the nutrient boost they need. It contains the full spectrum of B vitamins, essential amino acids, and additions like glutathione, L-carnitine, lecithin and mannan.

With teenagers, there are additional stressors as bodies change, school gets harder and hormones fluctuate. This is where a portable, herbal helper by A.Vogel known as Relax Spray might be helpful for their mental health. For adolescents, this mix of passionflower, lemon balm and zinc helps quell anxious feelings to keep them focused and learning.

In preparing your kid's backpack this September, make sure they have ALL of the tools they need to succeed. 

Dr. Owen Wiseman, ND Medical Advisor

Graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), Owen completed his undergraduate at the University of Ottawa while working as a Clinical Researcher at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). Passionate about the growing field of evidence supporting the clinical benefits of nature, Owen’s committed to help Canadians get WISE about their health!