Whilst many children are excited to see and play with friends for the first time after six weeks away, it’s only natural for the return to school to also be met with feelings of trepidation, especially when transitioning from one school to another.

Boost their confidence

If your child is feeling anxious about returning or going to a new school, reassure them it is perfectly safe and also normal to feel worried about going back to school. Talk through their concerns and let them know other children will be feeling the same way they do, and that feelings of anxiety and worry will soon pass as they become used to their new routine.

For extra support try diluting 3 to 5 drops of Jan de Vries Child Essence (avogel.co.uk) in a little water up to three times a day. This flower essence has a supportive effect on nervous children and can help with emotional balance.

For older children you could try Passiflora Complex Spray (planetorganic.co.uk), an easy-to-use combination of Passiflora and Lemon Balm, which helps them to relax. Non-addictive, it is suitable for children over the age of 12, as well as adults.

Help get them organised

After a long summer, routine and organisation skills may have fallen by the wayside. Avoiding a last-minute rush will help prevent stress for both you and them.

Getting uniforms, stationery, schoolbooks and bags ready in advance allows time for a more relaxed breakfast and a manageable pace on the first day back.

Increase their concentration levels

A good breakfast that combines protein and complex carbs, such as eggs or beans on wholemeal toast, will help to keep concentration levels high throughout the day. 

Omega-3 essential fatty acids are also important, with studies showing improvements in children of primary school age in just two terms. Oily fish is of course a good food source of omega-3s, as are walnuts, pumpkin and flax seeds, but none of these is likely to make it past your average five-year-old’s discerning palate. In which case, a fish oil or flax oil supplement for children can help.

Keeping sugary snacks and drinks to a minimum (to keep blood sugar levels stable), will also help to boost concentration levels in children. A sharp drop in blood sugar can be a reason for poor concentration, low mood and sometimes aggression. Nutrients that help to support healthy blood sugar levels include chromium, manganese, magnesium and vitamin B3. A good children’s multivitamin and mineral will help you to keep them topped up.

Support their immune health

Boosting your child’s immunity and keeping them safe at school and in the playground is always high on everyone’s list of priorities. Germs on a child’s hands can be easily passed to other children by direct touch or indirectly by touching contaminated objects. Encourage your child to wash their hands regularly and thoroughly to help stop the spread of germs, especially after every visit to the toilet and before eating food.

A good probiotic supplement can help to strengthen your child’s immune system. This is especially worth bearing in mind if your child has recently finished a course of antibiotics, which as well as fighting bad bacteria also destroy good bacteria in the gut.

Vitamin C is really important. There are plenty of delicious ways to get vitamin C into your child’s diet – think oranges, strawberries, kiwi fruit, broccoli and other green veggies; and if they won’t eat them whole, you can always blend these vit C powerhouses into a delicious fruit and veg smoothie. Alternatively, a chewable vitamin C for kids can help to keep this vital vit topped up. Try Nature-C for Kids, (revital.co.uk), which is rich in naturally occurring, more easily absorbed vitamin C from real fruits, and suitable for children as young as 4.

For further information, visit Shamini and her team at Naturaal Health, 128 Field End Road, Eastcote, HA5 1RJ, or call 020 8 429 1700/ 07933809833.