The Happy Child

It’s good to give your child the skills they need to manage their emotions in a healthy way.  Kids don’t need to be happy all the time.  They need to experience a range of emotions such as sadness, anger, fear and disappointment as part of their development. Acknowledging their emotions helping them find ways to soothe themselves and cope with their feelings is key. 

One way that has worked really well for Xavier is helping him with breathing techniques.  When he is really worked up, I just get down to his level, take his hands and pull him into me and tell him to take a nice deep breath in. Then I repeat this a few more times. If there are essential oils handy, I will use one such as dōTERRA Calmer Touch or Steady Blend and apply it to his wrist. I will ask him to take another deep breathe in as I put his wrist to his nose and then we finish with a cuddle. Works like a dream every time.

I have always spent a lot of time outdoors with Xavier - this is our happy place. Being in nature and breathing in fresh air with the sun on our face is just bliss. Finding joy in all sorts of weather, splashing in puddles, climbing trees, digging in dirt, riding a bike, and swimming in the sea; just being near water soothes the soul. Connecting with mother earth whether it is barefoot on the grass or in the sand at the beach is vital to our health and wellness.  The practice is known as “earthing” or “grounding” and when we do this, we tap into Mother Earth’s natural healing energy.  It supports and nurtures our overall health, helping improve sleep, inflammation, pain, enhancing circulation, decreasing stress and boosting energy levels. The Earth provides us with a continuous supply of free electrons (negatively-charged particles) which foster our health and wellbeing.

If we have been indoors too long, especially hooked up to a technology device, I will see Xavier’s mood change and his behaviour will become erratic. This tells me it’s time for some grounding and we quickly go outside and get barefoot on the grass. Another cool thing to do is hug a tree! Trees can provide many benefits such as helping us relax and destress, improving our mood and increasing our natural connection with nature. Just being outside in nature has been shown to be good for our mental health. The physical, psychological and emotional impact of engaging with nature through our senses and immersing ourselves in our natural surroundings is paramount. 

Having a pet is also good for a child’s happiness. I personally feel every child needs a little friend in the form of a pet. As well as teaching them responsibility, a pet can provide security, friendship, comfort and healing.  Pets have an innate sense of when healing is needed, whether it is physical, mental or emotional which can help adults and children alike.

Having good daily routines helps keep children happy. A lovely relaxing bath each night with their favourite essential oils and toys and then bedtime stories.  Music is good therapy for the soul too - singing, dancing, moving and grooving.  Xavier and I love doing morning stretches with Andy the dinosaur guy. Xavier loves touching my nose when he is having his bottle or my face when snuggling down to sleep. His favourite thing is group hugs with Dad, Mum and Bunny.  The sense of touch helps him feel secure and happy.

Happy oils are anything citrus and I love diffusing citrus oils for an uplifting aroma around our home. I love dōTERRA Citrus Bliss invigorating oil for upbeat start to our day. Popping a few drops of dōTERRA Wild Orange in a smoothie is a great way to get antioxidants into our kids. A few drops of dōTERRA Lemon in water in the morning before brushing teeth or eating or drinking anything else is a great way to start the day as it alkalizes our body.  

I have applied dōTERRA Easy Air Touch Blend in a little heart shape over Xavier’s chest every day since he was born, it is a great blend to keep emotions in check.  A peaceful aroma, stimulating yet relaxing on the senses too.