If your child becomes stressed and anxious at the prospect of the new school year, a combination of calming herbs may be helpful. The herb passionflower can help to calm children whilst improving focus and behaviour. German chamomile is another great herb for children to gently calm their anxiety. Other nutrients such as magnesium and calcium also play a role in normal sleeping patterns and nervous system function. These herbs and minerals are also available at our clinic in a pleasant tasting powdered form. Simple tips to improve your children’s school year. As well as the supplements discussed, there are some simple things you can do to help your kids cope with all the challenges and excitement of the new school year. • Make sure your children eat a nutritious breakfast – there are many cereals out there that contain high levels of sugar, which can affect their concentration. Choose a healthy whole-grain cereal for their breakfast. Eggs are also a great way to start the day, as the protein can help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels throughout the morning. • Get your children off to bed at a reasonable time. Children need more sleep than adults and lack of sleep can affect their learning. • Get into a regular routine and stick to it; this will make the start and end of the day less stressful for both you and your children. • Encourage your kids to talk about their day. This helps them develop their communication skills and can give you valuable insight into how they are going. If you sense any problems, discuss it with their teacher.