Posted by Danielle Downs on Jun.03, 2009

The best instrument in a Green Diva Mom toolbox is a schedule. Having a set bedtime with a routine the whole family participates in is the best assurance of an uneventful night. But, even the best schedules are interrupted by life.

No matter what ages the children or grown-ups in your household are, everyone has a rough night every now and then. Getting the frightened dreamer back to sleep is goal number one for a happy morning. Here are some tips and tricks for navigating back to dreamland. Sleeplessness is often caused by anxiety. Simply talking to your child about ideas he or she had about the day, what was learned in school, or interactions with friends and siblings can set the stage for your child to express the causes of anxiety and deal with them before sleep is interrupted. Bedtime talks and story-telling provide a relaxed environment for your child to release worries.

If your family consumes dairy products, tryptophan in milk can help induce sleepiness. If your child tries to delay the bedtime routine with, “But I’m hungry,” a glass of milk is a perfect solution.

Melatonin supplements should not be used for children unless under the careful supervision of a specialist. This naturally occurring biochemical can spur extremely vivid dreams. Supplements that react in the brain are not recommended for children.

Aromatherapy is perfect for children. It may even help ease the family dog’s restlessness. Making an aromatic therapy with your children is a great way to make the “cure” more potent. Chances are they will be so proud of the creation of the monster spray, they’ll be ready to jump in bed to show you just how well the magic potion worked.

Monster Spray

12 ounces water, filtered is always best (monsters hate getting wet)
1 one-inch strip of lemon peel
2 tablespoons chamomile flowers
1 teaspoon marjoram

Bring to a simmer covered for 5 minutes. Let stand covered to cool. This can cool on the stove over night to banish monsters from the whole house.

Strain the liquid and pour into a 16 oz spray bottle. Wash and re-use a veggie wash or other non-toxic cleaning product bottle to be extra green! Make sure to wash it very very well.

Drop in

½ ounce lavender oil
¼ ounce bergamot oil
3 drops natural liquid soap (Dr. Bronner’s unscented baby soap works well)

Tighten cap and shake well. Monsters will run at the sound of the shaking. Spray in closets, on bedding, under beds, on pillow cases, or any surface that needs protection. This spray is also extremely effective for pets afraid of thunder storms.

Biochemic Phosphates

These tablets are made from a blend of mineral salts, also called cell salts. The tablets can be purchased at most natural products stores. The blends vary by manufacturer but most contain a combination of calcium phosphate, iron phosphate, potassium phosphate, magnesium phosphate, and phosphate of soda. This remedy is not homeopathic because it does not rely on the “like cures like” philosophy. Instead, these salts act with inorganic salts naturally occurring in the body to stimulate a nervous response. Biochemic Phosphates are ideal for nervous exhaustion, insomnia, anxiety, and nervous conditions of all sorts.

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Posted under GDM Lifestyle, Living.