There’s a first time for everything

Every parent wants to give their children the best start in life, helping them to develop and grow from wearing nappies through to graduation gowns. But how do you deal with all the trials and tribulations which accompany growing up and the new experiences your children will face?

Here are a few tips on how to deal with the ‘Big Six’ milestones:

1st tooth
An inevitable part of a baby’s life between the ages of three to nine months is the distress caused by teething. Symptoms can include sore and swollen inflamed gums, flushed cheeks, disrupted sleep patterns and a slightly elevated temperature. The sound of baby’s suffering can be particularly upsetting for parents who are frantically searching for a solution to help calm and soothe their children’s pain.

Nelsons Teetha is a homeopathic remedy specially designed for the soothing and calming relief of the symptoms of teething. It is ready-dosed in a convenient granule format that simply dissolves in a baby’s mouth to quickly ease the pain of teething. It contains a 6c homeopathic potency of natural Chamomilla.

1st tumble
No matter the lengths we go to protect them and keep them safe, it is inevitable that, at some point, our children will take a tumble. Be it whilst taking their first steps, playing in the garden or slipping in the snow we have all taken our fair share of bumps and knocks whilst growing up.

As parents we can scoop them up and rub it all better, giving them some visible TLC. Arnicare Arnica Kids Stick is ideal for soothing your child’s knocks and bangs, gliding on in a fun natural green colour, transforming tears into smiles in seconds.

1st day of school
Your baby is no longer a baby anymore and is about to embark on the adventures of school. Recent research looked at children starting in reception classes and found that they showed signs of apprehension before term even started. Bach Original Flower Remedies could help deal with the preparation of starting school and those difficult first day emotions.

For kids
Walnut - To help your child adjust to the change of environment and to stop them being influenced by the behaviour of new friends
Mimulus – If your child is worried about starting a new school
Larch – They may need an extra hand to make new friends, if your child is not confident generally or can be shy

And for mums and dads
Red Chestnut – if you tend to feel anxious about your child when they are at school, Red Chestnut can help you to relax and lift the worrying feelings.

1st period
Periods commonly start at around 12 years of age and it is essential for young girls to fully understand the body changes they will experience. It's therefore one of your most important jobs as a parent to prepare your daughter for this new, potentially difficult stage of her life. Along with the common side effects such as stomach cramps and Pre-Menstrual Tension (PMT), some girls experience heavy periods which can cause iron deficiency.

Spatone is a natural iron containing spa water found in the Welsh mountains of Snowdonia National Park. It helps top up the lost iron due to heavy periods, helping to maintain your energy levels at this time of the month. The iron can be quickly and easily absorbed by the body because it is in liquid rather than tablet form. This means that some of the unpleasant gastro side effects commonly associated with iron supplementation can be avoided.

1st exam
The pressure to perform well in exams such as SAT’s, GCSE’s and A levels can be hard for children to cope with. The latest Ofsted survey found that half of all 10 – 15 year olds are worried about future exams. Giving your child a healthy amount of encouragement is good to help them focus and provide positive stimulation but overwhelming pressure can have a negative impact on concentration, confidence and overall results. Make sure they keep a tin Rescue Pastilles on hand as the soothing action of chewing, will help them to feel calm and focused ready to face those tough exams on a positive frame of mind.

Rescue Pastilles Blackcurrant contain the same combination of flower essences found in the Rescue range, famous for providing inner calm to stressful modern day lifestyles, in a soothing fruity pastille.

1st spot
Being a teenager is hard enough without skin issues knocking your child’s confidence. Our hormones, diet and lifestyle all contribute to the condition of our skin. There is not much we can do about hormones, but what we put into our bodies shows on the outside so make sure your child is eating healthily and avoiding junk food and takeaways. Keeping their pores clean by using a daily cleansing routine will also help to keep their skin clear.

Nelsons Pure & Clear range relies on a combination of natural plant extracts including calendula and Tea Tree to help battle problem skin. Nelsons Pure and Clear Purifying Daily Facial Wipes are convenient for kids on the go and the Blemish Gel is a direct treatment which helps target problem blemishes.

All products are available from Boots, Holland and Barrett and all good independent healthfood and pharmacy stores nationwide. Always read the label.