Navigating Growing Pains — Natural remedies for children’s growing pains using TCM

Blog Series: Fall Wellness for Families — Embracing the Season with Traditional Chinese Medicine

As the leaves turn golden and the air cools, fall brings not just a change in scenery but a shift in health needs for both kids and parents. I’ll explore how to navigate this transition in a three-part blog series: 

1. How to strengthen immune systems in fall with Traditional Chinese Medicine
2. Navigating growing pains — Natural remedies for children’s growing pains using TCM
3. Calming a cough — Effective TCM remedies for soothing children’s coughs

Drawing on the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and practical tips I use in my own house, I’ll dive into strategies for keeping immune systems strong, easing growing pains, and calming those pesky coughs.

As children grow, they experience various types of growing pains—physical, emotional, and mental. As a parent of an 11-year-old, I’ve noticed my kiddo’s body and mind undergoing significant changes.

Here’s how to support them through their many transitions:

1. Physical growing pains: With rapid growth, children may experience aches and discomfort. To ease physical growing pains:
   • Witch hazel: My favourite cure-all! My family knows if they come to me with any ache, pain, sprain, bruise, bug bite, or zit, I tell them to get the witch hazel. Keep this secret weapon in the fridge so it’s cold when you apply it to the growing pains or aches and sprains.
   • Calcium-rich foods: Incorporate foods like leafy greens, dairy products, and fortified plant-based milk. Combine these with vitamin D-rich foods to enhance calcium absorption.
   • Movement and stretching: Encourage regular exercise and stretching to keep muscles flexible and reduce tension. Simple stretches before bed can help alleviate discomfort.
2. Emotional and mental growth: Growing up involves navigating new emotions and challenges. Support your child’s emotional well-being by:
   • Encouraging open communication: Create a safe space for your child to express their feelings and concerns.
   • Providing stability: Maintain routines and offer reassurance to help them feel secure during times of change.
   • Promoting positive self-image: Reinforce their strengths and achievements to build confidence and resilience.
   • Reducing social media exposure: The “I want a phone” era has arrived in our house. Here’s how we navigate it with our son. We’ve told him that when he can afford $50/ month for the rest of his life, he can have a phone.
3. Sleep: One of the biggest swear words I can say to my kid is “ it’s time for bed.” All of a sudden, he’s hungry, has homework, didn’t do his reading, or any other creative excuse he can come up with. But I’m relentless: sleep, sleep, sleep. Just like for immune health, adequate sleep is crucial during periods of growth. Ensure your child has a consistent sleep schedule to support their overall development.

Here we grow!