Aromatherapy for Parents of Teenagers

If you are the parent of a teen, you are certainly aware of how much your family dynamics have changed in recent years. It doesn’t seem all that long ago that you were the center of your children’s universe. Remember when you were the one they came to when they had bruised shins and broken hearts? Well your once little baby is now approaching adulthood, testing his or her independence, and at times your patience.

You may find yourself struggling with many dichotomies. For instance, while you are aware of and respect your teen’s growing demands for privacy, you may have concerns about their friends or interests. Or you may want to establish strong boundaries, and yet at the same time you want to help your teen become independent.

So while your teenager is facing a profound transition in life, you as a parent are as well. Now is the time to evaluate issues not only with your children, but also with yourself. What are your boundaries? Are you a secure and trusting person? Are you someone with whom your teen can and wants to communicate?

If you feel you need guidance with some of these issues, there are many great books on the market about raising teens. Establish a support system with other parents in your community. You can also find wonderful support systems at online parenting communities and chat rooms.

Meanwhile, the use of aromatherapy on a daily basis will help you stay balanced, gain more insight, open yourself to trust your teen, and communicate your feelings and life perspective in a compassionate and calm manner. Below are several aromatherapy recipes to help you survive the teen years!

Each recipe below should be prepared in a 10ml bottle. Pour the essential oils first and then add organic vegetable oil to fill.

Blend for Tranquility

This blend will help you to remain balanced. It will calm your mind and emotions when you experience symptoms of stress and nervous tension.

• 6 drops Sandalwood
• 7 drops Lavender
• 5 drops Marjoram
• 2 drops Rose otto

Massage the solar plexus and abdomen. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bathwater and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

Blend for Boundaries

This blend will help you feel more grounded, centered and assertive when a need arises to establish new boundaries with your teen.

• 6 drops Rosemary
• 5 drops Cypress
• 6 drops Cedarwood
• 4 drops Sandalwood

Massage the solar plexus and lower back. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

Blend for Emotional Security and Acceptance

This blend soothes your emotions and enhances a profound sense of emotional security and comfort while accepting the natural steps of your teen’s growth.

• 3 drops Rose
• 5 drops Sandalwood
• 5 drops Orange
• 4 drops Pine

Massage the solar plexus and abdomen. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

Blend to Open Communication

This blend supports and opens communication with others while releasing any anger, resentment, guilt or frustration held within the body and mind.

• 4 drops Lavender
• 5 drops Sage
• 4 drops German Chamomile

Massage the throat, neck, and shoulders. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

The Author:

(c) Francoise Rapp, 2002. Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist, Francoise Rapp, shares her expertise in using essential oils to heal and revitalize body and mind. Highlights include aromatherapy classes, pure & organic essential oils, recipes and aromatic treatments for health and wellness.

Photo. Ben Kerckx