Guest Article by Joette Calabrese, HMC,CCH,RSHom
Are temper
tantrums a fact of life in your household?
The cantankerous
two year-old.
The
confrontational teenager.
But what if tantrums were actually beneficial?
Sounds peculiar that
such behavior could be considered valuable, doesn’t it?
Well, temper
tantrums are indicators that something is out of balance, not only
behaviorally, but probably physiologically.
And since symptoms are the key to choosing the proper homeopathic remedy,
then this aberrant behavior can actually become useful in addressing the
underlying cause.
Many parents
explain away their child’s behavior as simply an age-related stage. Too often, they offer platitudes such as,
“Well, of course he has temper tantrums. He’s 3!” or “She has a terrible attitude, just
like her dad!”
While it is true
that these pathologies can be age or family related, we should bear in mind
that they are still pathologies. Therefore,
even if they present, this doesn’t mean that they belong there.
Not every
toddler throws a tantrum and not every teenager needs an attitude adjustment. These problems are particular to the
individual and are symptoms to which we ought to give our full attention.
They reflect an
idiosyncratic personality that can be guided and brought to its best state
through homeopathic remedies.
Homeopathy is
gentle and won’t change your child’s personality. When the remedy is chosen correctly, it will
bring your child into balance both physically and emotionally.
Bye-bye temper
tantrums!
Read through the
following descriptions to find the remedy that best fits the entire “picture”
of your child’s symptoms. Administer one
dose in the 30th potency every 3-4 hours until improvement is seen,
then stop. If no improvement after the
fourth dose, try the remedy that seems to be the next best fit. For more severe symptoms, the chosen remedy
can be given every 1-2 hours.
Nux vomica
This is the
remedy to use for symptoms brought on by going “over-the-top.” Ailments are brought on by too much sugar,
too many drugs, too much stress, pressure, work, food, drinks, etc. Irritability is a key factor in this remedy
along with gastrointestinal issues such as gas, bloating, constipation and
diarrhea.
Chamomilla
Although
irritability is addressed by Chamomilla,
it also encompasses symptoms that result from anger. Symptoms include fractious behavior and acute
sensitivity; that is, the reaction is far too great for the stimulus received.
Words or physical touch which would normally cause a much less severe response will
prompt testy and crotchety comebacks. This
remedy is also particularly useful in cancelling out the workings of
unnecessary drugs.
Lycopodium
Individuals who
might benefit from Lycopodium are
generally insecure and cowardly and are typically afflicted by gastrointestinal
complaints. Though they appear confident and self-assured, they worry about how
they are perceived and judged by others.
Their worries increase when they are by themselves so just having
someone nearby alleviates their anxiety. The behavior is often cross and
cantankerous.
Coffea
As its name
alludes, Coffea is made from coffee
beans, and it addresses those pathologies which are similar to the ill-effects
of caffeine. Though there isn’t marked anger or anxiety, which the former three
remedies envelop, there is an inability to relax and the mind races. Despite
these jittery thoughts, the disposition is quite even- tempered, though there
might be some, though little, irritability. Because the mind is already quite
excited, even the smallest pain causes inordinate distraction and there is an
increased sensitivity to surrounding elements, such as noise, light, touch,
etc.
When parents ask
me what they should do until the remedy takes effect, I tell them to indeed
discipline the child. Just because the
behavior may have physiological roots, it doesn’t mean the child shouldn’t be
held responsible and taught accordingly.
We all have our bad days, and we need to learn how to adjust
accordingly, so as not to disrupt family life and society in general.
Give the remedy
most suited to your child and you might find that even if anger is still
exhibited from time to time, it will be
mitigated by an inner wherewithal that was previously absent.
About the Author
If you find this kind of information valuable, you can learn more about homeopathy at her site: www.homeopathyworks.net. Contact her office at 716.941.1045 to schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation to learn if homeopathy might be a good fit with your health strategy. Lots more homeopathic tips on her blog: www.homeopathyworks.wordpress.com.
Joette Calabrese, HMC,CCH,RSHom is a homeopath and mom who has depended solely on homeopathy and nutrition in raising her family without a single drug….ever!
