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Teddy’s First Day At School: How to Use Homeopathy and Storytelling for School Nerves

Starting school is a huge milestone, one often filled with mixed emotions. As parents, we might feel excitement, pride, sadness, or even anxiety. For our little ones, those feelings can be even more intense, especially when they don’t yet have the words to express them.

Picture of Kate Howard RSHom

Kate Howard RSHom

Homeopath and CHE Community Manager

If your child is heading off to reception this September, you might already be noticing signs of worry: clinginess, tummy aches, sleep changes, sudden tears, or a very big “NO” to anything involving a uniform.

This is where homeopathy, paired with storytelling, can be a gentle and effective way to help.

Meet Teddy

One lovely way to help a child navigate emotional transitions is through a simple story. 

Enter: Teddy. Teddy is just like your child; curious, kind, sometimes a bit scared, and about to start school.

Here’s Teddy’s Story:

“Teddy was very excited to start school. He had a new backpack, shiny shoes, and a lunchbox with rockets on it. But when the big day came, Teddy’s tummy felt funny. He didn’t want to put on his uniform. His hands felt wobbly. He wanted to stay home and cuddle.

Mummy Bear gave Teddy a cuddle and a tiny magic sugar ball. ‘This is to help your brave grow,’ she said. ‘Even grown-up bears sometimes need that!’

On the way to school, Teddy held Mummy Bear’s paw tight. When they got to the classroom, he saw other little bears playing. One smiled. Teddy felt a bit better. The magic sugar ball was working. His brave was growing.

By the time he came home, Teddy had so much to tell. ‘I was a bit scared,’ he said, ‘but I did it!’”

Use a favourite cuddly toy to act out Teddy’s story with your child. Let them decide how Teddy feels, what he says, and what helps him. This gives them a safe, playful way to explore their own fears.

Remedies for Big Feelings on Small Shoulders

Here are five well-known homeopathic remedies that can gently support children during this kind of transition:

Aconite
For fear and shock. The “sudden overwhelm” remedy.

Use if:

  • Your child wakes terrified the night before school.
  • They cling to you crying and say they’re really scared.
  • The fear feels disproportionate or physical (fast heart, trembling, pale).
 

Think: Panic at the threshold. A little support to breathe and take the first step.

Pulsatilla
For clinginess and needing reassurance. The “mummy, don’t leave me” remedy.

Use if:

  • Your child is tearful, gentle, and doesn’t want to be left alone.
  • They keep asking for cuddles or follow you around.
  • Emotions shift quickly; crying one moment, cheerful the next.
 

Think: Sensitive, soft-hearted children who need closeness to feel safe.

Phosphorus
For social butterflies with big emotions. The “I’m excited but overwhelmed” remedy.

Use if:

  • Your child is chatty, bright, but suddenly becomes tearful or over-stimulated.
  • They are easily spooked by loud noises, chaos, or changes in routine.
  • They seem to “absorb” the emotions of others and get depleted.
 

Think: Children who want to connect, but school feels too much too fast. 

Argentum nitricum
For anticipatory nerves. The “what if?” remedy.

Use if:

  • Your child worries ahead of time about what might go wrong.
  • They have a churning stomach or need the loo from nerves.
  • Thoughts race and they feel restless, wanting to get it over with.
 

Think: Anxiety before the event, soothed by knowing they’re prepared.

Calcarea carbonica
For steady, dependable children who find change daunting. The “I’m not ready” remedy.

Use if:

  • Your child is slow to warm up in new situations and needs time to adjust.
  • They prefer routine and get anxious when pushed to do something unfamiliar.
  • They tire easily if over-stimulated or pressured.
 

Think: A gentle nudge for children who thrive when transitions are gradual.

Three Tips to Help Your Child Feel Safe & Seen

  1. Ritual & Routine
    Have the same morning rhythm each day. Predictability lowers stress.
  2. Name It to Tame It
    Use simple emotion language: “It feels scary to do new things sometimes, doesn’t it?”
  3. Create a Connection Object.                                                             Let your child take a little something with them; a stone, a note, or even a picture of Teddy, to remind them they are not alone.

Final Thought

The first days of school can be tender territory, for them and for you. Blending storytelling, loving presence, and homeopathic support can create a bridge between your child’s inner world and the big new world they’re entering.


And remember: those “magic sugar balls” you’re giving aren’t just remedies, they’re your love, belief, and steadiness made tangible. Sometimes that’s all a little bear needs to grow their brave.

Disclaimer

The content shared here is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified and licensed healthcare provider. The views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and do not necessarily represent those of CHE or any affiliated organizations.

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