Back to School Ayurvedic Essentials for kids and the Moms who make it happen
Back-to-school season always sneaks up faster than I expect. Suddenly I’m juggling supply lists, snack prep, and two kids with very strong opinions about socks. My 5-year-old is ready for kindergarten, and my 2-year-old refuses to wear anything but Cookie Monster pajamas to school. To make the transition smoother (and to survive the morning scramble), I rely on a handful of Ayurvedic practices that support health, calm, and just enough energy to make it through pickup.
1. Morning Oil Massage (a.k.a. Wrestling a Baby Octopus)
Ayurveda says daily abhyanga (oil massage) grounds kids, builds immunity, and keeps skin soft. I say it’s a slippery battle where my toddler runs around the house yelling “NO SLIPPY!!” But when I manage even 2 minutes of warm almond oil rubbed on their arms and legs, I swear they’re calmer and less wild-monkey all day.
For moms: Even a 2-minute self-massage before your shower makes mornings feel less frantic and keeps your energy steady. If I don’t, I feel like I’m running on empty by 2pm.
2. Immunity on Repeat
Every mom knows school germs are Olympic level. Last year my 5-year-old brought home a cough day one. Ayurveda to the rescue:
Chyawanprash (an herby jam packed with Vitamin C from amla). My daughter loves a little lick off the spoon—my toddler, not yet 👉 👉Organic Chyawanprash
Tulsi Tea for me, sometimes watered down and offered warm to my 5-year-old. She feels very “grown up” drinking tea with mom.
For my 2-year-old, it’s more about fruit, warm water, and keeping dairy light in the mornings.
3. Tummy Troubles Be Gone
School nerves + new foods = digestive drama. Ayurveda is big on digestion = immunity. My secret weapons:
A pinch of hing in dal or khichdi (my 2-year-old calls it “magic yellow rice”).
Cumin/fennel/ajwain water for my 5-year-old when she says, “Mommy, my tummy feels funny.”
For moms: I keep triphalā tablets on hand for digestion and regularity (because coffee + stress lunches are a combo).
4. Bedtime Wind-Down (Because Sleep Is Sacred)
Getting two kids to bed is a marathon, not a sprint. Ayurveda helps me create a little ritual that actually works:
Warm milk with turmeric and cinnamon for my 5-year-old. She calls it “golden princess milk.”
Organic TurmericFoot massage with ghee or oil for both kids. Even 30 seconds helps them relax (and gives me a chance to sit down).
Bedtime story + snuggles = my favorite part of the day, even if I fall asleep mid-sentence.
For moms: A cup of ashwagandha and saffron milk after the kids are down helps me truly unwind instead of mindlessly scrolling on my phone.
5. Tiny Morning Rituals
Little things that make mornings smoother (besides coffee for me):
Tongue scraping—yes, even my 5-year-old has one. She thinks it’s hilarious.
Kids Tongue ScraperHoney (never for under 1)—my daughter gets a tiny spoon for her throat. My 2-year-old just steals the spoon.
For moms: 2 minutes of alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana) before waking the kids = calmer start. On days I skip it, the chaos feels louder.
Final Mom Thoughts
Ayurveda has taught me that it’s the little daily rituals—massage, warm food, calming herbs—that make the biggest difference. My kids may not notice, but I can feel the shift: calmer mornings, stronger immunity, smoother bedtimes.
And on the days it all falls apart? I remind myself that laughter, hugs, and deep breaths are the best medicine anyway.
So here’s to a happy, healthy back-to-school season—for our kids and for us mamas who are running the real show. 💛