Children and animals typically progressfaster than adults when using vibrational essencesbecause they have fewer layers of character and defenses built up overperiods of time in response to the wounds we all experience in life. However, if children have been abused or abandoned--if the wounds are deepand one is not using essences to address typical developmental issues--thisis not the case, and additional forms of therapy are strongly advised. At right is the buttercup which is helpful for children who experiencelow self-esteem, compare themselves to others, don't want to show theirwork, or feel insignificant (courtesy of FES).  All flowers shownon this page are helpful for adults as well as children. 

Essencesmay be used for a great many situations, problems, and goals with children(probably anything you can think of!).  Nightmares; bedwetting; shyness;social, learning, and school issues; neediness; daydreaming; hypersensitivity;fears; bonding problems; abuse; abandonment; and trauma are some of thepossibilities.  At left is the mariposa lily, probably one of themost important essences needed today.  It helps provide nurturingfeminine energy and has been used successfully with adopted children; for"failure to thrive" issues in children living in orphanages; in cases ofabandonment, abuse or any form of alienation from one’s mother or the abilityto mother; and in healing of the inner child (courtesy of FES). 

Children usually love taking essences. The bottle containing the essences maybe decorated with decals or stickers, one may create lovely affirmationsto be used with the child when taking the essences, and taking the essencescan become a special time.  Children also respond well to receivingthe essences massaged on in creams with added essential oils.  Atright is the pink yarrow, helpful for children who somatize family problemsor who are experiencing a great deal of trauma in their environment, suchas violence or divorce (courtesy of FES). 

Essencesmay even be given to babies.  You can rub the essences on the wristsof the baby, on the inside of the ear, or on the fontanel if it’s not closedyet (the skin is very thin there and the essences enter the bloodstreamthrough the skin).  If the child is still nursing, the baby will receiveany essences the mother is taking through the mother's milk.  Sincethe child’s behavior and responses may be influenced by the mother, givingthe essences to both may be helpful.  Some people have reported thatjust placing the bottle of essences in the crib has an effect on the babythrough the vibration of the essences.  At left is the shooting star,helpful for children who feel alienated and not a part of the human family. It is indicated for handicapped children, for children who experiencedbirth traumas or who may have birth defects, and for autistic childrenas part of a long-term program (courtesy of Steve Johnson, Alaskan FlowerEssence Project). 

There has been a great deal of workdone using flower essence therapy with childrenwho have been diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Disorder and AttentionDeficit Disorder with Hyperactivity.  It has been found that, in themajority of cases, children suffering from these disorders experiencedsome trauma stemming from early childhood.  When the trauma is treatedwith flower essences combined with other forms of therapy, the symptomsassociated with ADD and ADHD often decrease or disappear.  It is mosthelpful if parents are willing to consider dietary issues which may alsobe a contributing factor.  At right is the California wild rose, helpfulfor children who are apathetic or who, for whatever reason, may not wantto be fully present with vitality in their bodies (courtesy of FES).

Clickhere to read a wonderful goldenrod story about a young boy (found inRadicalHealing by Rudolph Ballentine).