Can Theanine Calm Kids?

As parents, we love seeing our kids getting stuck into life, tearing up the backyard, sports field or an equation or two in the classroom. But when it’s been a big day and bedtime is near, deep down what do we really want them to do?

Calm down and go to sleep!

We all know that’s easier said than done. Getting even the most well behaved child to settle can be hard work if they decide they’re ‘up’, and if they do go to sleep it might result in a restless night regardless. Fortunately, help is at hand and it’s in the form of a not so well known nutrient gaining increasing support for its ability to help calm kids. It’s called theanine, an amino acid first identified in tea leaves by Japanese scientists in the late 1940s. Theanine supports gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a naturally occurring amino acid that works as a ‘calming’ neurotransmitter in the brain. For children this means it can support calmness, focus and clarity during the day and relaxation in the evening, all without feeling drowsy.

Of course, theanine’s not the only ace up your sleeve if you’re having a nightly ‘bed battle’. There’s always magnesium, a nutrient involved in several hundred vital functions in the body including sleep, mood, concentration, energy production, muscle, bone, nerve and heart health. It’s commonly found in foods such as legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains.

If you think your child could benefit from getting more magnesium or theanine and you don’t believe they’re getting enough from a balanced diet (which is always best), supplementation could help. Our advice is to look for a combination magnesium/theanine formula like Nature’s Way Kids Smart Calm. It’s specifically designed to support relaxation in children, is vegetarian, 99% sugar free and contains natural colours and flavours.

To buy Nature’s Way Kids Smart Calm, click here