The Amazingness of Essential Oils

Disclaimer:

I am not a certified aromatherapist or medical professional. The information shared in this blog post is based on personal experience, research from reputable sources, and conversations with other educators and caregivers. If you're considering using essential oils around children, pets, or in your early learning environment, I strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified aromatherapist, paediatrician, or veterinarian to ensure the safest and most appropriate use for your unique setting.

Essential oils have long been praised for their natural healing properties, mood-lifting capabilities, and support for overall wellbeing. For centuries, different cultures have turned to aromatic plant extracts to soothe the body, calm the mind, and purify their surroundings. In today's fast-paced and often overstimulating world, many of us—especially those in caregiving roles—are seeking natural ways to create calmer, healthier, and more nurturing spaces.

As educators and caregivers, it's tempting to incorporate these beautiful aromas into our homes, classrooms, or early learning environments. A gentle waft of lavender during rest time, a touch of sweet orange to brighten a dreary day, or the grounding scent of frankincense during big transitions—these simple additions can seem like small acts of care that support both children and educators alike.

However, it’s essential to pause and ask: Are essential oils truly safe to use around children and animals? What are the risks and responsibilities we must consider? And if they can be used safely, how do we introduce them into our settings ethically, respectfully, and effectively?

In early childhood and family day care environments, we are not only responsible for the wellbeing of the children in our care, but also for maintaining open, respectful relationships with families—and for ensuring the safety and comfort of any pets or animals that may be part of our learning community. Essential oils may seem harmless, but without proper knowledge and precautions, they can pose risks.

In this blog post, we’ll explore:

• The benefits and power of essential oils

• The key safety considerations when using them around children and animals

• How to have respectful, informed conversations with families about their use

• And how to use essential oils as a supportive tool for children's emotional wellbeing when done right

Together, we’ll look at how to embrace the magic of essential oils while staying grounded in best practice, open communication, and the individual needs of every child, family, and furry friend in our care.

Are Essential Oils Safe Around Children and Pets?

Yes — and no. Like many wellness tools, essential oils have the potential to be both supportive and harmful, depending on how they’re used. They’re highly concentrated plant extracts, and while their natural origin is often seen as gentle or harmless, they can be very potent. In early childhood and animal-inclusive environments, we must approach their use with intention, knowledge, and responsibility.

Why Extra Caution is Needed for Children and Pets

Children and animals are significantly more sensitive to essential oils than adults. Their smaller bodies, faster metabolisms, and developing organs mean that even a small exposure can have a big impact. What might smell lovely and calming to us could be overwhelming—or even dangerous—to a child or a pet.

In particular:

• Children's skin is thinner, making them more prone to irritation or absorption.

• Their respiratory systems are still developing, so strong aromas or diffused oils can cause breathing issues, headaches, or overstimulation.

• Animals, especially cats and dogs, process substances differently. Some essential oils are toxic to them because they lack the liver enzymes necessary to break down certain compounds.

Common Oils to Avoid

Some essential oils should be avoided entirely around children and/or animals, particularly when used in diffusers or topically:

• Unsafe for children:

  • Peppermint (not recommended for children under 6, due to risk of respiratory distress)

  • Eucalyptus (not recommended under 10, can slow breathing)

  • Rosemary, Wintergreen, and Clove (can affect the nervous system or irritate the skin)

• Unsafe for pets (especially cats and small dogs):

  • Tea tree (melaleuca) — can be toxic to both cats and dogs

  • Citrus oils — cats in particular are very sensitive to limonene and linalool

  • Eucalyptus — toxic for pets, even in diffused form if used excessively

  • Clove, Pine, and Ylang Ylang — all have known toxic effects in animals when inhaled or ingested

It’s worth noting that cats are particularly sensitive, as their liver cannot process many of the compounds found in essential oils. What may be fine for a dog might be dangerous for a cat.

Safer Options (Used Mindfully)

There are essential oils that are generally considered safe for use around children and animals—when used in very small, diluted amounts and with caution:

• Safer for children (with proper dilution):

  • Lavender — calming and gentle, useful for rest time and emotional regulation

  • Chamomile — soothing and gentle on the senses

  • Sweet orange — uplifting and energising, helpful for transitions

  • Frankincense — grounding and supportive for emotional wellbeing

    
    

• Safer for pets (especially when diffused in ventilated areas):

  • Lavender and Frankincense — widely considered safe for dogs and cats when diffused occasionally and not directly applied or ingested

  • Cedarwood (Atlas) — mild and non-toxic, often used in pet-friendly blends

Even with “safe” oils, always research thoroughly and consult a certified aromatherapist or veterinarian for animal-specific guidance.

Golden Rules for Using Essential Oils Around Children and Pets

To ensure safety and promote a healthy environment for everyone in your care—whether human or furry—follow these best-practice principles:

1. Never apply essential oils directly to children or pets. Topical use is only safe under the guidance of a certified aromatherapist or medical professional.

2. Always dilute oils in a carrier oil (e.g., coconut or jojoba oil) if you're using them for adult topical application. For children, the dilution rate should be no stronger than 0.25%–1%.

3. Diffuse with care:

   • Use a high-quality ultrasonic diffuser

   • Diffuse for short periods only: 15–30 minutes at a time

   • Use in well-ventilated areas and never in enclosed spaces like bedrooms during sleep

   • Ensure children and animals can leave the space freely if they feel overwhelmed

4. Store oils safely. Keep all essential oils locked away and out of reach—children are curious and may mistake them for food or drinks due to their smell.

5. Watch for signs of sensitivity or reactions.

   • Children: Headaches, rashes, excessive coughing or sneezing, or behaviour changes

   • Animals: Drooling, vomiting, lethargy, difficulty walking, or changes in breathing

Using essential oils responsibly is not about avoiding them altogether—but about using them with respect for the sensitivities and individual needs of those in our environment. With the right knowledge and practices, essential oils can absolutely become part of a holistic, wellbeing-focused setting for both children and educators—while ensuring safety and peace of mind for families and furry friends alike.

So You Want to Introduce Essential Oils Into Your Service – Where to Start?

Introducing essential oils into an early childhood setting can be a beautiful way to support emotional regulation, promote calm, and enhance sensory experiences—but like any practice in education and care, it needs to be thoughtful, informed, and centred around the wellbeing of all who share the space.

If you’re curious about using essential oils in your service, start here:

1. Do Your Research

Before diffusing any oil or making changes to your environment, take time to understand the properties, benefits, and risks associated with various oils—especially in relation to children and animals. Look for reputable, evidence-informed sources (aromatherapy texts, registered aromatherapists, health authorities) to guide your learning.

2. Choose Your Oils Wisely

Start with a very small selection of gentle, well-tolerated oils such as:

• Lavender – calming, supportive of sleep and transitions

• Roman chamomile – soothing, emotionally grounding

• Frankincense – supports mindfulness and calm

• Sweet orange – cheerful, refreshing (use sparingly and with ventilation)

Ensure you purchase pure, high-quality essential oils from a trusted source—avoid synthetic fragrances or blends not intended for therapeutic use.

3. Understand Dilution and Diffusion

Essential oils are incredibly potent. Learn about:

• Safe dilution ratios (usually 0.5–1% for children, and never for ingestion or topical use without professional guidance)

• How and when to diffuse (short bursts, 15–30 minutes max, in well-ventilated rooms, never during mealtimes or naps unless agreed upon)

Consider a diffuser with a timer or intermittent misting to help manage usage.

4. Reflect on Your ‘Why’

What purpose will the oils serve in your space?

• Is it for emotional regulation during transitions?

• To support rest time routines?

• As a part of a sensory or wellbeing experience?

Clarifying your intention helps ensure oils are used intentionally, not habitually or as a quick fix.

5. Consider the Whole Environment

Think about who shares your space—not just the children, but pets, educators, and families. Does anyone have allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities? Is the ventilation sufficient? Is there a way for children or animals to exit the room if needed?

How to Approach the Topic with Families

When introducing anything new into an early childhood environment—especially something as personal and potentially sensitive as essential oils—clear, respectful communication is essential. While some families may embrace the idea with enthusiasm, others may have concerns due to allergies, medical conditions, cultural beliefs, or previous experiences.

Creating space for open, honest dialogue helps build trust and ensures every child’s wellbeing remains the top priority.

Tips for Respectful and Transparent Communication:

• Include it in your enrolment process. Add a question to your enrolment forms or family questionnaires such as: “Do you have any preferences, allergies, or concerns regarding the use of essential oils in the environment?”This invites families into the conversation early and gives them the opportunity to voice any concerns or preferences.

• Share your why. Let families know your intentions behind using essential oils. This might include promoting a calming atmosphere during rest times, supporting transitions, or enhancing the sensory environment in a gentle, natural way. Make it clear that oils are never used in place of good hygiene, ventilation, or evidence-based practices.

• Be clear about safety protocols. Reassure families that you only use child-safe and pet-safe oils, that you follow safe dilution guidelines, and that oils are never applied directly to children or animals. Mention that diffusing is done in short, well-ventilated sessions and always with the option to remove a child or pet from the space.

• Create opt-in, not opt-out practices. Instead of assuming all families are okay with essential oil use, make participation optional by default. Let them know that you're happy to avoid diffusing oils when their child is present or tailor your approach based on individual needs. This demonstrates your flexibility and your genuine respect for family values and child wellbeing.

• Update policies and documentation. If you're incorporating essential oils into your daily rhythm, consider updating your philosophy statement, health and safety policy, or programming documents to reflect this practice. Invite feedback during policy review periods.

• Keep the conversation ongoing. Revisit the topic occasionally in newsletters, reflective practice updates, or during parent meetings. As children grow and their needs change, so too might a family’s comfort with the use of oils.

Benefits of Essential Oils for Children

When used safely, respectfully, and with intention, essential oils can offer a gentle, nature-based way to support children’s emotional wellbeing, regulation, and sense of belonging. In early childhood settings, these natural aromas can help foster calm, connection, and rhythm in meaningful, developmentally appropriate ways.

Below are some mindful and practical ways essential oils can support children in your care:

Emotional Regulation

Calming oils like lavender and Roman chamomile have long been used to reduce restlessness and promote emotional balance. These can be helpful:

• During transitions, like from play to rest time

• When a child is feeling overwhelmed or dysregulated

• As part of a wind-down routine after outdoor play or stimulating experiences

Note: Always ensure that oils are diffused briefly, never applied topically without consent, and that the child can move to an unscented space if needed.

Focus and Clarity

Essential oils such as sweet orange, cedarwood, or frankincense may gently support concentration, mental clarity, and emotional grounding. These can be incorporated:

• During intentional group times or learning experiences

• As part of transition rituals, like arriving or leaving care

• In quiet corners to support self-settling and mindfulness

Using scent in this way can anchor children to routines, making them feel safe and held by predictability.

Connection to Nature

Essential oils provide a direct sensory link to the natural world. This can complement learning about:

• Plants and seasons

• Bush tucker and Indigenous culture (particularly when using native oils like lemon myrtle or eucalyptus—always check age and safety guidelines)

• Sustainability, by showing how we can harness nature gently and respectfully

Inviting children to smell different oils and talk about the plant they come from can be a beautiful extension to a sensory table or nature walk.

Creating Mindful Rituals

Children thrive on rhythm and predictability. Introducing a soothing scent during specific times of the day can create emotional safety and foster secure attachments. For example:

• A calming diffuser blend during morning welcome

• A gentle scent like lavender or cedarwood during rest time or after lunch

• A grounding oil like frankincense during yoga, meditation, or reflection circles

When paired with language (e.g., “This smell means it’s our quiet time now”), these routines become part of your intentional teaching strategy.

Try This: Create a "Wellbeing Basket"

Craft a daily wellbeing basket as part of your emotional regulation toolkit. Include items such as:

• A calming glitter bottle

• Storybooks about emotions (like The Colour Monster or When I'm Feeling Angry)

• Sensory tools like feathers, fidget stones, or silk scarves

• A soft cloth with a few drops of lavender (with permission from families) or a child-safe roll-on blend

• A mini breathing prompt or emotion wheel Let children know this basket is always available to support their bodies and brains when they need calm.

Using essential oils in a thoughtful, inclusive, and respectful way can enhance your environment and enrich the sensory and emotional experiences you offer. As always, observe how each child responds, involve families in the process, and adjust your practices to suit the unique needs of your community.

Legal, Licensing, and Policy Considerations

While essential oils can offer beautiful benefits to your early childhood environment, it’s important to ensure their use aligns with your legal obligations, service philosophy, and risk management framework.

Using essential oils may seem like a personal choice, but when you’re caring for others’ children, it becomes a professional responsibility.

Do You Need to Add Essential Oil Use to Your Policies?

Yes, ideally. If you plan to use essential oils regularly (even just diffused), include a clear section in your Health and Safety or Environmental Practices Policy.This shows:

• Transparency with families

• Consideration of health, safety, and wellbeing

• Willingness to adapt your environment to meet individual needs

Your policy might include statements about:

• The oils used (child-safe, pet-safe, diluted)

• How they’re used (diffuser only, for short periods)

• Opt-out options for families

• Procedures for reviewing and updating oil use

What Might Your Family Day Care Scheme or Licensing Body Say?

Each scheme or state may vary in how they address environmental factors like essential oils. Some may support their use with guidelines, while others may discourage them altogether due to allergies and sensitivities.

Tips:

• Check in with your scheme or coordinator before introducing oils

• Ask if they have a template or position statement

• Keep your documentation updated to show that you’ve considered health, safety, and wellbeing

Under the National Quality Framework, your decisions should align with:

• Quality Area 2: Children's Health and Safety

• Quality Area 3: Physical Environment

• Quality Area 6: Collaborative partnerships with families

Should You Conduct a Risk Assessment?

Absolutely. Like introducing new pets, plants, or sensory materials, essential oils come with both benefits and risks. A simple risk assessment should cover:

• Who might be affected (children, pets, educators, families)

• Potential reactions (allergies, sensitivities, sensory overload)

• Safe storage and usage

• Actions to reduce risk (ventilation, opt-out, use during quiet times only)

Document your assessment and review it regularly—especially if you change oil blends, equipment, or children in your care.

How to Document Consent from Families

This is one of the most important steps. Be proactive and respectful by seeking written consent before introducing essential oils.

You can:

• Include a section in your enrolment or orientation form

• Ask families to tick or initial next to a statement such as:“I give permission for my child to be in an environment where child-safe, diluted essential oils (e.g., lavender, chamomile) are diffused for short periods as part of the educator’s wellbeing and regulation practices.”

• Offer the option to opt-out and respect those choices

Tip: Keep it simple, open-ended, and update families if you make any changes to the oils you use or how they are introduced.

Choosing Quality Oils

When it comes to essential oils, not all oils are created equal—and quality absolutely matters, especially when you’re using them around young children and animals. Cheap oils can contain synthetic additives, be poorly diluted, or come from unethical sources, raising serious concerns for both health and environmental impact.

As educators and service providers, choosing high-quality oils is about more than just aroma—it’s about safety, transparency, ethics, and sustainability.

What to Look for in a Reputable Oil Brand

When selecting essential oils, look for brands that are:

• Transparent about ingredients and processes

• Provide batch testing or GC/MS reports (showing the chemical composition)

• Clearly label if the oil is pure, blended, or diluted

• Offer guidance on safe usage, especially for children and pets

• Are upfront about whether oils are organic, wildcrafted, or ethically harvested

Reputable brands will never make vague claims like “all natural” without backing it up with clear testing, sourcing information, and education.

📝 Tip: Just because a brand is popular or sold in health food stores doesn’t mean it meets high safety or ethical standards. Do your homework!

Neurodiversity & Scent Sensitivity

A critical—and often overlooked—consideration when introducing essential oils into an early childhood environment is scent sensitivity and neurodiversity.

While essential oils can offer calming or mood-lifting effects, they can also be overwhelming, triggering, or even distressing to individuals with sensory processing differences or past trauma.

As educators committed to inclusion, accessibility, and wellbeing, we must take a proactive, empathetic approach to scent in shared spaces.

Why It Matters

Children and adults who are neurodivergent—such as those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorders—may experience:

• Heightened sensitivity to smells

• Difficulty self-regulating in environments with strong sensory input

• Physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, or dizziness

• Emotional distress, especially if scent is associated with trauma or loss of control

• Disruption to focus and routine if sensory input feels overwhelming

Even mildly fragranced environments can affect a child’s ability to feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.

Signs of Discomfort or Overload

It’s not always obvious that a scent is causing distress. Watch for:

• Covering nose, turning away, or making distressed facial expressions

• Complaints of feeling sick, dizzy, or getting a headache

• Fidgeting, increased agitation, or withdrawal

• Avoidance of specific spaces (like the sleep room or entryway)

• Heightened emotional responses or meltdowns following diffusing sessions

These behaviours may be signs that an essential oil—even a safe or calming one—is not working well for that child.

Offering Opt-In/Opt-Out Sensory Environments

In inclusive practice, choice and agency matter. Where possible:

• Diffuse oils only in designated zones or at specific times (e.g., sleep room, welcome time)

• Allow children to choose whether to be near an area where oils are used

• Provide unscented spaces or alternative calming strategies for those who opt out

• Use visual cues like a diffuser sign ("Essential oils in use") to prepare children for sensory change

• Consider individual sensory profiles when planning routines or transitions

  
  

  A Wellbeing Basket (mentioned earlier) could have an unscented version or be tailored to the sensory needs of individual children.

Including Families of Neurodivergent Children

Families are your best resource in understanding a child’s sensory preferences and sensitivities. Be proactive by:

• Asking specific questions in your enrolment paperwork or conversations:

  "Does your child have any sensory sensitivities to smells, sounds, or textures?""How does your child respond to things like scented candles, air fresheners, or natural oils at home?"

• Reassuring families that:

  • Oils are never used topically or excessively

  • Their child’s needs will always come first

  • They can opt out or request adjustments at any time

  • You are committed to inclusive, responsive care

Consider offering an individualised sensory plan or including essential oils as part of a broader sensory toolkit only when beneficial and appropriate.

Children’s Voice, Participation & Curriculum Connections

Introducing essential oils into an early childhood setting isn’t just about creating a calm environment—it can also be a powerful opportunity to honour children’s voices, explore the senses, and embed intentional, responsive teaching practices. When approached thoughtfully, this practice aligns beautifully with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), the National Quality Standard (NQS), and principles of inclusion, respect, and empowerment.

Honouring the Right to Choose

Children are competent and capable learners. They know what feels good to them—and what doesn’t. Offering choice and involving children in decisions around scent use promotes self-awareness, autonomy, and mutual respect.

Here are meaningful ways to embed their participation:

• Scent exploration sessions: Offer small group experiences where children can smell-test child-safe, low-risk essential oils (always under adult supervision). Use open-ended questions to invite reflection and language development:

  “Which one smells like calm to you?” “What does this smell remind you of?” “Where do you think this scent comes from?”

• Collaborative decision-making: Let children vote on or help choose which oil (if any) to use during group routines like storytime or relaxation. This builds community and shared responsibility.

• Respect their “no”: If a child says “no” to a scent—or shows discomfort through behaviour—respect that boundary. Empowering children to opt out supports a culture of safety and trust.

• Include scent in sensory play: Add safe oils (appropriately diluted) to playdough, sensory bottles, or water play. This expands sensory learning and supports regulation through multisensory input.

• Use scent as a provocation: Scents can prompt inquiry and wonder. Introduce a mystery oil and ask children to guess what plant it’s from or how it might be used. Link this to sustainability or bush tucker discussions.

Linking to the EYLF & NQF

Intentional use of essential oils—when safe, inclusive, and reflective—can help meet several EYLF outcomes, principles, and NQS elements. It’s not just about wellness—it’s about embedding thoughtful practice into your learning environment.

EYLF Principles & Practices

• Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships: Listening to children’s sensory cues builds trust, belonging, and respect.

• Partnerships with families: Open dialogue about oil use reflects strong collaboration and cultural responsiveness.

• High expectations and equity: Allowing opt-in/opt-out pathways ensures that every child’s needs and rights are upheld.

• Holistic approaches: Scents can support emotional regulation, physical wellbeing, and social engagement.

• Learning through play: Scent becomes part of playful, sensory-rich experiences that spark curiosity.

• Ongoing learning and reflective practice: Educators critically reflect on safety, preferences, and ethical use of oils.

EYLF Learning Outcomes

• Outcome 1 – Children feel safe, secure, and supported: Children develop trust as their preferences are respected.

• Outcome 3 – Children have a strong sense of wellbeing: Scents may support regulation and mindfulness.

• Outcome 4 – Children are confident and involved learners: Scent-based inquiry promotes problem-solving, exploration, and expression.

• Outcome 5 – Children are effective communicators: Discussing scent encourages descriptive language and emotional vocabulary.

National Quality Standard Links

• QA1 – Educational Program and Practice: Scent-based provocations and rituals support intentional, responsive learning.

• QA2 – Children’s Health and Safety: Proper risk management and sensitivity to children’s needs uphold best practice.

• QA5 – Relationships with Children: Involving children in decisions fosters respect, responsiveness, and inclusion.

• QA6 – Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities: Open, respectful communication around oil use promotes trust and shared decision-making.

Learning Area Extensions

• Science: Explore the origins of essential oils—distillation, plant biology, evaporation, and sensory systems.

• Geography: Investigate where essential oil plants grow and discuss climate, sustainability, and culture.

• Language & Literacy: Encourage descriptive storytelling using scents—"This oil smells like grandma’s garden..."

• Health & Wellbeing: Develop self-regulation routines with children using scent as a calming or focusing tool.

• Culture & Identity: Introduce traditional uses of native plants and oils in Indigenous culture as part of respectful, inclusive practice.

Project Idea: Create a “Scent Garden” or plant corner in your service where children grow herbs like lavender, mint, and lemon balm. Over time, link this hands-on experience with discussions around scent, wellbeing, and sustainability. You might even make your own herbal infusions or scent bottles as a group project!

Cultural Awareness & Respect

Incorporating essential oils into early childhood settings brings not only opportunities for wellbeing and sensory engagement, but also a responsibility to use them with cultural sensitivity and respect. Many essential oils have roots in Indigenous knowledge systems, spiritual practices, or cultural traditions—and acknowledging these origins helps us role model inclusion, integrity, and global awareness to children.

Avoid Cultural Appropriation

Some oils, such as sandalwood, sage, frankincense, and palo santo, are traditionally used in sacred ceremonies, rituals, and healing practices. These uses are deeply meaningful and often tied to cultural identity, spirituality, and land connection.

As educators, we must avoid using these oils as mere “tools” for ambience or behaviour management—particularly without understanding or sharing their context. This means:

• Learning the story behind the oil—Who first used it? For what purpose? Is it still sacred to some communities today?

• Not replicating rituals (e.g., smudging with sage or palo santo) unless you are part of that culture or are inviting a cultural representative to share knowledge in an appropriate way.

• Acknowledging that while we may appreciate a scent, it is not ours to repackage or profit from without context.

“This oil comes from the sandalwood tree, which is important in many cultures around the world. Some people use it for prayer or healing. Let’s learn about the tree and where it grows.”

Engage Families & Community

Cultural respect starts with listening and learning. Families may have their own scent-related traditions or preferences, whether spiritual, cultural, or sensory. For example, some cultures may use:

• Lavender for baby care

• Rosewater in ceremonies

• Eucalyptus in traditional bush remedies

• Incense or oils during prayer or meditation

Here’s how to build this into your practice:

• Ask families during enrolment or check-ins: “Are there any scents that are special or significant to your family?”

• Welcome contributions: Invite families to share safe, respectful ways they use scent—perhaps a cultural cooking tradition or a family story about a plant or flower.

• Be aware of avoidance: Some families may avoid particular scents due to cultural beliefs or health preferences. Document and honour these in your planning.

Sustainable, Ethical Sourcing

Cultural respect also means respecting the land and communities from which essential oils are sourced. Ask yourself:

• Is this oil harvested sustainably?

• Are Indigenous communities involved or compensated fairly for their knowledge and resources?

• Is this oil overharvested or endangered (e.g., Australian sandalwood or frankincense)?

Choose brands that prioritise ethical sourcing and transparency—and share this with children as part of your sustainability discussions.

“Did you know this oil comes from a tree that only grows in the desert? We make sure we use just a little, because too much harvesting could harm the trees.”

EYLF & NQS Connections

• Outcome 2 – Children are connected with and contribute to their world: Engaging respectfully with cultural knowledge supports inclusion, identity, and global awareness.

• Outcome 1 – Children have a strong sense of identity: Children see their own cultural practices and those of others represented with respect.

• Principle – Respect for diversity: Welcoming multiple ways of knowing and being honours every child’s and family’s background.

• NQS QA6 – Collaborative partnerships with families: Respectful engagement around scent preferences and traditions deepens trust and shared understanding.

Gentle Scents, Big Considerations

Bringing essential oils into your early childhood environment can be a beautiful way to support wellbeing, create nurturing routines, and enhance sensory learning—but it must be done with care, curiosity, and deep respect.

From seeking informed family consent and choosing ethically sourced oils, to honouring cultural origins and accommodating neurodiverse needs, each decision we make reflects our commitment to safe, inclusive, and meaningful practice.

Remember:

Start slow—introduce oils thoughtfully, with safety and sensitivity at the centre. Educate yourself and your team—understand the oils you use, their history, and potential impacts. Involve families and children—listen, reflect, and co-create your approach with openness.

Stay aligned with the EYLF and NQS—essential oils are not a shortcut to calm, but a complement to quality practice and strong relationships.

As educators, we are not just creating lovely scents in our rooms—we are shaping environments of belonging, safety, and respect. Whether it’s a calming diffuser at rest time, a sensory invitation on the learning table, or a conversation about where lavender comes from, essential oils can open doors to connection and care—when used well.

What’s Your Next Step?

• Revisit your service’s enrolment forms or risk assessments—do they reflect your scent practices?

• Start a conversation with families—what are their thoughts, concerns, or cultural practices around scent?

• Explore oils as a part of your sensory and inquiry-based play—what can children teach you about smell and memory?

Let essential oils be an extension of your values, not just another trend. Used mindfully, they can enhance not only your environment, but the relationships that sit at the heart of quality early education.

I’m Rachel Smith—an early childhood educator of 20 years, mentor, and advocate for educator wellbeing and ethical practice. If this blog resonated with you, I invite you to join our community on Facebook at The Educators Well. You'll find the reflection sheet, checklist, and additional resources to accompany this post—plus ongoing support, shared wisdom, and a network of like-minded educators walking this journey alongside you.

Let’s keep learning, reflecting, and growing—together.

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