As The Seasons Change So Do We

MARCH is Mental Health Awareness Month and is an opportunity to highlight the importance of mental well-being. By fostering open discussions, offering support, and prioritizing self-care, we can create a more compassionate world where everyone has access to the help they need.

AS THE SEASONS CHANGE SO DO WE

The transition from Summer to Autumn brings changes in light, weather, temperature, daily routines, and allergies, which can lead to dysregulation or increased anxiety in both adults and children.

Feelings are seasonal too and here are a few tips to help you and your children:

• Maintain Routines: Keep wake-up times, meals, and bedtimes consistent, even when school schedules or daylight change, to offer a sense of security.
• Model Emotional Regulation (Co-Regulation): Model calm behavior (Regulate yourself first!!), as children learn to manage emotions by observing adults. Use deep breathing (like “balloon breathing”) to calm their nervous system.
• Manage Allergies: Physical discomfort from allergies can appear as moodiness or behavioral issues. Wearing too many layers or using heavier blankets can lead to sensory overload, especially for children who are more sensitive to touch or changes in routine.
• Encourage Physical Activity: Engage in indoor movement breaks (stretching, dancing) or, if possible, outdoor play to burn energy and manage anxiety. Exercise for at least 10 minutes a day. Avoid overstimulation and monitor for overload!
• Encourage Physical Activity: Engage in indoor movement breaks (stretching, dancing) or, if possible, outdoor play to burn energy and manage anxiety.
• Stay Connected: Organize playdates or catch-ups to combat social isolation that can occur during holidays.
• Provide Healthy Nutrition: Serve balanced meals and snacks, remember to drink water to help stabilize mood and energy levels.
• Validate and Name Emotions: Help children label their feelings (“It seems like you are feeling overwhelmed”) to make them feel understood and decrease frustration.
• Create a Cozy, Safe spaces to regulate: Create calm, quiet, warm spaces at home with blankets and soft lighting to help them decompress.