How can I help my child feel calmer in winter?

Winter has a way of dialling everything up. For some children that might look like extra energy; for others it might be big emotions, clinginess, sleep changes or seeming quieter than usual❄️

It is easy to think, “They just need to burn off energy.” But often what their body is really asking for is regulation, not just more running around.

At Kids Planet, we see this across our nurseries every winter. Our team use simple movement activities to help children feel calmer, safer and more in control of their feelings. Therapists often call this kind of movement “heavy work” – but really, it is just purposeful, everyday movement.

What kind of movement helps children feel calmer?

When children push, pull, carry, lift or crawl, their bodies get deep input to the muscles and joints. You might hear this called proprioceptive input.

This kind of movement is not about tiring children out or “fixing” behaviour. It is about giving the nervous system the feedback it needs so children can feel:

• More grounded in their own body
• Calmer and less “fizzy” inside
• Safer in busy or noisy environments
• More able to focus and join in
• More able to manage big emotions

Many winter behaviour changes are not “naughty” at all. They can be a sign that a child’s nervous system is working hard and needs more support.

In our nurseries, including where children receive SEND support, we focus less on “managing behaviour” and more on supporting regulation so that children can access play, friendships and early years education and care.

Simple winter movement ideas you can try

The good news? You do not need expensive toys or complicated set-ups. Just purposeful movement, using what you already have.

Outdoors

You might see activities like these in our outdoor play and Udeskole-inspired sessions:

• Carrying natural treasures
  Collect and move logs, pinecones, stones or sticks from one place to another.
• Pushing and pulling
  Push wheelbarrows, prams, trolleys or crates around the garden or yard.
• Sleds, baskets and tyres
  Pull a small sled, basket or tyre filled with toys, leaves or safe loose parts.
• Smashing ice and digging “frozen treasure”
  Tap thin ice in trays with safe tools, or dig treasure out of snow, mud or sand.

These kinds of activities can support strength, coordination and resilience, as well as offering calming input to the nervous system.

Indoors

On colder, darker or very wet days, or days where getting outside can be tricky, similar ideas can move indoors:

• Moving furniture and resources
  Children can help set up and tidy away chairs, crates or cushions to create cosy corners and play spaces.
• Wall push-ups and animal walks
  Try bear crawls, crab walks, “push the wall over” games or slow, strong stretches.
• Kneading and squashing
  Use playdough, “snow dough” or bread dough to squeeze, roll and press.

Loose parts play – crates, fabric, tubes, boxes and natural materials – naturally invites lifting, stacking and building. You will see plenty of this across Kids Planet because it supports creativity, confidence and regulation all at once.

How movement supports emotions, focus and individual needs

After a burst of this kind of movement, many children:

• Find it easier to join a story or small group activity
• Cope better with transitions, such as coming indoors or getting ready to go home
• Can concentrate for longer on their play and learning

Some children seek this out themselves: piling cushions on their body, jumping into the sofa, asking to be picked up or enjoying firm bear hugs. That can be their way of saying, “I need more deep pressure to feel okay.”

Our colleagues are trained to notice these cues and to respond with activities that support regulation, rather than simply asking children to “calm down” without giving their bodies the tools to do it.

For children who need SEND support or find busy environments overwhelming, this kind of movement can be especially helpful. We work closely with families and professionals to:

• Understand what helps each child feel settled
• Build the right amount of movement into their day
• Adapt activities so every child can take part in a way that feels safe and successful

Weaving regulation into everyday life

The aim is not to give you another list of things to do. It is to weave regulating movement into moments that already exist:

• Let your child carry light shopping bags
• Ask them to help move the laundry basket
• Turn tidying toys into a “delivery game” with baskets and boxes

In our nurseries, these ideas sit alongside nutritious meals, outdoor play, strong parent partnerships and thoughtful daily routines that support the nervous system, so that calm has a chance to appear.

When children feel more regulated, they do not need to communicate through dysregulation as often. Instead of shouting, hitting or running away, they have more space to show you who they are: curious, capable and ready to learn in their own way.

Want more ideas for calm, playful winter days?

You do not have to work this all out on your own. Our early years educators are always happy to share simple movement ideas you can use at home and to explore what helps your child feel calm, secure and ready to play.

If you would like to see how we use outdoor play, loose parts, sensory support and movement in our nurseries – or find out more about funded childcare and SEND support – we would love to welcome you in.

Ready to discover so much more? Get in touch with your local Kids Planet nursery or book a visit to see our calm, nurturing approach in action this winter 💛

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