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Winter has a way of dialling everything up. Dark days can drastically effect children’s emotional health according to experts.
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.
The Secret to Calm: “Heavy Work”
When children push, pull, carry, lift or crawl, their bodies get deep input to the muscles and joints. Therapists often call this kind of movement heavy work – but really, it is just purposeful, everyday movement. It gives the nervous system the feedback it needs so children can feel calmer and less ‘fizzy inside.
You do not need expensive toys or complicated set-ups. Here is how to weave regulating movement into your winter days:
Natural Treasures: Collect and move logs, pinecones, stones or sticks from one place to another.
Push & Pull: Push wheelbarrows, prams, trolleys or crates around the garden or yard.
Smashing Ice: Tap thin ice in trays with safe tools, or dig treasure out of snow, mud or sand.
Moving Furniture: Children can help set up and tidy away chairs, crates or cushions to create cosy corners.
Animal Walks: Try bear crawls, crab walks, push the wall over games or slow, strong stretches.
Kneading: Use playdough, snow dough or bread dough to squeeze, roll and press.
Heavy Lifting: Let your child carry light shopping bags.
Laundry Help: Ask them to help move the laundry basket.
Delivery Game: Turn tidying toys into a delivery game with baskets and boxes.
We spoke with behaviour specialist Simbrashe Shamu to understand ways that parents can support their young children through winter.
1. Provide Praise: To encourage children to spend time outdoors during the cooler months, Simbrashe recommends regular praise and positive reassurance. The more attention and engagement that your child seeks when outside, the more likely you are to increase outside time.
2. Limit Technology: Consider setting a limit on competing contingencies such as video games and social media. Time in nature during daylight hours develops a healthy immune system and increases concentration.
3. Dress for Success: Layers are key, as you can always take them off and adjust. We lose most of our heat through our heads so nice warm hats are essential and footwear such as walking boots or wellies with thick socks will keep feet dry and warm.
4. Take Notice: Embrace the season you’re in and look for the magic of changing colours and different experiences that ignite the senses. Try leaving some bird feed out to encourage more wildlife when it’s cold.
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.”
For children who need SEND support or find busy environments overwhelming, this kind of movement can be especially helpful. 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.
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.
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