Play experts and child psychologists reveal how your child’s development can remain positive during the colder months
With huge blizzards set to hit the UK in late January and plummeting temperatures since the New Year, winter is now in full swing. Nowhere is this more noticeable than on the morning school run, getting the kids dressed, in the car and seen off at the school gates.
It’s cold when we drop them off and dark when we pick them up. We know it’s tiring for us, but what effect does the change in season have on our children?
Children aren’t immune to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other mood dampeners triggered by the sudden change in weather. With shorter days and fewer hours of sunlight, many families notice changes in their children’s energy levels, mood and motivation to get outside. This can, in turn, affect sleep, focus, irritability and more – meaning it’s crucial we find ways to mitigate the weather’s effects on developing minds.
For effective, practical ways to help our children be the best version of themselves this winter, we spoke to play expert Barry Leahey from Playdale Playgrounds and Psychologist Dr Tamara Scully from The British Psychological Society.
Understanding seasonal affective disorder in children
“Winter, with its dark nights and shorter days, can really take a toll on children. Reduced sunlight can affect their internal clock, causing morning tiredness, as well as low energy during the day, increased grumpiness and a general feeling of being withdrawn,” explains Dr Scully. “These seasonal changes can also affect serotonin, which means motivation, focus and even interest in play can dip.
“A bit of winter tiredness is totally normal and not an immediate indication of seasonal affective disorder,” Dr Scully continues. “All kids have days when they feel low-energy, grumpy or less motivated than usual. What matters is how long it lasts and whether their behaviour has changed.
“If low mood or irritability is obvious for most of the day, nearly every day for a couple of weeks, or if you notice big changes in sleep, appetite or interest in the things they usually enjoy, it’s a good idea to check in with a professional. Short ups and downs happen to everyone; it’s the persistent or significant changes in behaviour that we need to pay attention to and that could be related to conditions such as SAD.”
The mood-boosting pillars for your children
According to Dr Scully, small and consistent habits “give children a framework to stay active, emotionally balanced and resilient, even when the days are dark and short.”
Throughout the day, make sure your children are following these basic principles to protect them against SAD:
- Morning light: “Even 10–15 minutes outside after waking can help set their internal clock, making mornings easier and boosting energy for the day.”
- Movement: “Daily play or light exercise helps their brain release serotonin and dopamine, which supports mood and focus, while also giving them the tools to handle stress more effectively.”
- Consistent routines: “Regular sleep, meals and daily schedules give their nervous system stability and help reduce irritability.”
- Connection: “Short, meaningful interactions with family or friends help kids feel supported and emotionally steady.”
- Screen balance: “Limiting late-day screens helps melatonin do its job so kids can wind down and sleep better.”
Outdoor play in winter
“No matter the weather, outdoor play is a must for child development,” says Barry Leahey MBE, play expert and President of Playdale Playgrounds. “Playing isn’t just great for exercise, play develops problem-solving skills, confidence, curiosity and social skills, while also providing a safe environment for children to satisfy their needs as natural risk-takers in a safe environment.
“This is just as important in winter as it is in summer,” Leahey continues, “because childhood development doesn’t stop with the weather. As some equipment may be wet or slippery, it’s up to parents to check that play equipment is safe to use beforehand, although playgrounds should be maintained by the owners throughout all seasons.
“Spinners and swings are especially enjoyable in the winter months – as long as you wipe seats down well to avoid wet bums!” says Leahey. “This is because spinning equipment is ideal for keeping children’s minds active and happy, thanks to what we call ‘vestibular stimulation’, a neurological response triggered by spinning that sends nerves to the brain that promote balance and spatial awareness. Triggering this response is best in a playground, where spinning can be enjoyed using equipment that reaches exciting speeds and promotes shared play.”
Increasing sunlight and Vitamin D
“Less sunlight can affect serotonin and disrupt sleep, which in turn makes attention, memory and problem-solving that bit harder,” explains Dr Scully. “This is why it’s important to increase sunlight intake and Vitamin D where possible.
“Simple supports — regular outdoor activities, consistent sleep and daily movement — can help kids feel steadier, which not only boosts wellbeing but also makes learning easier during the darker months. Making the most of the morning light plays a big part in this, with a short walk or some outdoor play giving children a predictable structure in the outdoors that helps their brains and bodies feel anchored, reduces irritability and improves emotional regulation.”
“Play is crucial to cognitive development and that shouldn’t be forgotten in the winter,” adds play expert Leahey. “Morning exercise and play are definitely important in giving children the motivation to start their day on cold, darker mornings – but after-school play shouldn’t be forgotten either. Local parks and play areas don’t shut for winter, so although it’s cold, try to keep up your playground visits, including at the weekends. Children need safe, specially-designed spaces to expend energy and develop their motor skills outside.”
Boosting energy for body and mind
“Boosting energy with outdoor activities doesn’t just help children’s bodies, it also supports their minds,” adds Dr Scully. “Encouraging little successes, offering gentle reassurance and providing opportunities for movement or outdoor play can help kids rebuild confidence and stay open to new experiences, even during the darker months.
“Another effective way to boost mood in winter is to spend time together as a family, even if it isn’t directly related to play or outdoor activity,” Dr Scully continues. “Connecting with caregivers boosts the production of oxytocin in children, helping them manage emotions, reduce stress and feel secure. This could come down to something as simple as having breakfast together, getting ready for the day as a family or socialising with children before school.”
“If your children lack the motivation to play independently due to low mood in the winter, it’s best to take advantage of exciting, motion-based play that can be facilitated by a parent or guardian – such as pushing on a swing or spinning on a roundabout,” suggests Leahey. “Playground equipment that spins in general is ideal for this, as spinning is actively sought out by children because they crave vestibular stimulation to feel a sense of excitement, risk and to test balance. All-in-all, this makes it perfect for a winter visit, especially if a child is cold and unmotivated to engage in equipment where they have to do all the physical work to reap the reward of stimulating play.”
Have you noticed a change in your child’s mood or attitude during the New Year cold snap? If so, it may be time to adjust your daily routine.
