Winter can be a magical time for children with snow days, holidays, and cozy evenings at home. But for many families, the colder months also bring noticeable changes in a child’s mood, energy, and behaviour. Shorter days, less sunlight, disrupted routines, and reduced social activity can all affect a child’s emotional well-being, but child therapy can help.
If you’ve noticed your child seems more withdrawn, irritable, or low during winter, you’re not alone. Understanding what’s typical and when to seek support can help you respond early and effectively.
Why Winter Can Be Hard on Children’s Mental Health
Children thrive on structure, stimulation, and connection. In winter, those supports often take a hit. Shorter daylight hours can affect sleep and energy levels. Cold weather limits outdoor play and physical movement. School breaks and holiday schedules disrupt routines. Over time, these factors can contribute to low mood, increased anxiety, or withdrawal.
Some children are particularly sensitive to these changes, especially if they already struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, or emotional regulation.
Signs Your Child Could Benefit From Child Therapy
Children don’t always express sadness the way adults do. Instead, mood changes often show up through behaviour, emotions, or physical complaints. Here are some signs parents should watch for during the winter months:
Emotional Signs
- Ongoing sadness, tearfulness, or frequent crying
- Increased irritability or frustration
- Loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed
- Feelings of hopelessness or low self-esteem
Behavioural Changes
- Withdrawal from friends or family
- Increased clinginess or separation difficulties
- Avoidance of school or activities
- Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping much more or less than usual)
Physical Symptoms
- Low energy or persistent fatigue
- Changes in appetite
- Frequent headaches or stomach aches without a clear medical cause
If these symptoms last more than a couple of weeks, interfere with daily functioning, or seem to worsen, it may be more than typical “winter blues.”
How Winter Depression Can Look Different in Children
Unlike adults, children may not say they feel sad or hopeless. Instead, winter-related depression often looks like anger, emotional outbursts, or behavioural changes. A child may seem more sensitive to criticism, more reactive, or more prone to tears. These behaviours are sometimes misunderstood as “acting out,” when they are actually signals that a child is struggling internally.
How Parents Can Support Their Child During Winter
While professional support can be important, there are also steps parents can take at home:
- Maintain routines as much as possible, especially around sleep and meals
- Encourage movement, even brief outdoor time or indoor physical activity
- Limit screen time and promote social connection
- Talk openly about emotions and normalize that winter can feel hard
Most importantly, trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s okay to seek guidance.
When to Consider Child Therapy
Child therapy offers a supportive space where children can explore emotions, build coping skills, and learn healthier ways to manage stress. Therapy is especially helpful when mood changes begin to affect school performance, friendships, or family relationships.
Early support can prevent struggles from becoming more entrenched and can help children build resilience that carries into adolescence and beyond.
Child Therapy in Toronto and Across Ontario
At the Cognitive & Interpersonal Therapy Centre (CITC), we provide child and adolescent therapy for families in Toronto and virtually across Ontario. Our therapists support children and adolescents experiencing:
- Low mood or depression
- Anxiety and emotional regulation difficulties
- School stress and behavioural changes
- Social and interpersonal challenges
We use evidence-based approaches tailored to each child’s developmental stage and unique needs.
Find Support for You and Your Family this Winter
Winter can be challenging for children and parents alike. If you’re concerned about your child’s mood, reaching out for support is a caring and proactive step.
To learn more about child therapy or to book an appointment, contact our team to request a consultation. We’re here to help your family feel supported throughout every season.
