Navigating Springtime Jitters:
Supporting Kids Through Seasonal Transitions

Audio Version

As spring consumes us and the world becomes brighter, most children will experience many emotions that have been coined as “springtime jitters.”  Springtime is known as a time of fun and rebirth, some may also experience an increase in restlessness, anxiety, and confusion.  As parents and caregivers, it is important to work towards a better understanding of these changes and offer support to your child through this seasonal transition. 

Things that can help manage those Springtime jitters:

  • Acknowledge Their Feelings: It is important to validate your child’s emotions and feelings, by letting them know that the feelings they are experiencing are normal.  Most likely your child is unaware that feeling unsettled during the changes in seasons is a normal experience.  Try to encourage your child to communicate openly with you and create a safe space for them to talk about their thoughts and feelings void of judgment. 
  • Maintain Routine: We all know spring can bring a change in time i.e. daylight savings time changes, the weather is unpredictable, which can often impact any activities planned during this time.  Though the aforementioned we as parents have no control over, it is important to maintain a sense of routine and structure in your child’s daily life that you can control.  Consistency can help ease your child’s anxious feelings and provide stability and security.  
  • Encourage Outdoor Play: With the change in weather the opportunity for your child to play outside increases dramatically.  It is important to encourage your child to play outside and soak up the sunshine.  Playing outside can help your child reduce stress, increase positive mood, and support their overall well-being.
  • Practice Mindfulness: Teaching your child mindfulness techniques and skills can help your child remain grounded and present. Some options or techniques you can utilize are breathing exercises, guided imagery, and sensory activities to help calm their mind and alleviate feelings of anxiety or restlessness.
  • Engage in Creative Activities: Children love to utilize their imagination and creativity.  It’s helpful to utilize simple craft items that you may have around your home to spark tons of creativity in your child! Creative activities are also a great emotional outlet for your child as this can help reduce stress and encourage self-regulation. 
  • Model Self-Care: Our children are little sponges, and they learn best by observing others, so be sure that you too are prioritizing your self-care during this transitional time as well.  Make time for activities that bring you happiness, peace, and relaxation, this may be taking a walk in your neighborhood, in nature, engaging in some cardiovascular exercises, or the simple silence outside while reading a book. 
  • Seek Professional Help if Needed: It is important though not to automatically assume your child’s symptoms are a result of Springtime jitters, if your child’s symptoms persist or begin to impact their day-to-day functioning, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a professional. A licensed therapist or counselor can provide additional support and guidance tailored to your child’s specific needs.

Understanding the various challenges that Springtime can bring to your child and beginning to implement some of the mentioned strategies, you can help your child navigate seasonal transitions with resilience, confidence, and a sense of inner calm. If you find that some of these tools do not seem to be helpful in alleviating your child’s possible Springtime Jitters, give us a call at Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC. We have trained independently contracted Therapists ready to help.  Call us today!

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