29/10/2025
Something to consider as we all get swept along with the hype...💚
🍂 Supporting Children Through Seasonal Overwhelm 🍂
Autumn into winter can feel magical - golden leaves, cosy nights, twinkling lights. But for many children, it’s also one of the most overwhelming times of the year.
From Halloween costumes, decorations and discos then fireworks (and don't forget to factor in the dreaded clock change), to the rapid slide into Christmas concerts, parties and festive chaos, life suddenly fills up with noise, excitement, bright lights, late nights and speedy change. It's a constant conveyor belt of transition.
Add to that the darker days, tiredness and the stop-start rhythm of school life (special assemblies, trips, non-uniform days, rehearsals…) and it’s no wonder some young people feel completely out of sync.
For children who struggle with change or sensory input, it can feel like the world has stopped following the usual rules - and that can be really unsettling. Routines that keep them grounded are suddenly disrupted, and even fun things can feel unpredictable and exhausting.
Here are a few gentle ways to support them:
🌿 Keep consistency where you're able to - mealtimes, bedtime and small rituals can help restore predictability.
🔥 Prepare and plan ahead - talk about what’s coming. Fireworks, schedule changes, school events - and make sure you give your child choices about participation where you can. Visuals like a wall calendar can be really useful.
🌙 Prioritise calm - build in time outdoors or in quiet spaces where children can reset. Nature doesn’t ask anything of us - it just offers us space to breathe.
🕯️ Notice the signs and intercept where you can - extra tiredness, clinginess, or withdrawal from others can all be signs of overwhelm. Step in with opportunities to regulate when you're able to.
We see every day how time in nature helps children find their balance again in times of unpredictability. Amongst the chaos and constant change, nature gives them the grounding rhythm that busy weeks can take away.
What works for you during the seasonal overwhelm of October to December? Have you managed to find a balance? Is it still a work in progress? Share your tips and experiences in the comments 👇
