Why communication with our children is so important as winter approaches

As the nights draw in and winter approaches, some people find their mental health can be affected.

There are some diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression caused by the seasonal change, while many people simply feel lower in mood than usual during the winter months.

At Pilgrims, we understand children can also be affected by the long nights, so take steps to maximise the time our children spend outside in the daylight and know they always have someone to speak to about their feelings.

Here, we explore how seasonal changes can affect children’s mood and the ways we minimise its effect.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression, often referred to as winter depression,  triggered by the changing of the seasons.

The condition is still not fully understood by health professionals, but it is believed it is caused by lack of sunlight in the autumn and winter.

Some people are more affected than others, but in general it can cause a low mood, lack of concentration and feeling more lethargic.

Although some are seriously affected by the condition, with it having a significant impact on their lives, many simply find the winter months more difficult.

Mrs Morales, our Additional Needs and Wellbeing Lead, said: “We don’t have any children specifically diagnosed with SAD but I think it’s something that affects lots of people, including children, in some way.

“That lack of light exposure can have an effect on the children’s mood, even if only in a small way.”

At Pilgrims, we know how important a child’s mental health is, not just to their general happiness and wellbeing, but how it can affect their concentration and learning.

What we can do to support them

At Pilgrims, we work to mitigate the impact of seasonal changes, including getting the children outside as much as we can, weather permitting.

“We really promote outside learning – at our heart we are an outdoor school,” said Mrs Morales.

“We use a range of methods to mitigate the effect of the darker days, especially getting the children outdoors as much as possible.

“We want to promote and recognise the importance of learning outdoors, as well as promoting exercise, diet and sleep.”

The importance of communication

Talking to the children, and letting them know there’s always someone there with a listening ear, is embedded in the school’s ethos and everything we do.

We use a mood board every day in which children can stick a caterpillar to, expressing to us how they are feeling.

“They come in and pop them on the wall to let us know whether they are happy, sad, anxious or are feeling OK,” said Mrs Morales.

“They can then change their caterpillar’s placement throughout the day, so we know how they are feeling and if their mood has changed.”

The school’s Talk Team programme builds upon this, with their Talk Team champions providing children with a trusted adult they can talk to about anything.

“Talk Team is an important outlet for children to talk and to know that someone is there to listen,” said Mrs Morales.

“It can be something they are excited about and bursting to tell us but it could also be something they are worried about.

“It’s about them feeling comfortable to talk about their feelings.”

Maisie the Golden Retriever

Children not only have the opportunity to speak to staff – they get extra support from our wonderful wellbeing dog Maisie.

Maisie has been coming into the school on a weekly basis, working mostly in the Additional Needs and Wellbeing department, to help lift children’s moods and relieve any anxiety they may have.

The children are always so happy to see her, their faces lighting up when she walks through the door.

Mrs Morales said: “Maisie can help pupils who are low in self esteem, confidence or struggling academically.

“She can help with little ones who find it difficult to regulate their emotions.

“We have asked pupils to describe how Maisie makes them feel – happy and confident, one child said. Another said she feels relaxed and calm.

“She makes the children immediately feel good and lifts the mood.

“The children absolutely love and adore Maisie, and she’s always happy to see them for a pat and a cuddle.”

To learn more on the ways we maximise the benefits of outdoor learning for our children, see here.