The confetti has settled, the holiday magic has faded, and now we’re faced with the long, cold stretch of January. For many of us—and our tweens—this time of year can feel especially challenging. The excitement of the holidays is over, daylight is scarce, and the return to school routines can bring stress, anxiety, and what many call the “winter blues.”
At Bloomster, we believe in supporting not just academic growth, but the whole child — especially their emotional and social well-being. So let’s break down why this time of year is tough and how you can help your tween thrive through the transition.
Why January Feels So Hard: The Facts
- Blue Monday Is Real (Sort Of)
The third Monday of January is often called “Blue Monday,” coined as the most depressing day of the year. While the formula behind it is debated, the idea resonates: post-holiday slump, cold weather, and broken resolutions can dampen moods—for parents and kids alike.
- Less Sun = Less Serotonin
Shorter days and reduced sunlight can disrupt our body’s production of serotonin (the “feel-good” hormone) and melatonin (which regulates sleep). This can lead to lower energy, irritability, and changes in sleep patterns—something tweens are already navigating!
- Back-to-School Stress
Returning to school means facing academic pressures, social dynamics, and early mornings again. For some tweens, this transition sparks anxiety around friendships, grades, or simply getting back into a structured routine.
Spotting the Winter Blues in Your Tween
It’s normal for tweens to have occasional off days, but keep an eye out for persistent changes like:
- Withdrawing from family or friends
- Loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy
- Increased irritability or emotional sensitivity
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Expressing negativity about school or themselves
How You Can Help: 5 actionable Strategies
- Prioritize Light & Movement
Encourage outdoor time during daylight hours, even if it’s just a short walk. Physical activity boosts endorphins and helps regulate mood and sleep.
- Create Small, Achievable Goals
Help your tween set realistic intentions for the new semester—like reading one new book a month or trying one new extracurricular. Small wins build confidence!
- Establish calming evening Routines
Wind down with screen-free time before bed. Try reading together, journaling, or practicing simple breathing exercises to ease anxiety and improve sleep.
- Talk It Out—And Listen
Ask open-ended questions: “What was something good about your day? What was tricky?” Validate their feelings without immediately jumping to solutions.
- Focus on Connection
Plan low-key family activities like game nights, baking, or watching a movie together. Feeling connected combats loneliness and reinforces emotional safety.
You're Not Alone in This
Remember: every family navigates this season differently, and it’s okay to ask for help or adjust expectations. What matters most is showing up with patience—for your child and yourself.
At Bloomster, we’re here to support you and your tween with resources designed to build resilience, self-awareness, and lifelong well-being. Whether it’s through our courses on managing emotions or building confidence, we provide tools to help your child flourish—even on the grayest January days.
Resource for Parents
Looking for simple ways to support your tween this year? For tweens who are feeling overwhelmed this winter, Bloomster’s Emotional You: Managing Your Emotions course offers practical tools to understand feelings, calm the body, and respond with confidence—skills that are especially helpful during the January reset.
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