877-632-9123Boys Town Experts Share How Families Can Spot and Manage Winter-Season Mood Changes
As daylight hours shrink, Boys Town offers guidance on recognizing Seasonal Affective Disorder and supporting kids’ mental health.
Boys Town, Neb. (December 05, 2025): – As winter sets in and daylight continues to decrease, many families notice changes in their child’s mood, energy, and motivation. Boys Town experts are reminding parents and caregivers that these feelings are common but can become more serious if left unaddressed.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) affects millions of Americans each year and can impact children and teens just as strongly as adults. Symptoms often begin in late fall and early winter and may include low mood, fatigue, excessive sleep, changes in appetite, irritability, or withdrawal from activities.
“Shorter days and reduced sunlight have a real and measurable effect on the brain,” said Dr. Christoper Blank, licensed psychologist at Boys Town Behavioral Health Center. “For some kids, that shift is mild. But for others, it can look like depression, loss of motivation, or sudden changes in behavior. The important thing is for parents to recognize these signs early and reach out for support.”
Boys Town experts recommend that families watch for subtle but important changes in a child’s behavior during the winter months. These may include disruptions in sleep and increases in irritability or emotional sensitivity. Children may lose interest in their usual hobbies or social activities, struggle with concentration or school performance, or begin craving carbohydrate-heavy foods more than usual. Parents may also notice their child withdrawing from family or friends. While each of these signs can appear gradually, together they may indicate that a child is experiencing winter-related mood changes or symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
“Kids don’t always have the words to describe how they’re feeling,” said Dr. Blank. “Parents might hear things like ‘I don’t feel like myself,’ ‘I’m tired all the time,’ or ‘I just want to stay in my room.’ These can be early indicators of winter-related mood changes.”
How Families Can Support Children This Winter
Boys Town recommends several simple, practical strategies parents can use at home:
- Maximize light exposure. Encourage morning sunlight, open blinds, and spend time outside, even brief walks can help.
- Light Therapy: A proven treatment for SAD, light therapy can help regulate serotonin and melatonin levels. Parents can easily obtain a light box for their child and begin with 10-minute sessions, gradually increasing to 45 minutes daily
- Keep consistent routines. Structure helps stabilize mood, especially during dark winter mornings.
- Limit screen time at night. Blue light can disrupt sleep cycles.
- Encourage movement. Even small amounts of physical activity improve mood and energy.
- Create connection. Families can schedule weekly check-ins with their children to address feelings and stress.
For some youth, S.A.D. may require professional support. “There’s no shame in getting help,” said Dr. Blank. “Therapy, light therapy, and sometimes medication can all make an enormous difference.”
Parents who are worried about their child’s mental health don’t need to wait for an appointment or office hours. The Boys Town National Hotline (800-448-3000) is available 24/7, staffed by trained counselors to support children, teens, and families in crisis or emotional distress.
“When families reach out, they’re met with compassion, validation, and real solutions from actual human interaction and not AI bots,” said Nick Zadina, Manager of Training and Quality Assurance at the Boys Town National Hotline. “No one has to navigate these winter months alone.”
Boys Town behavioral health professionals can provide more detailed information on SAD, treatment options, and strategies for parents to help their children cope with seasonal depression. Contact Jordan Weinandt at 531-355-1273 to set up an interview today. For additional resources, visit www.boystown.org or contact the Boys Town National Hotline at 1-800-448-3000.
About Boys Town
For over a century, Boys Town has been a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of America's children and families through innovative youth, research, and healthcare programs. Boys Town provides compassionate, research-proven education, prevention, training, and treatment for behavioral and physical problems in multiple locations throughout the United States, with a comprehensive array of resources and services. In 2024, more than 3.5 million children and families across the United States were impacted by Boys Town programs. You can find more information about Boys Town online at www.boystown.org.
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