If you looked at the thermometer this week, you might have felt a bit confused. We’ve swung from a frigid -9°F to a balmy 48°F in a matter of days. In the world of child development, we often call March “The Long Stretch.” The novelty of winter has worn off, spring hasn’t quite sprung, and the weather is as unpredictable as a middle schooler’s mood! Just as the outside temperature fluctuates, our students’ internal “temperatures” are also shifting. When the environment is inconsistent, children (and adults!) often experience:
- Restlessness: Difficulty settling into routines when the “vibes” change daily.
- Decision Fatigue: Even small choices—like which coat to wear—can feel heavy when the rules keep changing.
- Energy Bursts: That first 40-degree day feels like summer, leading to high energy that can be hard to channel.
As a school community, we can use this erratic weather as a perfect “teachable moment” for emotional regulation. Here is how we are approaching it at school, and how you can support it at home.
- Layering Up (Emotionally): Just as we dress in layers to handle the cold and the sun, we teach students to “layer” their coping skills. If a morning starts off “frosty” or frustrating, what tools do they have in their backpack to stay warm and positive?
- Accepting the Uncontrollable: We can’t control the mercury, but we can control our response to it. Helping children pivot from “I’m mad it’s snowing again” to “I’ll use my indoor recess time to finish my drawing” builds vital cognitive flexibility.
- Checking the Internal Thermostat: Ask your child, “What is your internal temperature right now?” Are they running “hot” (frustrated/overwhelmed) or “cold” (tired/withdrawn)? Identifying the feeling is the first step toward regulating it.
On a practical note, please ensure your child’s name is inside their outerwear! As the afternoon warms up, jackets are often shed and forgotten. Helping your child stay organized during these transitions is a great way to practice executive functioning skills.
Whether it’s -9 or 48, we are committed to keeping our school a warm, steady, and welcoming place for your children to grow.
