Winter Wellness Isn’t Just About Germs: Supporting Children’s Emotional Wellbeing During Illness Season
- Little Treehouse
- Jul 13
- 3 min read
When people think about winter in childcare, they usually think about runny noses.
And fair enough.
At this time of year, tissues seem to disappear faster than socks in the washing machine, and every second child appears to have a cough they’re determined to demonstrate directly into your face.
But while winter often focuses on physical health, there’s another important aspect of wellbeing that deserves just as much attention:
Children’s emotional wellbeing.
Because winter can be a big season for little people.
Winter Can Feel Different for Children
As adults, we know winter means colder mornings, shorter days and the occasional battle to get out of a warm bed.
Children notice these changes too.
Some children become more tired.
Some become clingier.
Some seem to have bigger emotions.
Others become frustrated more easily.
And some simply need a little extra comfort and reassurance.
When you combine seasonal changes with illness, disrupted routines and families trying to juggle work, childcare and the latest bug making its way through the community, it’s no surprise that emotions can sometimes run high.
The Emotional Side of Being Sick
Let’s be honest.
None of us are our best selves when we’re sick.
Adults become grumpy.
Children become emotional.
And toddlers?
Well, toddlers can become tiny emotional dictators who desperately want a banana but absolutely not that banana.
Being unwell can be confusing for children.
They may feel tired, uncomfortable, frustrated or simply not understand why their body feels different.
As educators, we often see children who need a little extra patience, comfort and understanding during these times.
Sometimes what looks like “challenging behaviour” is actually a child communicating:
“I’m tired.”
“I don’t feel great.”
“Everything feels a bit hard today.”
Winter Can Be Hard on Families Too
Winter doesn’t just affect children.
Families are often juggling work, sick days, disrupted sleep, doctors’ appointments and the ongoing game of “who brought this bug home?”
Children pick up on this stress.
They notice when routines change.
They notice when parents are worried.
They notice when everyone seems a little more tired than usual.
Sometimes all a child needs is a little extra reassurance that everything is okay.
Big Feelings Are Normal
Winter can bring plenty of opportunities for big feelings.
A child might:
Feel upset because they missed a few days of care.
Feel anxious about separating from family after being home sick.
Feel frustrated because they don’t have the energy they normally do.
Feel disappointed when favourite friends are absent.
Feel overwhelmed by changes to their routine.
All of these reactions are completely normal.
Children don’t always have the words to explain how they’re feeling, so their emotions often show up through their behaviour instead.
Why Relationships Matter More Than Ever
One of the most important things we can offer children during winter is connection.
A warm greeting.
A familiar educator.
A cuddle when needed.
A favourite story.
A safe place to talk about their feelings.
These simple moments help children feel secure, especially when life feels a little uncertain.
And while we can’t magically make winter bugs disappear, we can help children feel safe while they navigate them.
Play Is Powerful
When children are feeling a little out of sorts, play becomes even more important.
Play helps children:
Process emotions.
Reduce stress.
Build resilience.
Strengthen friendships.
Experience joy.
Whether it’s building cubbies, creating artwork, splashing in puddles or pretending to run a café that serves nothing but mud pies and leaves, play gives children an outlet for their emotions.
And honestly, sometimes a puddle jump and a good laugh can fix a lot.
Rest Is Productive Too
Winter is a wonderful reminder that rest matters.
Not every moment needs to be busy.
Not every day needs to be packed with activities.
Sometimes children need quiet spaces, books, cuddles and opportunities to simply slow down.
That’s not “doing nothing.”
That’s wellbeing.
A Gentle Reminder This Winter
As adults, we often focus on helping children stay physically healthy.
We remind them to wash their hands.
We encourage them to drink water.
We make sure they wear their jumpers.
But emotional wellbeing deserves just as much attention.
This winter, let’s remember that wellness isn’t just about avoiding germs.
It’s about feeling safe.
Feeling connected.
Feeling understood.
And knowing there is always someone nearby who cares.
Even if that person is carrying three tissues, a bottle of hand sanitiser and wondering who taught the children that coughing directly into the wind was a good idea
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