January Blues

The wind is whipping, the temperatures are dropping, and the days are shorter. Coming back from the holiday break is always a challenge.  The recent holidays allowed us to enjoy family time, sleep in, and spend leisurely days in our pajamas. For many students, transitioning back to the structured school environment—early mornings, focused attention, bustling and bright classrooms, and a fast-paced schedule—can be especially tough.

While January often symbolizes resolutions and fresh starts, I always caution parents and tell the students I work with to look at things differently. I look at January and February as the "get through" months and that they should make the adjustments needed. Simple comforts, like wearing cozy clothes or enjoying hot chocolate during homework time, can make a significant difference. Open conversations about managing expectations are also crucial, as many students feel pressured to maintain consistent performance year-round.

It's essential to understand that sustaining maximum effort every day isn't feasible. Embracing balance in school and life acknowledges that not every day will be 100%, and varying intensities are natural. Far from encouraging complacency, this perspective fosters resilience and sustainable progress throughout the year.

So, prepare the hot chocolate, allow for some relaxed dress codes, and approach this period with compassion coupled with clear expectations. This supportive approach can help students navigate the winter months more comfortably and maintain their well-being.