As the seasons shift from chilly mornings to warm afternoons, daily routines, sensory experiences, and even moods begin to change (especially for little ones). Spring brings longer daylight hours, unpredictable temperatures, and a transition from indoor routines to outdoor adventures. While these changes can be energizing, they can also present challenges for children who thrive on consistency.

Whether it’s adjusting to new sleep patterns, navigating wardrobe changes, or easing into more social activities, here are some thoughtful, therapy-informed tips to help your child ease into spring with confidence and calm.

Adjusting to Longer Days

With the sun sticking around later and birds chirping earlier, sleep schedules often need a reset. Many kids may struggle to wind down at night or start waking earlier than usual, and that disruption can affect mood, focus, and self-regulation during the day.

Tips:

• Use blackout curtains to keep bedtime cues consistent.
• Stick to your child’s usual wind-down routine (like reading, stretching, or calming music).
• Adjust bedtime gradually, shifting it by 10–15 minutes every few nights.
• For sensory seekers or kids with difficulty settling, look into incorporating a weighted blanket if it makes sense for your little one or use lavender scented stuffed animals to help them relax.

Navigating Changing Weather

One day it’s warm, the next it’s pouring! That unpredictability can throw kids and even adults off. Managing temperature shifts can be uncomfortable, especially swapping from cozy winter wear to breezy spring layers.

Tips:

• Make a DIY weather chart which helps your child track sunny, cloudy, and rainy days while learning about the seasons.
• Talk about the weather ahead of time and let your child learn through their own choices regarding clothing.
• Have them try out a spring wardrobe to help them get excited about the changing season. Prioritize breathable and comfortable fabrics and layering for the changes in temperature throughout the day. 
• When adventuring outside, bring a water bottle along, get into the habit of putting on some sunscreen, and take shaded breaks when warm weather feels overwhelming.

Encouraging Outdoor Play

After a long winter indoors, spring is the season to move! Outdoor play supports motor development, social skills, and emotional regulation, though some children may need time to warm up to new environments.

Tips:

• Support your child by bringing familiar comfort items (like a blanket, favorite toy, or sensory fidget) to create a safe space outdoors.
• Activities like bubbles, sidewalk chalk, nature scavenger hunts, or gardening all build motor skills while keeping things fun.

Transitioning to New Routines

Spring often means field trips, extracurriculars, and shifting schedules which can be great for engagement, but tough for kids who find comfort in predictability.

Tips:

• Create a visual schedule that shows new routines. Make scheduling a collaborative effort and put it in a common area where your child can check it when they feel a need to. For more information on scheduling tips see The Case for Thoughtfully Scheduling Children’s Activities and 8 Tips for Getting Your Family Organized and On a Schedule for Back to School. 
• Practice transitions with timers or countdowns to help kids feel more in control and so they get a hang of any new changes to their routine.
• Build in downtime for rest and recovery between activities to prevent overstimulation.

Embracing the Season

Spring is nature’s way of reminding us that change can be beautiful. While transitions can be challenging, they also create opportunities for growth. Follow your child’s lead. If they’re overwhelmed, simplify. If they’re energized, build in more movement. Spring is about flexibility, so let the season guide you.