Spring Fever & Kids- How To Navigate The Energy Without Losing Your Mind!
- Liz Ruyter
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
The days are getting longer, the sun is shining brighter, and suddenly… your once semi-calm child is bouncing off the walls like a puppy who just discovered zoomies. Sound familiar? Welcome to Spring Fever—that magical time of year when kids seem to have endless energy, struggle to focus, and act like bedtime is just a suggestion.
As a pediatric sleep consultant and parent coach, I see this every year—not just with families I work with, but in my own home too! My daughter, Hope, has been extra wiggly, extra chatty, and extra everything lately. And honestly? It makes total sense.
Why Does Spring Fever Happen?
Spring Fever isn’t just a parenting challenge; it’s a real phenomenon! Here’s why your child might be acting extra right now:
☀️ More daylight – With the sun staying out later, kids may resist their normal routines, especially bedtime.
🌱 Warmer weather – After being cooped up all winter, they suddenly have the urge to run, jump, and explore.
🌸 Seasonal allergies – Believe it or not, allergies can make kids feel irritable and restless (even if they don’t have classic symptoms like sneezing).
🧠 Big transitions – The end of the school year is creeping up, bringing excitement and unpredictability.
So, how do we help our kids regulate all this newfound energy while keeping our own sanity intact?
1️⃣ Keep a Consistent Routine (Even When It’s Tempting to Loosen Up)
With more daylight and outdoor fun, it’s easy to let bedtime slide or push dinner later. But kids thrive on predictability, and shifting routines too much can lead to crankiness, meltdowns, and even worse sleep. Try to keep mealtimes, naps, and bedtimes steady—even when the sunshine makes it feel like 6 PM is actually 4 PM.
Pro Tip: Start dimming lights in your house an hour before bed to help their body recognize that nighttime is coming, even if it still looks like midday outside!
2️⃣ Get That Energy Out (Strategically!)
Instead of fighting their need to move, lean into it! Extra physical activity—especially in the late afternoon—can actually help kids settle down later. Think: outdoor play, obstacle courses, or even a dance party before dinner.
What to avoid? Super stimulating activities right before bed. A little bit of movement is fine (yoga or stretching can be great), but high-energy play right before lights out can make it even harder for them to settle.
3️⃣ Plan for Big Feelings
Spring Fever doesn’t just bring extra energy—it can also mean extra emotions. The change in seasons, longer days, and upcoming transitions (like summer break) can leave kids feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty. You might notice more meltdowns, silliness, or testing of limits.
How to help:
✔️ Give kids predictable choices to give them some control (e.g., “Do you want to wear the blue or red pajamas?”).
✔️ Build in quiet time before bed—reading, snuggling, or even just a calm chat about their day.
✔️ Validate their emotions—sometimes kids just need to hear, “I know it’s hard to calm down when it’s so bright outside. I get it!”
Final Thoughts
Spring Fever is real, but with a little patience, structure, and a whole lot of outside time, we can help our kids adjust without too much chaos. And if bedtime is feeling extra impossible right now? Know that you’re not alone!
How is Spring Fever showing up in your house? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how your little ones are handling the seasonal shift!
If you’d like any support managing challenges, please reach out!
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