Spring Syndrome

April 21, 2022

Spring syndrome, spring sickness, lethargy syndrome. Three names to indicate the same malaise, to which many children are subject when winter draws to an end and the first warm months of the year make their way. The disorder is quite common, with symptoms such as tiredness, lack of appetite, irritability, nervousness, insomnia or, conversely, drowsiness. With the arrival of spring, in fact, small changes in mood and behavior become recurring; if you think about it, you too have probably found them, in the past or in these same weeks, in your children. Children who without warning start throwing tantrums, for which nothing seems to go well anymore, or who prove to have no appetite, listless, or on the contrary agitated and impatient. But are they just whims? Sometimes it may be, yet various studies and research have shown that the change of season between winter and spring, with its sudden climatic changes, can lead to alterations in the psychophysical state of children. If, on the one hand, the days that lengthen and the higher temperatures should promote energy and good humor, on the other it is not at all uncommon that in these conditions the body (not only in children, but also in adults ) suffers . More hours of light, although they contribute to warming up body and mind, in fact it seems that as a secondary effect they increase irritability, difficulty in concentrating and falling asleep . A circumstance, the latter, which clearly ends up causing tiredness, apathy and drowsiness during the day, as well as much more difficulty waking up in the morning . Reduced attention, less willingness to collaborate, at home as in kindergarten, and tantrums in larger doses thus become the inevitable outcome. Given these premises, the good news is that it is a passing disorder, and above all not worrying . In a few weeks, in fact, everything will return to normal and the children's habits and mood will stabilize again. In the meantime, it is still possible to help the process a little, and the children get better, by implementing some simple strategies and small remedies. Rest If the child often shows signs of being tired, of struggling to carry out the usual daily activities (and we know very well that, little by little, the commitments even for the little ones multiply, between kindergarten, a playground, perhaps a water course …), then plan to reduce them : less commitments and more dilated, forgetting, as far as possible, the clock. P lastly, pay attention to nighttime sleep and afternoon bedtime , trying to extend their duration to a minimum, if necessary, until the natural awakening of the children. Sometimes a few days of good rest are enough to regain the usual energy. More vitamins, less fat Nutrition can also help restore temporarily lost well-being. As? Enriching it with vitamins and mineral salts, of which seasonal fruit and vegetables are an excellent reservoir. In the middle of the morning , for example, the snack could include a few slices of apple or a few strawberries, or a carrot to munch on, as well as yogurt, crackers or dry biscuits; snacks with a little less fat (especially non-industrial ones), which weigh down and slow down digestion, and rather a nice homemade ice cream , with a fruit flavour. For the little ones in the weaning phase, the fruit can be blended with yogurt or milk and a crumbled biscuit. For lunch and dinner , however, make room for white meats, oily fish and eggs ( for vitamin B12 ), cereals and beans ( vitamins B1 and B2 ), bananas ( vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, A, B6 and potassium ) , peas ( vitamin B9 ), potatoes ( vitamins B1, C, D, iron and magnesium ) and spinach ( iron, potassium and magnesium ). Supplements and sunbaths Sometimes a balanced diet is not enough and to counteract tiredness the pediatrician may suggest a supplementation of vitamins and salts, for example iron in case of slight anemia. If, on the other hand, the deficiency is of vitamin D , a promoter of good humor and energy, the advice will focus on long walks in the sun in the countryside.

Rock 'n' roll parenting advice

When the change of season makes itself felt, even respect for the routine leaps to the fore to restore the well-being of the little ones. The advice, in this case, is above all aimed at those parents who, for various reasons, are less accustomed to submitting to fixed rhythms. If you notice that your child is particularly irritable, tired or capricious, make regularity a mantra, at least for a few weeks: respect the times for sleeping, waking up, bathing, feeding and walking, avoiding improvising long aperitifs or tiring trips, possibly postponing them at longer times. The whole family will benefit from it.

Based on Born Mom by Mattia Lerner