Low Mood in Kids: What Helps and What Doesn’t

Low mood in children often shows up in ways that are easy to misinterpret — especially in January.

In this Blue Monday week episode, Ashley explores what low mood can look like in children, what’s happening in the brain, and how parents and teachers can respond in ways that support recovery rather than add pressure.

This episode is for anyone supporting children at home or in school.

In this episode, we cover:

• How low mood in children often looks like irritability or withdrawal
• The difference between low mood and defiance
• How stress and reduced daylight affect children’s brains
• Why January increases vulnerability for many children
• How school and home responses can work together

Practical takeaways:

• What genuinely helps children experiencing low mood
• How predictability and connection support emotional safety
• Why adjusting demand can be protective, not permissive
• What well-intentioned responses often make things harder
• When to keep an eye on things and seek extra support

Key reminder:

Low mood is information — not failure.
And children recover best when the adults around them respond with steadiness, understanding, and connection.

?? Share this episode with a teacher or parent supporting a child who feels “not quite themselves” right now.

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/1tKNm3xjeeVQlQKBbHvyQY?si=t6E_IVf8S12dehAcllexHA 

YouTube – https://youtu.be/NHdEgSxRCW0 

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Low Mood in Kids and Teens

00:30 Understanding January Blues

02:14 Recognising Low Mood Symptoms

03:35 Brain Science Behind Low Mood

07:14 Why January Exacerbates Low Mood

09:03 Effective Strategies for Parents and Educators

16:59 What Not to Do: Common Mistakes

19:03 When to Seek Help

20:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Find out more & Links:

• An Educator's Guide to Raising Resilient Learners (Waitlist): https://theresilienthub.co.uk/educators-guide-waitlist

• The Resilient School training and consultancy: https://theresilientschool.co.uk/trs-services

• A Parents' Guide to Raising a Resilient Kid: https://amzn.eu/d/0196zmiI

• Newsletter sign-up: https://theresilienthub.co.uk/newsletter-signup

• Main website: https://theresilienthub.co.uk/

Follow us on Social Media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resilientkiduk

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresilientkid

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resilientkid

• Email: ashley@theresilientkid.co.uk

The Resilient Kid Podcast is produced by Chantelle Venter at maddatu.com on behalf of The Resilient People, trading as The Resilient Kid, The Resilient Teen and The Resilient School.