Unfortunately, we still have another month or two of dreary weather with chilly temperatures and overcast skies. If so, you can probably understand your child s temptation to play sick on gloomy days. In the summer time they spend endless hours outdoors, and with daylight savings time, they have almost two more hours of daylight in the summer. Meanwhile, during this time of the school year, many teenagers may arrive at school before the sun has fully risen, and due to extra-curricular activities and homework, they may stay indoors until the sun has set. While feeling slightly gloomy when the weather is dreary should not cause alarm, if it is so extreme that it affects your teenager s schoolwork and social activities, a doctor should be consulted.
Some therapeutic treatments using fluorescent lighting and medicine are available.
However, an easy and free method that can help milder cases is a daily walk. Enjoy the outdoors with your child as often as the weather will allow. Not only could this be an opportunity for the two of you to relax and beat those winter blues, it is also an excellent time to talk openly. Remember, stay warm and dry, and enjoy the sun when you can. For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Bonny Yokeley's Secondary Education topic, please visit the Discussions page .