“The Winter Wall” is a not-so-endearing term for that late-January to mid-February stretch when energy dips and patience runs thin. Understanding why it happens can help families push through.

What you’ll find in this article:

  • What the Winter Wall is and why it affects so many Canadian families every year
  • How long winters and limited daylight impact mood, energy and behaviour
  • Why winter behaviour challenges are often about lower capacity, not bigger issues
  • Simple ways to break up the monotony and create small resets at home
  • How naming the Winter Wall and lowering expectations can help everyone cope

By this point in winter, it’s brutally cold (especially in Canada), patience is thin and motivation is at an all-time low—for both kids and adults. Teachers are seeing more behavioural issues in classrooms; families are feeling the angst at home; and even simple routines can start to feel harder than they should.

Experts say this annual slump is almost expected, as the result of a perfect storm at this time of year (sometimes including a literal storm or two!). We’re facing months of cold weather, limited daylight, disrupted routines and the simple fact that there hasn’t been time to catch our collective breath since the holidays. In short, if things feel tougher right now, it’s not a parenting failure—it’s “the Winter Wall.”

Here’s why it happens and what families can do to break up the monotony of these long winter months.

Why the Winter Wall Hits So Hard

Listen, as lovely as Canada is, and as grateful and proud as we are to be Canadian, our winters can be long, dark and demanding. By late January, families have been in winter mode for months, which means fewer outdoor breaks, more time indoors and less exposure to daylight. According to Statistics Canada, daylight hours across much of the country remain limited well into February, which can directly affect mood, sleep and energy levels.

Add post-holiday fatigue, lingering illnesses (anyone else just passing the same cold around their family over and over?) and the pressure to “get back on track,” and it’s no surprise both kids and parents feel depleted. This isn’t about motivation or discipline—it’s biology and environment doing what they do best.

It’s Not About Bad Behaviour—It’s About Lower Capacity

Teachers and child development experts often point out that winter doesn’t create behavioural challenges so much as expose them. When kids have fewer chances to move their bodies, burn energy and reset emotionally, frustration builds faster.

The same is true for parents. When everyone is tired, cold and overstimulated, tolerance shrinks. But don’t worry if you find yourself snappier than usual—that shorter fuse doesn’t mean things are unraveling. It just means everyone’s nervous system could use a break.

Small Changes Create Big Relief

One of the most helpful shifts families can make during the Winter Wall is letting go of the idea that relief only comes with March break or spring weather. If you get into that mindset, there will be no end in sight. Instead, aim for small joys and intentional resets.

That might look like a weekly “yes night” dinner when the kids get to pick every course, a midweek movie ritual, changing up bedtime routines to include a longer story time or planning one small thing to look forward to each week. Novelty, even in tiny doses, helps time feel like it’s moving again and gives kids (and moms and dads!) something to anchor to.

Daylight and Movement Matter More Than You Think

Mental health experts at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health note that reduced daylight and physical activity can significantly affect mood during winter months. You’ve no doubt heard this before, and maybe you’re even rolling your eyes right now. But just because we get tired of hearing it doesn’t make it any less true, and the goal isn’t to overhaul your whole routine—it’s just about getting moving and getting outside.

A short walk during daylight hours, outdoor recess whenever possible or sitting near a bright window during remote work or homework time can all help. Movement doesn’t need to be structured or sporty. Snow forts, hallway dance breaks and bundled-up walks around the block all count.

Name the Winter Wall and Lower the Bar

One of the most effective things to do during this stretch is simply to name what’s happening. Let kids know the Winter Wall is real and that feeling bored, cranky or unmotivated this time of year is normal. (Looking for a quick winter afternoon activity? Get kids to draw pictures of the Winter Wall as a monster!)

At home, this may mean simplifying expectations, easing up on non-essential routines or choosing connection over correction more often. The goal isn’t to push through perfectly—it’s to get through together.

The good news is that the Winter Wall does pass, and it won’t take as long as you think. Days get longer, energy slowly returns and routines start to feel manageable again. Until then, small shifts, realistic expectations and a little humour can make a big difference.