We often think of hot weather as meaning more ice creams, outdoor play and lighter evenings. But for some children and young people, the heat can also bring bigger emotions, more frustration, tiredness and difficulty regulating how they feel.

Our nervous system is constantly working to keep the body balanced. When we get too hot, the body has to work harder to cool itself down. This extra physical stress can affect how we feel, think, and respond.

Parents might notice things like:

☀️ More irritability or anger

☀️ Lower patience or more emotional reactions

☀️ Feeling overwhelmed more quickly

☀️ Difficulty concentrating

☀️ Increased tiredness or feeling “not themselves”

☀️ Sleep being affected because of warmer nights

For children and teens who already experience anxiety, sensory overwhelm, ADHD traits or emotional regulation difficulties, the added demand of heat can sometimes make coping feel harder.

A few simple things that can help:

💧 Encourage regular drinks throughout the day, not just when they say they are thirsty

🌳 Plan outdoor activities around cooler parts of the day where possible

🧊 Create a calm, cool space they can retreat to

😴 Protect sleep routines as much as possible

🗣️ Remember that behaviour is often communication. A child who seems “difficult” may actually be struggling with their body feeling overloaded

A note about medication:

Some medications can affect how the body responds to heat. This can include some antidepressants such as SSRIs and some medicines used for neurodivergent conditions. Effects can vary from person to person and not everyone will experience problems, but it is worth being aware that some medications can influence things like sweating, hydration, temperature regulation or appetite.

Please do not stop or change medication because of hot weather without speaking to the prescribing professional or pharmacist first.

Sometimes supporting children is not about changing the behaviour, it is about understanding what their nervous system is dealing with.

As always, if you are worried about your child’s health, seek advice from your GP or healthcare professional.