The Firs School uses Blue Monday 2026 to highlight an important messages

Let’s Not Forget the Children This Blue Monday, Says The Firs School Chester
Blue Monday (19 January 2026) is often described as the most challenging day of the year, built on a familiar “formula” of poor weather, dark mornings, post-Christmas fatigue and waning motivation. While the conversation usually centres on adults, The Firs School Chester is using Blue Monday 2026 to highlight an important message: children feel the impact too.
At The Firs, staff often talk about wellbeing as something that cannot be reduced to a simple equation. A child’s emotional health is influenced by many factors; tiredness, routine changes, social pressures, confidence, and how safe they feel to express emotions. When these elements add up, the result can affect how children learn, behave and feel.
Headteacher David Girvan explains: “Blue Monday is sometimes illustrated as a blackboard full of mathematical equations, but children don’t experience emotions in neat formulas. They experience them in real, human ways. That’s why it’s so important we recognise how seasonal changes, low energy levels and motivation can affect pupils too and respond with care, understanding and consistency.”
At The Firs, wellbeing is embedded throughout daily school life, not treated as a one-off response to a calendar date. Pupils are supported to identify and express emotions, develop resilience, and build confidence through a nurturing environment that balances academic expectations with emotional support. Initiatives such as open conversations around feelings, mindfulness moments, community connection and the calming presence of therapy dog Ziggy all play a role in supporting pupils’ mental and emotional health.
As Blue Monday 2026 prompts reflection on wellbeing, The Firs School Chester hopes to encourage families, schools and communities to include children fully in the conversation, recognising that supporting young minds today lays the foundations for healthier, more resilient adults tomorrow.
Blue Monday: The Firs Wellbeing Tips for Parents
Talk and listen without judgement
Create space for your child to share how they’re feeling. Simple check-ins (for example, chatting during the school run, at bedtime, or while doing a puzzle together) can help children feel heard, understood and supported.
Keep routines steady
After the excitement of Christmas, predictable routines provide comfort and security. Think regular mealtimes, bedtimes and homework routines can help children feel more settled during darker winter days.
Prioritise daylight and fresh air
A short walk, trip to the park or outdoor play can help lift mood and energy levels, even when the weather feels uninviting.
Celebrate small achievements
Breaking tasks into manageable steps (finishing a book, trying something new, showing kindness) and recognising these moments can boost confidence and motivation.
Encourage movement and play
Whether it’s dancing in the kitchen, a kickabout outside, swimming, or freeplay, physical activity supports emotional wellbeing and helps children release stress in a healthy way.
Build in calm time
Quiet moments such as reading, drawing or simple mindfulness activities can help children unwind and regulate emotions.
Model balance and self-care
Children learn from what they see. Taking a break, speaking kindly to yourself, or sharing how you relax shows children healthy ways to look after their own wellbeing.
Stay connected
Regular time together, cooking, talking, playing or simply being present, reinforces a sense of safety, belonging and emotional security.
And a little reminder: While these tips are focused on supporting children, they apply just as much to parents and carers! Taking small steps to look after your own wellbeing, for example, staying connected, getting outside, and allowing time to pause, helps you feel more balanced and better able to support your child. Looking after yourself is an important part of looking after your family too.