11/13/2025
Your child's sudden "attitude problem" might actually be their brain struggling with darkness.
With school starting at 7:30-8am and sunset at 5pm, many Humboldt kids are spending their daylight hours in classrooms. Add coastal fog and rain, and they might go days without real sun exposure.
SAD looks different in kids:
❗ Irritability and tantrums (not always sadness)
❗ "My tummy/head hurts" with no medical cause
❗ Grades dropping, can't focus on homework
❗ Withdrawing from friends and activities
❗ Sleeping more but still exhausted
❗ Craving carbs/sweets more than usual
❗ Younger kids may regress (bedwetting, baby talk)
Trust your instincts: You know your child. If something seems off as the days get shorter, it might not be a phase or growing pains.
Our pediatric clinic can help evaluate whether your child might have SAD. Early intervention makes all the difference.