The Development Digest

A monthly news article focusing on development, growth, and the connection between home and school.

By Tammy Haque, School Social Worker

March 2026: Growth, Transitions and Staying Grounded

As we move through March, students are experiencing an important shift, both academically and emotionally. This time of year often brings a mix of increased expectations, seasonal changes, and growing independence. It’s a month full of quiet growth, even when it doesn’t always feel that way.

What's Happening in the Brain?

In March, many students are:

Building stamina for longer periods of focus and academic effort.
Becoming more aware of expectations around testing and performance.
Developing stronger self-awareness (noticing their thoughts, feelings, and reactions more clearly).
Practicing independence, while still needing reassurance and support.

This can sometimes look like increased frustration, self-doubt, or sensitivity. These are all normal parts of growth.

Testing and Academic Pressure

With exams and assessments approaching, students may be feeling:

Nervous or anxious about performance.
Pressure to “get it right”.
Fatigue from sustained focus and preparation.

At school, we are supporting students in understanding that mistakes are part of learning and that effort matters more than perfection. We encourage a growth mindset reminding students that their brains grow stronger when they try, practice, and persist.

Seasonal Changes: Winter to Spring

March also marks the transition from winter into spring, a time of renewal and change. Even subtle seasonal shifts can impact children’s mood, energy, and behavior.

Students may be:

Feeling restless or eager for more movement and outdoor time.
Experiencing changes in mood as routines shift.
Noticing a boost in energy, or sometimes feeling more tired than usual.

Just like nature, children are adjusting to change. Growth takes time, patience, and care.

How Families Can Support at Home

Here are some simple ways to support your child this month:

Normalize feelings about testing:
Let your child know it’s okay to feel nervous. Share that their best effort is enough.
Focus on effort over outcome:
Praise persistence, trying again, and problem-solving, not just correct answers.
Create calm routines:
Consistent sleep, meals, and downtime help children feel secure during busy academic periods.
Encourage breaks and movement:
Short breaks, fresh air, and play help reset the brain and improve focus.
Model self-talk:
Use phrases like, “This is hard, but I can try,” to show how to work through challenges.

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