Fatigue management
This information gives simple tips to help a child understand and manage feeling tired.
Children use energy all day long.
This includes getting dressed, eating, washing, playing, learning at school, and spending time with others.
Fatigue means feeling very tired, low on energy, or worn out.
It can affect many parts of a child or young person’s life and also affect their family.
Fatigue can change how much energy a child has for:
- Looking after themselves
- School work
- Play and hobbies
- Spending time with friends
What Can Be Difficult?
Fatigue can affect:
- The body (feeling physically tired)
- The brain (finding it hard to think, concentrate, or remember)
It can also affect balance and how the body works.
If a child does not understand why they feel tired, they may feel frustrated.
Fatigue can make learning and school work harder.
Tips for Managing Fatigue
Planning Your Day
- Try to plan ahead so you know what your day or week will be like.
- Keep a regular routine (same time to wake up, eat meals, and go to bed).
- Spread activities out instead of doing lots all at once.
- Keep important things nearby so you don’t waste energy looking for them.
- Mix busy activities with quiet ones (active → rest → active).
- Take breaks often, not just when you feel completely tired.
- During breaks, change position - stretch, stand up, or rest your eyes.
- Go at your own pace. Rushing uses more energy.
- Use a diary or planner to notice when you have more or less energy.
- Do harder tasks on different days, with rest time in between.
Using Your Energy Wisely
- Be kind to yourself - you don’t need to do everything in one day.
- Choose a mix of things you need to do and things you enjoy.
- Ask for help when you need it, or let someone else help.
- Notice which activities make you feel happier or give you energy.
Save your energy for the things that are most important to you.