We are past the “fresh start” energy of January, but Spring Break is still weeks away. In my practice, February is often the cruelest month. The excitement of the new semester has faded, the gray days are dragging on, and the academic pressure is mounting.

For high-achievement families, I often frame this period not just as an emotional hurdle, but as a critical “Mid-Quarter Review” of your student’s stability.

If your student is sounding withdrawn, exhausted, or cynical this month, do not write it off as just “winter blues.” It could be the early warning sign of a performance regression that leads to a lost semester.

What can parents do right now?

Find Customized Help: If they are struggling, waiting 3 weeks for a campus counseling appointment isn’t a strategy. Now is the time to leverage private, telehealth support to bridge the gap.

Re-evaluate Spring Break: Instead of a high-octane party trip, does your student need a “restorative” break? Strategize the logistics now to prioritize sleep and recovery.

The “2-Week Rule”: If a low mood persists for more than two weeks and impacts daily function (skipping class, sleeping all day), it’s time to intervene professionally.

I am breaking down the specific February strategy for parents in full content suite in the coming days:

Psychology Today “Campus Crunch” Column: The clinical science behind the “February Slump” and Seasonal Affective Disorder.

The Better Semester Podcast: Scripts for checking in on your student without hovering.

The Blog: A guide to “Restorative Spring Breaks”—how to plan downtime that actually recharges them.

Protect your college student from the slow semester drift.