Parents need to be on the lookout for signs of winter burnout in their children, an education expert has warned.

RMIT’s Dr Sam Vlcek, an inclusive education researcher, this week published an article on The Conversation, defining the burnout as a state of mental, physical, or emotional exhaustion.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Education expert’s winter burnout warning

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Signs parents should keep an eye on include excessive sleeping, school refusal or loss of appetite.

Long-term burnout leads to a reduction in physical fitness, attention span and short-term memory.

On Thursday, Vlcek appeared on Sunrise to explain the condition.

“Winter burnout is about recognising that, especially here in the southern states, days are much shorter and colder and across the country, illness is spreading and all of these have impacts on children’s enthusiasm and energy,” Vlcek said.

But the expert said burnout was more than just feeling tired or wanting a break, and had long-term repercussions.

Vlcek said it was important to note if your child wasn’t as open about their day or if they appeared anxious about attending an event, or were generally affected by a malaise, they may be suffering from burnout.

“The main thing is to seek to understand where your child is at … what is their body language telling you?

“Have a gentle conversation with the child’s teacher and see if there are things in the classroom they are noticing? That might give context to their behaviour.

“One of the things you can consider depending on family dynamics is taking a proactive wellbeing day.

“One day to reset and recharge. Watch some movies and potentially just get that bit of energy to get through to the end of term,” she said.