How to Support Teens During Winter Break and the Busy Holiday Season
The holiday season is meant to be a time for fun, family, and relaxation, but for many teens, it can also bring a mix of stress, loneliness, and even pressure. With the school year ending, family obligations piling up, and the expectations that come with the holidays, it’s easy for teens to feel overwhelmed. As a parent, guardian, or adult in their life, it’s important to help them navigate this time of year. Here’s how to support your teen during winter break and the busy holiday season.
Make Time for Real Conversations
Teens often have a lot on their minds during the holidays, but they might not always open up right away. It’s important to make space for them to share how they’re feeling.
Ask open-ended questions: Instead of just asking, "How was school?" try asking, "What are you most excited about this holiday season?" or "How are you feeling about the break?" These types of questions help teens talk about their feelings without feeling pressured.
Listen without judgment: If your teen talks about feeling stressed, anxious, or frustrated, avoid jumping in with advice right away. Simply listening and showing that you understand can mean a lot.
Respect Their Need for Downtime
After months of school, extracurricular activities, and social events, teens might just need a break. The holidays can be busy, but they may want (or need) quiet time to recharge.
Give them space: Make sure they have time to relax, whether it’s sleeping in, watching TV, or spending time alone in their room. Let them unwind without guilt or pressure.
Don’t over-schedule: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the season, but don’t push your teen to go to every family event or holiday party. Balance is key.
Help Them Stay Connected with Friends
The holidays can bring feelings of loneliness, especially if teens are away from their friends. Encouraging them to stay in touch and have their own social time can help.
Support friendships: Encourage your teen to reach out to friends, even if it’s just via text, social media, or video calls. Friends can be a great source of comfort and support.
Make room for family connection: While it’s important for your teen to maintain friendships, also find ways to bond as a family. Even simple activities like playing a game or cooking together can bring everyone closer.
Avoid Holiday Pressure
The holidays come with a lot of expectations—whether it’s buying gifts, attending events, or keeping up with what’s happening on social media. This pressure can make teens feel stressed or inadequate.
Keep things in perspective: Remind your teen that it’s okay not to be perfect. They don’t have to buy expensive gifts, be at every event, or have a picture-perfect holiday. What matters is the time spent together, not the stress of doing it all.
Talk about social media: Social media can sometimes make teens feel like they’re missing out or that their holiday isn’t “good enough.” Encourage them to take breaks from social media if they start comparing themselves to others.
Look Out for Emotional Well-Being
For some teens, the holidays can bring up difficult feelings. Whether it’s due to family issues, past experiences, or seasonal changes, it’s important to check in on how they’re doing emotionally.
Notice signs of stress or depression: If your teen seems unusually sad, withdrawn, or anxious, take it seriously. Gently ask how they’re feeling and let them know you’re there for them.
Promote good habits: Encourage your teen to take care of themselves during the break—get enough sleep, eat well, and find ways to relax or reduce stress, whether it’s through exercise, reading, or other activities they enjoy.
Encourage New Activities or Responsibilities
While rest is important, the holiday break can also be a time for teens to try something new or take on a little more responsibility. This can help them feel accomplished and boost their confidence.
Support hobbies: If your teen has a hobby they enjoy (like painting, writing, or playing an instrument), encourage them to spend time doing it during the break.
Give them responsibility: Whether it’s helping with family chores, volunteering, or getting a part-time job, giving your teen a sense of responsibility can help them feel productive and engaged.
Start or Continue Family Traditions
Traditions can help create a sense of belonging and make the holidays feel special. If you don’t already have family traditions, the holidays are a great time to start one.
Create new traditions: Ask your teen what kind of traditions they’d like to start. Whether it’s making a special holiday treat, watching a favorite movie together, or going on a winter walk, traditions can bring everyone closer.
Include them in planning: Let your teen help plan activities or traditions. This gives them a sense of ownership and involvement in making the holidays meaningful.
Help Them Set Healthy Boundaries
The holidays can come with lots of obligations, from family visits to social events. It’s important for teens to learn how to say no when they’re feeling overwhelmed.
Respect their limits: If your teen needs time away from family events or socializing, support their decision. Help them understand it’s okay to say no and take care of themselves.
Model self-care: Show your teen that it’s important to set boundaries and take care of yourself during stressful times. They’ll learn from your example and feel more comfortable doing the same.
Supporting a teen during the holiday season is about balancing their need for rest and relaxation with the demands of family, social events, and holiday expectations. By keeping communication open, encouraging self-care, and helping them manage stress, you can help your teen enjoy a more peaceful, enjoyable winter break. The holidays don’t have to be perfect—they just need to be meaningful and full of love and support.
Need Additional Support?
If you or your teen are feeling overwhelmed and need extra support, we’re here to help. At Indiana Counseling and Resilience Center, we work with both teens and parents to develop practical strategies for managing stress and finding balance. Whether you're struggling with family dynamics, school pressures, or personal challenges, therapy can be a powerful tool to help you both feel more in control. Simply follow these three easy steps to start your journey toward healing and growth.
Contact us to schedule an appointment
Begin meeting with one of our skilled therapists
Start managing your stress in a healthy and positive way!
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