The holiday season is approaching, bringing with it family reunions, gift-giving, and, of course, festive feasts! For many, the holidays are a time of joy, family, and fun — but for some teens, it’s a period filled with stress, anxiety, and uncertainty.
Academic pressures, new social expectations and the stress of family dynamics can make this time of year feel as overwhelming as it is joyous. With all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to forget that teens need just as much support and care as everyone else.
Let’s make this season a little easier on them by acknowledging their challenges and ensuring they feel supported. Keep reading for our tips to help you connect with your teens over the holidays!
Acknowledge feelings
The holiday season can mean an influx of stressful responsibilities and uncomfortable emotions for teens. Major tests and exams usually fall before the holiday breaks begin. Adolescents working their first jobs may begin to pick up additional shifts to earn some extra money for the perfect gifts. The break might mean separation from friends and being reunited with family members they don’t usually see. Plus, the idea of big familial celebrations and the potential for awkward conversations might feel scary.
One of the most important steps in making your teens feel supported during the holidays is acknowledging their stresses and letting them know that you appreciate the efforts they are making. Always remember, they are growing and want their loved ones to be proud of them as they navigate becoming young adults. So, do your best to remind them that you are there for them through any emotions they might be experiencing.
Promote self-care
Just like adults, teens need to take time to recharge. Remind them to stop and relax. To get them started, consider providing them with these tips for teen self-care:
- Studying hard for a big test? Suggest they put on their favorite songs and move their body to take a break from being cooped up at their desk for hours. Relaxing stretches, some good exercise, or even just taking a walk outdoors can make the rest of their study session go much more smoothly, just remind them to bundle up if need be!
- If they’ve had a difficult shift at their job, remind them how relaxing it can be to grab their favorite healthy snack and throw on their comfort show or get cozy with a good book!
- If they’re struggling socially, make a healthy suggestion to unplug. Taking a few hours to stay off of social media and have some solo time can put their minds at ease – even if they may not feel like it.
- Practicing mindfulness can make a huge improvement on your teen’s mental health during the holiday. Having some peace and quiet, journaling their thoughts, and deep breathing are just a few ways your teen can unwind and contribute to their well-being.
- Getting enough sleep is one of the best ways your teen can take care of themselves, especially while experiencing stress. Many teens struggle to get enough sleep due to their increasing amount of responsibilities, so make sure to encourage them to get it when they can!
Also, be sure that your teen is hydrating and eating properly. A lack of proper nourishment can lead to unpleasant physical symptoms such as headaches and stomachaches – the last thing anyone needs when they’re stressed out!
Create opportunities to connect
Teens need a strong support system. It’s important for them to know that in the stress of the approaching holiday – whether they’re gift shopping or nervous about extended family interaction – they can rely on you if they need someone to talk to. An effective way to get this message across is by making an effort to connect with them on a deeper level.
Creating opportunities to connect with your teen can strengthen your bond and trust with each other. So, think about what their interests are and invite them to hang out! Take them to grab a bite to eat at their favorite spot after school, participate in a shared favorite hobby, or simply go for a walk together! Take this opportunity to ask them questions like:
“How are you feeling about the holidays this year?”
“What are you most looking forward to this year?”
“What are you not looking forward to?”
This creates the space for them to express their concerns, anxieties, and everything in between. Don’t be afraid to share either! Believe it or not, it can reinforce mutual trust and understanding if you both talk about what’s been happening in your lives. Be sure to avoid pushing, if your teen is insistent that they don’t want to talk about something, don’t make them feel forced to share. You want them to feel respected and heard.
Respect their space
Always keep in mind that teens are experiencing complex emotions. These feelings can be overwhelming and, understandably, many teens need alone time to process their emotions on their own. Don’t take it personally; understand that your teen may need solitude to reflect, unwind, or even just reset.
Your teen is growing, developing their own values, and learning (often in real time) how they can deal with stressful situations. This doesn’t mean you should leave them to figure things out on their own, but rather, recognize when they need space to process their emotions independently. Offer your teen support and, if they refuse, give them space. Let them know that they can always come to you. Your teen will not only appreciate your understanding now, but later on in life!
At Ocean Pediatrics, we’re dedicated to the best health of children and teens of all ages. We hope these tips for making your teens feel supported during the holiday are helpful! If you are interested in learning more or would like tailored advice for your family, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of passionate medical professionals to ask questions, address concerns, or seek additional help. To make an appointment with us, fill out this form, give us a call, or stop by. We are more than happy to assist you!
