26 Nov Supporting Young People’s Wellbeing During the Holiday Season: Practical Tips for Parents
The holiday season is often filled with excitement, joy, and a sense of togetherness. However, for many parents, especially those with school aged children, the Christmas holidays can also bring a range of challenges. While it’s a time for celebration, it’s also a time when family dynamics shift, routines change, and young people may experience increased stress or emotional challenges.
At Prosper Health Collective, we understand that supporting young people’s wellbeing during the holidays requires a balanced approach, one that promotes emotional resilience, maintains healthy routines, and fosters positive connections. As parents, you play a crucial role in helping your children navigate the ups and downs of the season, which is why we’ve put together this guide to offer evidence-based strategies on how to help your child or teen thrive during the festive period.
Why Supporting Young People’s Wellbeing During the Holidays is Crucial
The holidays can be overwhelming for children and young people for several reasons. With the break from school, there’s often a loss of routine, and the festive season can bring about feelings of both excitement and anxiety. The pressure to “have fun” or meet certain expectations, such as receiving presents or seeing extended family members, can add stress, while the increased focus on material gifts and consumerism may contribute to feelings of dissatisfaction. Moreover, young people are navigating critical stages of emotional and social development, and disruptions to their normal routine can amplify any underlying emotional struggles or mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, or loneliness. Supporting young people’s wellbeing during this time is vital in helping them feel grounded, emotionally supported, and confident moving into the new year.
Practical Tips to Support Your Child’s Wellbeing Over the Holidays
- Maintain a Routine (As Much As Possible)
While it’s important to let your children enjoy the holiday festivities, maintaining some sense of structure can help them feel secure. This doesn’t mean sticking rigidly to school-time routines, but keeping consistent meal times, sleep schedules, and designated periods for quiet time or activities can provide much-needed stability. Routines are particularly helpful for young people who may be feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Predictable routines can reduce feelings of stress and provide a sense of control. - Encourage Open Communication About Feelings
The holiday season can stir up a range of emotions for children and teens. While some may feel excitement and joy, others might feel sadness, frustration, or even loneliness. Encouraging your children to talk openly about their feelings is one of the most important ways to support their wellbeing. If your child is feeling overwhelmed or anxious, it can be helpful to validate their emotions by acknowledging how they feel and gently guiding them to express those feelings.
For example, ask open-ended questions such as, “How are you feeling about the holidays?” or “What’s been the best part of this holiday season for you so far?” This helps children and teens express their emotions, and it opens the door for deeper conversations. Emotional support during this time is just as important as physical health.
- Create Opportunities for Physical Activity and Play
The holidays often come with a more relaxed schedule, but staying physically active is vital for supporting young people’s mental and physical wellbeing. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural stress relievers, and can help improve mood and energy levels. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a family bike ride, or just playing outside, try to build time for movement into each day. Engaging in physical activities as a family not only supports your child’s physical health but also promotes bonding and fun. - Be Mindful of Social Media and Screen Time
The pressure to have a “perfect” holiday can sometimes be amplified by social media. Young people who spend excessive time on social media may experience negative impacts on their self-esteem and mental health, especially during the holidays when comparisons to others may feel more pronounced. While it’s unrealistic to completely cut out screen time, it can be beneficial to set boundaries around social media usage. Encourage your children to disconnect from their screens during family time or outdoor activities, and consider setting limits on the amount of time spent on devices. - Foster Gratitude and Mindfulness
The holiday season can sometimes emphasise materialism, but it’s also a time when families can reflect on what truly matters. Encourage your children to practice gratitude and mindfulness, which can improve emotional wellbeing, foster connections and appreciation, and help to reduce feelings of stress or entitlement. Try to make it a daily family tradition to share things you’re grateful for, or engage in mindfulness activities such as deep breathing exercises or a moment of silent reflection before meals - Support Positive Sleep Habits
The disruption of routine during the holiday season can also affect your child’s sleep schedule, and insufficient sleep can negatively impact their mood, behaviour, and ability to cope with stress. It’s important to encourage healthy sleep habits, including keeping a consistent bedtime and creating a calming pre-sleep routine, such as reading together or practicing relaxation techniques. Adequate rest is critical for maintaining emotional and mental health, especially during a time of increased activity and change. - Be Aware of Mental Health Struggles
Finally, the holidays can be a challenging time for young people who are struggling with mental health issues. If your child seems particularly withdrawn, irritable, or overwhelmed, it may be an indication that they need extra support. As a parent, it’s important to watch for signs of depression, anxiety, or other emotional difficulties. Seeking professional help can provide your child with the tools they need to manage their emotions and feel more equipped to manage difficulties.
Additional Support
Supporting young people’s wellbeing during the holidays doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require attention, empathy, and intentionality. By maintaining some routine, encouraging open communication, fostering physical activity, and promoting mindfulness, you can help your children experience a balanced and enjoyable holiday season. If you’re concerned about your child’s emotional wellbeing or need additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted professional.
At Prosper Health Collective, we provide psychological therapy to support the mental and emotional health of families. Whether you’re looking for parenting guidance or professional counselling for your child, we are here to offer compassionate care. Contact us on 6381 0071 to learn more about how we can support you. With a little extra care and support, the holiday season can be a time of growth, connection, and emotional wellbeing for the whole family.
