SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS
BE PREPARED FOR HOLIDAY GET-TOGETHERS.
- Visiting family or friends? Know what’s being served and make clear your expectation of no underage substance use.
- Recognize that older siblings/family members who are home for the holidays may have unhealthy substance use behaviors. Observing those behaviors can be an opportunity for important conversations with your kids.
Wondering "What Can I DO?
- Help your teen be ready to exit a risky situation.
- Have a “code word” and an excuse for them to leave.
- Practice refusal skills with them.
- Remind teens to call 911 or 988 if someone is in danger, suicidal, or has a mental health crisis.
Read What Teens Say They Need in Prevention:
What You Do and Say Matters.
”Don’t just tell me not to use alcohol or drugs. Tell me why.”
They Need a Safe Adult and a Plan Should They Get into a Risky Situation.
“Show up for me even if I make a choice you disagree with. Even if you’re mad at me, I need you to support me.”
PRIORITIZE YOUTH HEALTH AND SAFETY.
- Hosting friends and family? Lock up medications, THC, and other substances, and monitor alcohol. Don’t let your home be a source for underage substance use.
- Underage alcohol use most often takes place at home or at a friend’s house.
- Youth who misuse Rx drugs are most likely to get them from a friend or a relative.
- Model healthy behaviors and support family members in recovery: include celebrations or activities that do not involve substance use.
- Don’t let anyone get in a vehicle with someone who has been using substances.
NOT ALL HOLIDAYS ARE HAPPY...
MAKE A PLAN WITH YOUR KIDS AND FIND SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED IT!
- If you or your kids are feeling stressed, get some space!
- Changes in routine can be hard. Prioritize sleep and/or quiet time for children and teens.
- Model self-care and support your kids in finding healthy ways to cope with stressful situations.
- Set clear expectations about no underage substance use to support your child’s mental health.
- Remind teens to call 911 or 988 if someone is in danger, suicidal, or has a mental health crisis.
What Does Healthy Coping Look Like? From the Child Mind Institute:
Different people may rely on different coping skills, but here are some examples of safe, effective practices that are often helpful in stressful situations:
- Deep breathing
- Going for a walk or exercising
- Mindfulness practices
- Listening to music
- Writing in a journal
- Sensory stimulation, like splashing cold water on your face or holding ice cubes
- Calling a friend
- Playing with a pet
- Positive self-talk (“I made a mistake, but now I know better for next time.”)
In May 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General sounded the alarm on an epidemic of loneliness in the United States. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, Gen Z (those ages 11 to 26) had been struggling with some of the highest rates of loneliness - even more so than older adults. Is your teenager one of them? Are you worried they may be at risk?
Gene Beresin, MD, MA, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and clinical educator of more than 40 years, has been following and concerned about this trend for years. In this live webinar and Q+A, Dr. Beresin of the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds will outline the causes and risks for loneliness among adolescents, review recommendations for parents and caregivers from the Surgeon General's advisory, and and provide more depth and practical guidance on ways to implement these recommendations in everyday life.
Holiday Survival Postcards
Download for Free to Print and/or Share Online.
Available in English and Spanish, these cards can be shared at sporting events, school activities, and seasonal community events.
TOO MANY WORDS?
Check out the single prevention postcard:
NEED SUPPORT? HELP IS AVAILABLE NOW.
Local School Resources
Mental health professionals: school counselors, social workers, and psychologists
School faculty and staff: administrators, teachers, coaches, and club advisors
YOUTH HOLIDAY MESSAGES
The following messages were created by youth for youth through the One Choice Community. Click on any image to enlarge it (and right-click to download/save it as an image file). Or download all images as a PDF file.
