When Home Doesn’t Feel Calm: Creating a Supportive Environment During School Breaks
The holiday break is often portrayed as a magical time of family, tradition and rest. But for many teens — especially those experiencing anxiety, depression or emotional dysregulation — the school break can feel overwhelming.
School provides structure, routine, and predictability. When that structure disappears, stress and emotions at home can escalate quickly.
Research supports this reality. In the U.S., as many as 31.9% of teens will experience an anxiety disorder at some point. Meanwhile, when school is out, parents report increased challenges with screen-time, boredom, conflict, and behavioral regression.
The holiday break can be stressful for teens and families, but small daily routines, connection, and supportive strategies can help create a calmer home.
When home feels tense or unpredictable, it can leave both teens and parents feeling overwhelmed. The good news is that even small shifts in routine, communication, and emotional support can make a meaningful difference.
So how can parents support their teen and themselves during this time? Here are five practical strategies that can help rebuild connection, strengthen emotional skills and foster a calmer home environment.
Create a daily emotional check-in
Choose a consistent time each day — maybe over breakfast or a short evening walk — to talk for 10–15 minutes. Ask simple, open questions like:
- “What’s one thing you’re looking forward to today?”
- “Is there anything you’re worried about right now?”
This small daily ritual strengthens trust and gives you early insight into emotional shifts.
Build a loose daily structure
Your teen doesn’t need a rigid schedule — just predictability. Try setting anchor points like: a morning wake time, a shared household task, downtime, and an evening wind-down. Research shows youth emotional wellbeing improves with even basic daily routines.
Practice co-regulation
Instead of asking your teen to “calm down,” model calm.
Try:
- Deep breathing together
- A five-minute break outside
- Taking a short walk
These small moments tell your teen: You don’t have to manage this alone.
Plan for triggers ahead of time
Gatherings, noise, unstructured hours, or family dynamics can be stressful. Work with your teen to anticipate challenges and set gentle boundaries, such as taking breaks in a quiet room or leaving an event early if needed. Planning ahead prevents escalation.
Introduce purpose and connection
Without school, days can blend together and moods can dip. Encourage one small, meaningful activity each day: helping prepare dinner, planning a movie night, volunteering, doing a craft or outdoor activity. Purpose supports emotional stability.
The holiday break doesn’t have to feel like something to “get through.” With mindful support, it can be a time of meaningful connection and healing.
If your teen could use extra support this season, our Admissions Team is ready to help you navigate their needs and connect you with Camino a Casa’s comprehensive therapeutic programs. Call 805‑366‑4000 or email admissions@casapacifica.org to learn more.