Christmas parties and events are a time of celebration and that grumpy teenager in the corner can be judged and criticised for not getting into the festive spirit.
The pressure to socialise, the crowds and the noise can be extremely challenging for anxious teens. Let’s try and raise awareness and understanding this Christmas so everyone can be valued for whatever small contribution they make.
Adolescents is already a whirlwind of hormonal changes and academic and social pressures. Anxious teens are worried they might say the wrong thing, do the wrong thing and then we go and judge them for do nothing and not having holiday cheer.
Teens may opt to avoid the parties and family gatherings completely or scroll on their phones. They may engage in minimal conversation or leave the party early without saying goodbye. These actions are then misinterpreted by others as rude.
Let’s reframe these teenager behaviours and see them for what they are this Christmas:
- a child showing up and doing their best.
- a child wanting to fit in.
We can support them by allowing them to just sit and listen to conversations and make space should they wish to join in.
We can greet them warmly and say ‘nice to see you’ without expecting anything back.
You may not realise it but them being physically present is the biggest gift they have been able to give you this year. Let’s be thankful and give them the space they need to grow into the confident and successful adults of the future. Some may need extra support with this but what they all need is understanding.
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