The holiday season brings excitement, traditions and time spent with family and friends. Along with the fun, it can also bring unique risks for teens, from increased stress to greater exposure to alcohol and other risky behaviors. As parents and caregivers, you play a critical role in helping your teen navigate these challenges and make healthy choices. Be intentional about keeping your teen safe, supported and thriving during the season!
Holiday Prevention Checklist
✅ Talk About Expectations
Open conversations about alcohol, vaping and other substances are essential. Set clear, consistent expectations for your teen’s behavior and let them know you’re always available to listen without judgment.
✅ Know Their Plans
Teens are likely to attend parties, gatherings and sleepovers during the holidays. Without school and extracurricular activities, they are likely to have significant unstructured time. Check in about where they’ll be, who they’ll be with and what’s planned. Encourage safe activities that promote connection without the risks.
✅ Monitor Stress and Mental Health
The holidays can be overwhelming for teens. Watch for signs of stress, anxiety or withdrawal. Encourage breaks from busy schedules, healthy sleep and coping strategies like journaling, physical activity or simply talking things out.
✅ Be a Role Model
Your actions matter. Show your teen what responsible choices look like—whether that’s moderating alcohol use at holiday events, managing stress in healthy ways or setting aside time for family traditions that don’t revolve around substances.
✅ Encourage Self-Care
Holiday busyness can take a toll on everyone, especially teens. Encourage your teen to prioritize self-care, whether that means resting, setting boundaries with social plans, practicing mindfulness or spending time on hobbies they enjoy. Remind them that it’s okay to say no and recharge—it’s one of the healthiest choices they can make.
✅ Stay Connected
Even when life gets busy, prioritize family meals, check-ins and one-on-one time. A strong bond with you is one of the most powerful protective factors against risky behavior.
Hosting a Holiday Gathering? Steps to Keep Teens Safe
If you’re planning to host a holiday party, you have a unique opportunity to set the tone for a safe and healthy celebration. Here are some important steps:
- Secure alcohol and medications: Lock up or put away alcohol, prescription drugs and other substances to prevent access.
- Don’t be a social host: Remember that it’s unsafe and illegal to provide alcohol or other substances to underage guests.
- Offer sober fun: Plan activities and provide plenty of food, non-alcoholic beverages and entertainment options that don’t revolve around drinking or vaping.
- Set ground rules: Communicate your expectations clearly with both teens and their parents.
- Supervise actively: Be present, check in and create a welcoming environment where everyone feels included without pressure to take risks.
The holidays are a perfect opportunity to reinforce healthy habits and strengthen family connections. By using this prevention checklist—and keeping gatherings safe—you can give your teen the tools and support they need to make positive choices and enjoy the season to its fullest.