How parents can help teens stay healthy during holiday break

As students head home for the holiday break, the time off from school can be both refreshing and disruptive, especially for teens.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Dr. Paritosh Kaul, an adolescent care pediatrician with Atrium Health Navicent, says while the holidays bring excitement, they can also throw off routines that are important for young people’s physical and mental health.

Screen time is another area parents should monitor. With more free time at home, teens often spend additional hours on phones, video games or social media. Kaul recommends setting reasonable limits and encouraging activities that keep kids active and engaged, whether that’s spending time outdoors, helping with holiday preparations or connecting face-to-face with friends and family.

The holidays can also bring emotional stress. Changes in routine, family dynamics or social pressures can impact teens more than parents may realize. Kaul encourages open conversations and checking in regularly with teens about how they’re feeling.

Above all, he says balance is key. Maintaining some structure while still allowing time for rest and fun can help teens return to school feeling refreshed instead of overwhelmed.