129: Surviving the Holidays With Teens: Five Strategies That Actually Help

In today’s episode of Burnt Pancakes: Momversations, I'm diving into the world of holiday parenting, but not the toddler nap-time meltdown era. I'm talking about the teen and tween years, where emotions run high, expectations get complicated, and the holiday season suddenly feels like unfamiliar territory.

I’m sharing insights inspired by an incredible guide from CultivaTeen Roots called Holiday Harmony: A Parent Quick Guide for the Teen Years. If you’ve ever thought, “Wow… this stage is a whole different ballgame,” you’re not alone. Holidays with big kids require new strategies, new communication, and a whole lot of connection, and this episode breaks down five practical ways to support your tween or teen through the season.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why holiday stress looks different for teens and tweens
• How giving them space can prevent overwhelm and conflict
• The importance of setting clear expectations before events
• Practical tools to help them manage sensory overload
• How to stay calm and not take their reactions personally
• Choosing one meaningful thing to honor their holiday experience
• Simple conversation starters for the drive home
• My own experience shifting from “little kid holidays” to “teen territory”

Links Mentioned:

• Check out CultivaTeen Roots and their course Making AdoleSense
• Holiday Harmony: A Parent Quick Guide for the Teen Years

Why this episode matters:

Holidays can be a beautiful time of connection but they can also bring stress, overstimulation, and power struggles, especially with older kids who are still figuring themselves out. This episode gives you tools to create more harmony and support your teen or tween with empathy, clarity, and confidence.

Perfect for you if:

• You’re parenting a tween or teen
• You feel like holidays are more complicated than they used to be
• You want fewer meltdowns and more meaningful moments
• You’re craving practical, real-life strategies
• You want to build deeper connection with your big kid this season

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K

You can find Katie at:
website: burntpancakes.com
YouTube: @burnt.pancakes
Instagram: @burntpancakeswithkatie
Email: katie@burntpancakes.com

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