As we venture into the holiday season, a very interesting set of issues surface for parents of teenagers. This is a strange phase of life transition for teens. They are no longer the wide-eyed children thriving in the fun of the holiday season. Although their parents often hold tight to traditions, kids don’t look forward to Christmas with the joyous expectations they had in the previous years. Teens often claim to hold the privilege but they are not adults and do not hold the charge of what happens during the holidays. This conflict can give rise to tensions in the family.

Remember that whatever their reaction family traditions are important to teenagers: Teenagers are at this life transition where they are swinging between childhood and adulthood. Christmas for teenagers might not seem as exciting as it had in the previous years but they do understand that their family is making memories that are going to last a lifetime. And they find such predictable events like family traditions on Christmas stabilizing in their tornado-ridden life.

Teens are bound to become independent of their parents at some point: Teens are no longer children and they are bound to take up new roles in the family during the holiday season. It is a good idea to give them a job at which they excel. Decide fun stuff to do at Christmas which they are going to like. They will enjoy doing it and eventually the holiday season is not going to be ‘that bad’.

Friends play a much bigger role in their life: Rather than opposing this relationship, parents should invite them over to some family celebrations or activities. Your teen will enjoy the celebration with their peers and you will get to know who they are hanging out with.

Listen well to your teen: Listen, not just hear. At this point, a teen needs a relationship more than ever. When you listen to your teen with the agenda of listening, you are going to find a deeper meaning in their words.

Reflect on your family traditions: Have a look at the family videos and share them with your teens. Share stories about Christmas and the activities that were a part of your childhood.

Your conversations with them should hold a deeper meaning: If your teens perceive Christmas only a time when you exchange presents, the true meaning of this occasion is lost to them. Talk about faith, love, peace and hope during the holidays so that they know the deeper meaning of it.

Be patient with them: With this life transition, sometimes it is confusing for teens too. At this time, be there for your teens so they know that they have a support system on which they can rely on.