Navigating the Holidays: Challenges and Support for Families with Kids in Residential Treatment
The holiday season is often a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. But for families with children in residential treatment, it can be a period marked by emotional complexity, heartache, and deep reflection, and families face the season with a unique set of challenges. There are many reasons why the holidays can be so difficult for families with a child in residential care. Let’s explore some of these challenges, some strategies to help stay connected, and how Summit Achievement steps into holiday tradition to support students and families.
1. The Emotional Weight of Separation
For many, the holiday season is synonymous with family gatherings. When a child is in residential treatment, their absence is felt deeply, and the family dynamic feels incomplete. Parents may struggle with guilt, sadness, and even anger as they reflect on what they think “should” be happening. Siblings may miss the shared traditions and playful moments, while grandparents and extended family might worry about how best to offer support.
2. The Challenge of Navigating Conversations with Others
During the holidays, well-meaning friends and relatives often ask questions or make comments that can feel intrusive or insensitive. Questions like, “How’s your son doing?” or “Will your daughter be home for the holidays?” can bring up complex emotions and pressure families to explain their situation. Preparing responses ahead of time and deciding to set boundaries around these topics can help alleviate some of the emotional toll these interactions can bring.
3. Loss of Holiday Traditions
Many families have cherished holiday traditions that may be difficult or impossible to carry on when a child is in treatment. These rituals are often painful reminders of the current circumstances. Some families may adapt old traditions or create new ones that allow them to honor their connection to their child, even from a distance.
4. Facing Mixed Emotions
The holidays can bring an overwhelming mix of emotions including grief, guilt, hope, relief, sadness, and even moments of joy. These complex feelings can be hard to reconcile, especially when the world around you is celebrating. Parents might feel both a sense of relief that their child is getting the support they need and the sorrow of not having them at home. Recognizing that it’s okay to feel both can help families navigate this emotionally charged time of year.
Strategies for Finding Strength During the Holidays
We acknowledge that it is hard to make the holidays feel “normal,” and yet there are ways to help families cope with the challenges of this time of year that might provide some comfort and support.
1. Seek Support from Like-Minded Families
Connecting with other families going through similar experiences can be profoundly helpful. Support groups, both in person and online, offer a safe space to share stories, gain perspective, and find solace. Other parents in similar situations can provide advice on navigating holiday traditions, setting boundaries, or finding moments of peace.
2. Create New Traditions!!
Developing new holiday rituals that acknowledge the situation can be therapeutic while keeping the spirit of the season alive. Maybe send a holiday care package, light a candle in their honor, or make a special ornament that represents your family’s journey. These small acts can help create a sense of continuity and connection, even when traditional celebrations may not be possible.
3. Practice Self-Care and Compassion
The holidays can be demanding, both physically and emotionally. Taking time for self-care—whether it’s through meditation, exercise, journaling, or quiet reflection—can provide much-needed resilience. Recognizing that it’s okay to step back from holiday obligations or redefine what “celebration” means in their current context can be a game-changer.
4. Focus on the Bigger Picture
Although the absence of a child during the holidays is painful, focusing on the purpose of residential treatment can be grounding. Remembering that this period is part of a larger journey toward healing and stability can help families reframe the season. Families may even find meaning in viewing this time as a gift of future wellness for their child.
What Does the Holiday Season Look Like at Summit Achievement?
Summit Achievement operates 365 days a year, and holidays are a special time of year for our staff and students. Our program is founded on family systems work and the parallel process, so focusing on relationships and family involvement is paramount all year!
Our team creates connections for the students through shared experiences, such as group meals with the entire Summit student community. The students have a day off from regularly scheduled programming, be it Expo or Academics. They engage in fun activities such as football, watching a movie together, and playing games that give them a break from the routine and offer something special in the form of traditions that might feel familiar to them. While our approach is non-denominational, we honor some holiday traditions, like candle lighting during Hannukah. Each student will get a thoughtful gift from the Summit team!
Students can receive care packages from home (always check with your student’s therapist to ensure the packages are appropriate!). Additionally, the guides will lean in in their nightly groups to facilitate conversations with the students around the holidays and what their meaning is for the student.
The holiday season for families with a child in residential treatment is not easy. There are many challenges, competing emotions, and, yes, a lot of resilience. Families can honor the season and their ongoing journey by creating new traditions, practicing self-compassion, and connecting with supportive communities. With each day, they move closer to a future where holiday celebrations may look brighter and more hopeful. Until then, it’s about staying present and finding light wherever possible.
If your teenager is struggling with their mental health and you are considering treatment options, perhaps Summit Achievement could be right for your family. Reach out to Admissions today.