Holiday stress affects plenty of adults, but most high school students cannot wait for the break. They count the days to Christmas because the holidays mean no school. That is fine, but a long break can also knock a student's concentration just when finals and college applications need it most.
How much it matters depends on the student. Teenagers who already take school seriously usually protect their grades whatever the season. Others need more help. Either way, finals and application deadlines do not move for the holidays, so parents have good reason to stay involved. Here are three practical ways to help.
1. Plan and organise schedules, quietly
Help your teenager build a schedule and a priority list so they meet deadlines, hand in projects and assignments, and are ready for major exams. A shared online calendar is ideal: they enter what is due and what they have done, and you can see their progress without nagging them with reminders and questions. All you need to do is glance at the calendar now and then.
2. Let them enjoy the holidays
The holidays are not an ordinary week and you should not pretend they are. Teenagers are excited at this time of year, and the smart move is to channel that energy rather than fight it. Agree on study time and free time in advance. Volunteering, charity work and service activities are good holiday projects too: they build family values and give students experiences that can strengthen a college application.
3. Look ahead
December is not only about looking back on the year; it is a good moment to plan the next one. Encourage your teenager to think about what they want from the coming year and the steps to get there, from improving a grade to finishing an application.
Every student should keep developing their abilities and building a strong academic profile. In the end, what they have learned is what will matter most.
Update (October 2026): Shared calendars are now built into every phone, and many schools publish assignments and grades in online portals that parents can check directly. The advice is unchanged: agree a simple routine before the break starts, keep phones out of the bedroom at night (see our sleep tips), and leave plenty of room for actual rest.
Seniors applying to college should also see our to-do list before college admission.