To stress about what to get your teenager for Christmas that balances their interests with their growth and development. I'm here to help!

As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who specializes in working with teenagers, I spend the majority of my days learning about teens interests, helping teenagers build confidence and understanding in themselves AND supporting their parents through the sometimes grueling teenage years. 

Which puts me in a unique position to help you find gifts that your teenager will love, that also support their mental health and future. 

1. Gift them an experience 
What is something that the two of you could do together? Teenagers absolutely WANT and NEED to spend quality time with the adults in their lives, they just aren't always aware of that desire, and don't know how to ask for it. 

Is there a cooking/crafting class you could take together?
What about a concert or sporting event?

Last year, I took my Goddaughter to Ulta for a makeup lesson and we shopped together after and this year I am thinking about taking her to the Bodyworlds exhibit!

Mindfulness for Teens
Mindfulness is a skill that is SO HELPFUL for everyone, and the earlier it becomes a part of your daily habits, the better. This workbook is the one that I use in my office with my clients and I find it very helpful, and there are a ton more options out there too!

Feelings Pillow Cover
I LOVE this pillow cover. I use it in my office every single day and it is an easy and accessible way to help your teen develop their emotions vocabulary. 

​I earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Journals
You cannot go wrong with a journal for a teen and there are SO many different options. 

You could get a guided journal, like A Year of Positive thinking, or go with a traditional journal, where they can free write. 

My favorite notebook to free write in is a Leuchttrum1917. Throw in some fun pens and you have a great gift!

The Gifts of Imperfection 
This book is a MUST READ for anyone who struggles with perfectionism, fear of failure or fear of making mistakes.
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Brent Brown is wonderful, and this book can be so eye opening for teenagers as they begin their journey to adulthood (and college applications!) 

I know this time of year can be SO STRESSFUL, especially for parents who are trying to meet everyone's needs, create magic and stay on top of your own life! 

Remember that your children need you more than they need anything else. 

What was your favorite gift as child?

What's your favorite childhood holiday memory?

What is your favorite family holiday tradition?

Mental health conditions are NOT a sign of weakness or a character flaw. Believing this myth about mental health is a major barrier to asking for help and seeing your mental health as something that is capable of healing. 

This myth is often pushed in the media after major tragedy. The truth is people who experience severe mental health conditions are more likely to be a VICTIM of violent crime than a perpetrator 

"It's just hormones, teen mood swings" THIS ONE IRKS ME... Teens experience mental health conditions and when we pretend that they don't, they feel broken and uncared for. 

This isn't an all or nothing situation. While some mental health conditions are genetic, and people are predisposed to experience them, that does NOT mean that we cannot prevent or protect against all mental health conditions. We can. We can also help decrease the impact mental health conditions have on our loved ones by offering love and support. 

We often only hear eating disorders talked about in relation to wealthy white women and that is SO harmful for other populations who are impacted by disordered eating. It can make them question what they are experiencing and get in the way of being diagnosed and receiving access to treatment. 

When you educate yourself about the facts on mental health and spread your knowledge with others you are chipping away at the harmful misinformation about mental health in our country and actively protecting others. 

You can make a difference - share this post with even ONE person and you are becoming a part of the positive change in mental health.