In previous blogs, I have discussed the ways in which Trails celebrates the holidays on campus and supports siblings and parents back home over the holidays.
For this blog, I would like to discuss what the holidays should look like after a child returns home from treatment.
Don’t overdo it
One of the things we want families to be mindful of, especially right after their child has returned from treatment, is not making up for holidays spend in treatment by buying expensive and lavish gifts for their children. Sometimes parents feel guilty and start to buy gifts based on their emotional state, rather than buying intentional gifts. When this happens, the child who has returned from treatment may start to think that all of the presents are because of them being in treatment and not because of the holidays.
Sending your child away to get the help they need is one of the greatest gifts you could ever give your child. We try to help families keep that in mind during the holiday season so that families aren’t feeding into materialism or entitlement right after treatment.
Keeping structure in place
Often, while families are reconnecting over the holidays, structure can disappear. During the holidays, everyone is celebrating and rigid schedules can slip through the cracks. We try to help families remember that it is very important to stick to daily routines even during the holidays. It’s also important to be intentional about communicating what the holidays will be like after your child returns from treatment.
The holidays can be a stressful time for the whole family and a time of transitions. Many students have, historically, not handled transitions very well. However, at Trails, the focus we put on helping students navigate transitions has helped alumni and their families celebrate the holiday season in a less stressful, more intentional way.
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Trails saved my daughter’s life. Amanda is an amazing human and a brilliant therapist. I am so grateful to her, Science Steve, and the other wonderful people who could reach my daughter at a time when I could not.
Margot Lowman August 2022
Great life changing experience for our son. After becoming addicted to gaming during covid he was very depressed. At Trails he experienced the wilderness, Science Steve, learning survival skills and top notch therapy and support etc… I highly recommend! This gave our son and our family a renewed family bond full of love and excitement about his bright future.
Winnifred Wilson July 2022
Outstanding clinical work and superb staff! There’s a great culture at this company and it shows with how they engage with families/clients.
Kristin Brace June 2022
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