Gifts, group chats and feeling left out in December
By mid-December many teenagers are caught up in group chats about presents, parties and winter break plans. Those who cannot afford certain things or who have more complicated family situations may feel painfully exposed. In online therapy we talk openly about jealousy, shame and the fear of being the odd one out. We explore how social media magnifies these feelings by showing only the brightest moments of other people’s lives. Together we look for ways to stay connected without pretending that everything is fine or oversharing personal struggles. We also discuss how to handle invitations, gift exchanges and comments that land like subtle put-downs. Parents receive support in talking about money and limits in a way that respects their teen’s dignity. If your child seems more tense and withdrawn the closer the holidays get, an online session can offer a kinder space to sort through these emotions.
