The holidays are supposed to be a time to exhale — to reconnect, rest, and breathe again. But for many young people, from middle school through college and well into their twenties, this season can quietly become the most dangerous stretch of the year. Structure fades. Old pressures reappear. Sleep goes sideways. Substance misuse and emotional distress often surge. I see it every day in my work with students and families — and I’ve lived it inside my own home.

In this episode, I break down what’s actually happening beneath the surface and how parents can show up with steadiness and purpose. We’ll talk about the mental-health traps this season creates, why substance misuse spikes, and how to build healthier connections that genuinely protect young people. My hope is simple: to help you make this holiday stretch safer, calmer, and more connected for the young people you love.

David Magee's Newsletter

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