The holidays often bring a mix of joy, nostalgia, and connection, but they can also stir up something we do not talk about nearly enough: comparison. Even when we know better, this season can make us hold our lives up against someone else’s and wonder if we are doing enough.

If you have found yourself in comparison mode this holiday season, you are not alone. But the more we acknowledge it, the more room we create to choose compassion instead of criticism, connection instead of pressure, and values instead of expectation.

Comparing Ourselves on Social Media

You're lying in bed scrolling social media and you see post after post with your friends and their families in matching pajamas, hosting elaborate holiday parties, with their beautifully lit trees and curated home decor and you feel the increasing tension in your chest of shame and comparison. You wonder "Why doesn't my home look like that? Where do they get the time or money for that? Why can't I keep up?"

When we compar...

 As summer winds down and school supplies start filling shopping carts, many families begin to feel the anticipation and sometimes anxiety that comes with the back-to-school season. For teens, returning to school can bring a whirlwind of emotions: excitement about seeing friends, dread over academic pressure, or worries about social dynamics and performance expectations. Research published in the Journal of Adolescent Health shows that transitions like the start of a new school year are key stress points for teens, especially those who struggle with anxiety or depression.

The good news is that with mindful support from parents and caregivers, this transition doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re sharing practical, research-backed tips to help your teen feel emotionally supported and mentally prepared for a healthy return to school. We’re also including a free downloadable Back-to-School Mental Health Checklist for Teens & Parents to help you put these ideas into action.