Family gatherings are meant to bring people together, but for many tweens and teens, they can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and emotionally draining.In this episode of Bouncing Back with Karen Brisport, Karen helps parents and educators understand why family visits can be so hard on developing nervous systems, especially for middle schoolers who value authenticity and emotional safety. What looks like irritability, withdrawal, or “attitude” is often a sign of social overload, not disrespect.Karen breaks down what’s really happening beneath the behavior, explains the emotional messages tweens and teens are trying to communicate, and shares 7 practical, compassionate strategies adults can use to prepare children before family gatherings and support them afterward.This episode offers trauma-informed insight, realistic expectations, and simple tools to help families reduce stress, honor boundaries, and create more positive experiences, without forcing kids to perform or comply.If you’ve ever wondered why your child seems “done” before the visit even ends, this conversation will help you see their behavior through a more empathetic, empowering lens.

Supporting Tweens and Teens Through Stressful Family Visits

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