Illuminos Holiday Support Guide — High School-Aged Students

High school students face peak academic, social, and emotional load in November and December.

1. WHY THIS TIME OF YEAR IS HARD

Signs:

• Staying up too late

• Panic about deadlines

• Avoidance and shutdowns

• Withdrawing after school

• Irritability and overwhelm

Steps:

• Keep weekly planning simple.

• Reduce performance pressure.

• Normalize stress patterns.

2. LOWERING STRESS WITH REFLECTION

Weekly check-in: “What worked for you this week?”

Keep it brief and supportive.

3. ORGANIZATION SYSTEM

Sunday planning for tests, assignments, and activities. Use:

• Freedom (blocks apps)

• Forest or Flora (focus sessions)

• Google Calendar

• Time Timer

4. MISSING ASSIGNMENTS

Look at the portal together. Identify high‑impact work. Use this script: “Which assignments matter most for getting back on track?”

Use 45–60 minute focus blocks.

5. NEURODIVERGENT SUPPORT

Preview tasks. Break into steps. Support transitions with short resets. Use calm phrasing: “I’m here to help you start.”

6. SOCIAL PRESSURE

Signs: overthinking, comparison, friend conflict. Questions: “Who felt easy to be around today?”

Encourage boundaries and reflection.

7. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY DISRUPTIONS

Preview expectations. Allow downtime. Give students a role (helping younger kids, setting up).

8. SCREENS & SLEEP

AAP recommends 8–10 hours. Encourage:

• Apple Focus Mode

• Freedom

• RescueTime

Night routine example: 9:15 shower, 9:30 prep, 10:00 lights out.

9. COLLEGE SIBLING RETURN

Give space for organic reconnection. Lower expectations for first 48 hours.

10. JANUARY RESTART

Reset materials. Review syllabi if available. Set a modest January goal.

CLOSING

High schoolers benefit from steady structure and predictable routines. Illuminos supports students in building the executive function skills they need to stay confident and prepared.