This time is particularly tough for parents and teens. On one hand, teenagers are generally more self-directed and don’t need as much time as the younger kids. On the other hand, the teen years can already be a tumultuous, emotional time. When you add the extra layer of school disruption and little chance of teens seeing their friends during a lockdown, the emotions can run high. Odds are, if they are getting on your nerves, you are also getting on theirs!
There are some things you can do to help each other and your relationship during this time.
- Acknowledge that this is difficult for them as well as you.
- They are thinking about their future, and what it will look like to be an adult in a few years.
- The teen years are already a time of extreme emotions and this isn’t helping!
- They have tough decisions about testing, college, and graduation.
- They know this is uncharted waters for everyone, including their peers and those they look up to.
- Give them the opportunity to talk about this with you, with others, or another trusted adult.
- If they don’t have the contact information, reach out to a friend, family member, counselor, or spiritual leader and help them talk through their feelings.
- Allow them to have some self-expression, even if it means their room looks like the local landfill.
- Be humble enough to admit with them you don’t have all the answers, but you will work with them and help them as the months roll on. Let them know they are not alone in figuring this out.
It is an unprecedented time. But in each challenge, there are also opportunities. There are opportunities for growth and opportunities to make your family bond stronger. Through all of this, acknowledge your emotions while striving to look up. We will get through this!
