How to Help your Teen During COVID
Is your teen having a hard time managing the changes happening in our world at the moment? Change can already be a difficult experience for adolescents, but now more than ever it makes sense your teen may be struggling more than usual.
They may be
-Isolating themselves more
-Getting on their phone/computer more than usual
-Having crying spells
-Having difficulty regulating anger
-Having trouble communicating their needs
-Experiencing mental health related issues more than usual
-Experiencing greater amounts of anxiety and/or depression
-Pushing boundaries or arguing more frequently
These are all experiences many teens go through, but if these are picking up more than usual, it can be especially hard on you, your teen, and family relationships in general.
What are some ways to help my teen during this time?
1. Validate their disappointment
At this stage of life things like hanging out with friends, going to events at school/in the community carry a huge amount of significance for a teen. Many of the most exciting and anticipated events in their lives have been cancelled or postponed and that is challenging for all of us, but especially teens. Something as simple as letting your teen know you see them and understand their disappointment can be really helpful. Then, once they feel seen in this, also set the tone for how you’re responding to disappointment right now. Allow them to see how you can feel disappointment, but also demonstrate how you can work towards moving forward. Create goals with your teen and show them how to both feel sad and have hope for the future.
2. Create a schedule
Teens may not realize it, but most of the time they thrive with some kind of routine to structure their days around. Having a set mealtime, bedtime, etc. can add consistency in the midst of uncertainty. Help your teen create daily goals or activities to help motivate them and give them a greater sense of purpose. Having a schedule means having space to take a break and connect with others. Allowing your teen time to call a friend, virtually hang out with others, or just do something they enjoy during the day can help them feel more connected and relaxed.
3. Encourage healthy habits
Talk about the ways you deal with stress or feelings of loss in this time. Do you see a therapist? Talk to a trusted friend? Eat healthy to feel better? Exercise regularly? Your teen will pick up on the ways you cope during this time. Normalizing healthy ways of handling stress or sadness can be encouraging for teens to know they’re not alone and it’s normal to reach out for support and spend time taking care of ourselves. Maybe plan times to exercise with your teen, plan a virtual hang with extended family, go on a walk around the neighborhood together, or cook a healthy meal with one another. During these times it can also be a good chance to ask your teen how they’re really feeling right now. Listen and try not give advice, being an open ear can make a huge difference.
If your teen is experiencing a significant change in their overall mood, behavior, weight or eating habits, memory/concentration, amount of risky behavior, sleeping habits (too much or too little), a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, or thoughts of suicide—it may be time to reach out for support.
Here at Calm Again Counseling, we believe your teen can find calm through support and compassionate care. We’re in this together, and would love to support you and your teen in this time.
