How to Navigate the Pandemic’s Impact on Teens

Acknowledge Their Grief

Sometimes a teen’s attitude can make it hard for a parent to have empathy for them. You may be overwhelmed with trying to balance work or job loss, distance schooling, and younger siblings. So when your teen grumbles about helping out or anything else, you might feel underappreciated.

But the losses that teens experience during the pandemic are genuine and profound. Despite its ups and downs, adolescence is often a glorious time. New friendships, academic pursuits, part-time jobs, driver’s licenses: these years are full of significant milestones. Teens know these are special years. They know what they’re missing out on.

Keep this in mind, then, when interacting with them. This knowledge will help you to understand the pandemic’s impact on teens, in general. Specifically, though, express to your teen that you’re sad about what they’re missing. Empathize and talk about it. Please have patience with them and incorporate small, fun, meaningful gestures in your days.

Empowerment

Since a big part of adolescence is taking on more responsibility and independence, find ways to empower your teen during this time. Talk with them about how they’re feeling. Ask them to think of ways that they can handle the pandemic’s effects on their lives.

Encourage them to find bright spots. And encourage them to take on more responsibilities at home as a form of life learning. Teach them how to cook; ask them to walk the dog if they didn’t already. Engage them in yard work and small home repairs. Share stories about their childhood and family ancestors.

Routine

Experts recommend that people of all ages maintain some sense of structure for their days, even when everything is turned upside down. Sticking to regular mealtimes, schoolwork times, chores, and the like, provide a guide for the day. They can help teens focus and help ward off a sense of aimlessness. Maintaining a regular sleep cycle and physical exercise is also a vital part of routines.

Look for Signs

Even without a pandemic going on, teens can experience depression and other mood disturbances. The isolation and disruption caused by the pandemic may contribute to this or worsen it.

Keep an eye on your teen’s moods and know the warning signs of depression or suicidal thoughts. Reach out to a therapist and other parents who have gone through it for support and guidance.

Family Time

While all the increased time together can certainly be trying, it also offers benefits. Many families have honestly enjoyed the chance to reconnect and relax together in a way they couldn’t before the pandemic. Perhaps now, several months in, you’ve already incorporated more family fun and traditions into your days. If not, consider doing it.

Ask your teen if there are things they want to do together during this time. What do they like to do with you? Can you include video sessions with quarantined or long-distance relatives and friends? The important thing is connection and bonding, not so much the activities themselves.

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Teens are genuinely missing out on so much of importance to them right now. Implement some of the tips here to help them navigate the pandemic. But if they seem overwhelmed and overcome by its effects, remember how helpful a therapist can be. Please call our office or visit our page about teen therapy to learn more.