The uncertainty brought on by COVID-19 has brought with it feelings of fear, anxiety, and sadness. It’s been a hard year, and it’s been especially hard for teenagers.

A lot of teenagers are dealing with being on lockdown during some important milestones in their lives. They’ve missed graduation and all of the festivities that follow. They’re missing out on getting their driver’s licence, travelling to new & exciting places, going to concerts, and getting together with their friends.

While it’s also been tough for parents, they still have to be strong for their teenage children who are feeling out of sorts since the beginning of the pandemic.

Here are a few ways that parents, guardians & teachers can help support themselves and their teens during these difficult times.

Remain Calm And Come Up With A Proactive Routine

Of course, the most important thing you can do is remain calm. Lead by example. If you don’t want your kids to feel scared and anxious, then you should show them that they don’t have to be.

A great way to accomplish this is by establishing a quarantine routine to help you and your children feel a sense of order amidst the chaos. As easy as it may be, do your best to come up with a routine that doesn’t involve playing on their phones for the whole day.

Designate a time for chores and different housework.  Go for walks on a regular basis.  Prepare dinner together at the same time every day if possible.  Check-in on extended family together by phone or video call. Create a routine that is active, and incorporates everyone in the family.

Make Sure To Take Time To Address The Current State Of Affairs

It isn’t uncommon for teenagers to keep all of their emotions inside. While they may be putting on a brave face, inside they might not feel as confident.

Parents should make the time to have a discussion about the virus. Ask them about the information that they’re hearing and answer questions about uncertainties. If you aren’t sure about the facts or information about a certain aspect of COVID-19 yourself, you can check out resourceful websites such as the World Health Organization or canada.ca.

The best thing you can do is check reliable sources to slow down the spread of misinformation that may cause more fear in your children. Talk to them, and discuss the strange state of affairs. Everyone will feel better for it.

Create Fun Distractions For You And Your Teen

Take these strange times and turn them into a positive. In the past, many parents often wished for more time to spend with their families but work and other priorities often got in the way.

Do puzzles together, play charades, have a movie night, develop a workout routine together and so on. Take the opportunity to flip the negative into a positive and have some designated fun time with your family!  Teens have always needed special attention as they try to navigate those interesting teen years.  If you’re fortunate enough, you may be able to provide them with a little extra attention in our new normal.

It’s Hard For Everyone But We Need To Stay Strong

We understand that everyone is frightened, but adults should try to monitor their emotions. This doesn’t mean that you can’t be scared, it’s just that we should avoid projecting our own fears onto their children.

Everyone is dealing with these circumstances in their own way and to the best of their abilities.