COVID-19 came seemingly out of nowhere and has everyone on edge. Who thought the spring of 2020 would be spent in quarantine?
From health concerns, to childcare issues, to finances, to isolation, plans that have dissolved, and changes in routine. It's affected us all. For teens, the stressors are many. Your teen may be struggling with feeling a lack of control over their lives. They may feel alone, suddenly cut off from friends and school supports. They may enjoy time with family but SO MUCH TIME together? It can be difficult.
How can parents help? I've put together a list of ideas that may help:
HELP YOURSELF FIRST!
1. Pay attention to your own feelings of stress or anxiety. Use healthy coping strategies like journaling, connecting with friends and family, and exercise to help. Reach out for mental health support if needed.
2. Continue to take care of yourself, including eating healthy, getting adequate sleep, and exercising.
3. Try to maintain a semblance of a routine! Yesterday, my neighbor who like many of us are newly working from home, said that a number of his colleagues have admitted that they haven't showered or changed for days. DAYS! Shower every day, get out of your pajamas and be ready for the day.
4. Many bloggers have written about how amazing this time has been to reconnect with family. Understand that this reconnecting time can also be HARD and that's OK. Enjoy the small wins, the small positives, and try to move forward.
5. Take time for yourself. In a small, confined space, this can be difficult, but especially for those introverts out there, it's necessary to rejuvenate.
6. Think of creative ways to connect with others while maintaining distance. In our neighborhood, there has been an outpouring of others trying to spread cheer. Enjoy and engage whenever possible.
NOW I'VE HELPED MYSELF, HOW DO I HELP MY TEEN?
First, know that your Metea supports are still here, albeit remotely! If you see your child struggling significantly, please reach out! This has been a difficult time for educators who love our jobs and helping students. We are struggling to know how to reach them in the ways that they currently need. It's easiest to connect via email, but we can also talk on the phone or via Zoom. But please don't hesitate to reach out.
Second, the tips listed above for parents? Most are also helpful for students.
As you know, teens can be a tricky bunch. They want parents and other supportive adults to care and reach out, but then they can push away, desiring independence. This is all normal, but... Frustrating.
Continue to try to connect. Point out the positives. Point out THEIR positives, things you appreciate about them. Set some ground rules for these days at home, but also give them some ME time. We all need it.
As our "shelter in place" continues, please continue to look for more articles and updates from our counseling team. We look forward to connecting with you!
In health and wellness,
Janine Wange
Mental Health Coordinator
janine_wange@ipsd.org
From health concerns, to childcare issues, to finances, to isolation, plans that have dissolved, and changes in routine. It's affected us all. For teens, the stressors are many. Your teen may be struggling with feeling a lack of control over their lives. They may feel alone, suddenly cut off from friends and school supports. They may enjoy time with family but SO MUCH TIME together? It can be difficult.
How can parents help? I've put together a list of ideas that may help:
HELP YOURSELF FIRST!
1. Pay attention to your own feelings of stress or anxiety. Use healthy coping strategies like journaling, connecting with friends and family, and exercise to help. Reach out for mental health support if needed.
2. Continue to take care of yourself, including eating healthy, getting adequate sleep, and exercising.
3. Try to maintain a semblance of a routine! Yesterday, my neighbor who like many of us are newly working from home, said that a number of his colleagues have admitted that they haven't showered or changed for days. DAYS! Shower every day, get out of your pajamas and be ready for the day.
4. Many bloggers have written about how amazing this time has been to reconnect with family. Understand that this reconnecting time can also be HARD and that's OK. Enjoy the small wins, the small positives, and try to move forward.
5. Take time for yourself. In a small, confined space, this can be difficult, but especially for those introverts out there, it's necessary to rejuvenate.
6. Think of creative ways to connect with others while maintaining distance. In our neighborhood, there has been an outpouring of others trying to spread cheer. Enjoy and engage whenever possible.
NOW I'VE HELPED MYSELF, HOW DO I HELP MY TEEN?
First, know that your Metea supports are still here, albeit remotely! If you see your child struggling significantly, please reach out! This has been a difficult time for educators who love our jobs and helping students. We are struggling to know how to reach them in the ways that they currently need. It's easiest to connect via email, but we can also talk on the phone or via Zoom. But please don't hesitate to reach out.
Second, the tips listed above for parents? Most are also helpful for students.
As you know, teens can be a tricky bunch. They want parents and other supportive adults to care and reach out, but then they can push away, desiring independence. This is all normal, but... Frustrating.
Continue to try to connect. Point out the positives. Point out THEIR positives, things you appreciate about them. Set some ground rules for these days at home, but also give them some ME time. We all need it.
As our "shelter in place" continues, please continue to look for more articles and updates from our counseling team. We look forward to connecting with you!
In health and wellness,
Janine Wange
Mental Health Coordinator
janine_wange@ipsd.org