7 tips to support our adolescents in times of confinement and social isolation

The crisis that generated COVID-19 canceled many things and adolescents resent it. Events such as graduations, Sweet 16, end of the year trips, are usually activities that are expected with great emotion and are remembered for years to come and this absence of important events is only the beginning.

Teens are locked up at home, away from their closest support group: their friends and peers.

What are parents supposed to do to help them cope with these difficult times?

Acknowledgment of their feelings

It is tempting to tell a teenager to look on the bright side when they are sad or upset that their prom, graduation ceremony, or birthday party has been canceled. «Often times, the initial response of parents is to try to change their way of seeing the situation and say: ‘Well, at least, you are healthy’ or ‘you will have other incredible experiences in the future'», However, this answer frustrates the adolescent because he feels misunderstood. A better way to deal with it is: Listen and feel empathy. ‘Yes, it is a very difficult situation. I know how hard you’ve worked for this. I am deeply sorry this happened.

Make sure they don’t sleep too much

Sleeping for long hours during the day may be some teens’ response to that. Don’t let this happen. Excessive sleep is not good for emotional balance and it will be more difficult for you to adjust to your usual routine when life returns to normal.

Follow a routine

Encourage your teen to follow a routine each day: eat on time, do homework, help around the house, connect with friends virtually, and limit nap time and screen time.

Encourage your teen to follow a routine each day

Eat on time, do homework, help around the house, connect with friends virtually, and limit nap time and screen time.

Let the teenager decide their virtual celebrations

Adolescence is a stage in which we want more independence, more options. Some teens may be excited about a graduation dance or virtual birthday, but others may find it strange to get ready to sit in front of the computer, do not insist. Whether it is the teenager who decides to celebrate in front of the screen or not.

Moving

La falta de actividad física puede llevar a la depresión —o empeorarla, si ya se está deprimido. Hoy hay opciones, pueden ser las clases de baile, deportes o los videos para hacer ejercicio en en línea.

Lack of physical activity can lead to depression — or make it worse, if you’re already depressed. Today there are options, it can be dance classes, sports or videos to exercise online.

At Colegio Celta we have an option called All Access where online classes are taught that will keep your children moving.

Encourage your teen to be generous

Lending a hand to those who need it can empower a teen and counteract feelings of helplessness. It can be activities as simple as handing over groceries to a grandparent, sewing masks for neighbors, or calling a friend who had a bad week.

“This is a good opportunity for teens to see themselves as leaders and to find ways to support each other and support their community”

Ask for help

If your teen is depressed or anxious, or isolating himself from friends, family, and school, ask for help. There are lots of therapists who are even donating their time and knowledge to help out in various groups. At Colegio Celta we have Psychologists who can gladly guide you, come to us.

En el Colegio Celta contamos con Psicólogos que con gusto pueden orientarlos, acércate a nosotros.

Be kind to your teen and yourself

“It is important for parents and caregivers to take care of their own mental health,” adds Dr. Conn. “There is uncertainty of the unknown that threatens us right now. We have to treat ourselves with love. We must have empathy and compassion not only towards our young people, but also towards ourselves.

Fuente: www.chla.org

Con información de: Katie Sweeney  (como ayudar a su adolescente en tiempos de COVID-19) Junio 22, 2020