This past year and a half has been beyond challenging for teenagers. Summer is here, and with vaccines and case numbers coming down, a glimpse of life resembling something slightly closer to normal appears to be on its way. Some teens manage well, some struggle in a few areas, some check out, and some are overwhelmed with soaring screen time, anxiety, sleep issues, and social isolation.
We have learned that nothing about a pandemic is easy. For teenagers, the psychological effects can be as unique and unpredictable as they are. There is, however, light at the end of this tunnel, and now is the time to dig in and help our kids reset for success this fall and for their future. Here are seven ways to help.
- Book daily unplugged hours outside. Walk, bike, hike in a new ravine, or pick up take-out and head to the park. A daily dedication to being offline and out in nature for an hour, in the morning, mid-day, or after dinner, literally changes our physiology and reduces stress.
- Follow your teen’s lead on family activities. Board games, poker, video games, making a new twisted recipe from YouTube. Do anything they want, their way, more often. Do not shoot down ideas. Go with it.
- Talk openly about mental health challenges. Check in on your teen’s feelings with curiosity, care, and respect. Talk about your own challenges and create space to listen without commenting or trying to fix everything right away. Watch for signs of depression. Your teen may just need to be heard, or you may discover that they are open to professional support if needed.
- Support any new creative interest. We are all creative. Watch your teen and pay attention to what they are into. Provide the tools and encouragement for them to explore new creative outlets: music, video editing, dance, graphic design, drawing, sketching, painting, international cuisine, bacon topped donuts. Anything goes.
- Let them redo their bedroom. Our kids have spent way too much time in their rooms, and you can be sure they are sick of it. Ask them if they want to change it up. Let them pick the look, the colours, and the themes. Help paint the walls, then get out of there. Let them hang posters and pick new sheets and curtains. Find an awesome giant pillow with a quote on it, and maybe order them a weighted blanket for a better sleep.
- Watch what they watch, together. Yes, this is a screen time suggestion, but let us be honest, we are still watching Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu. So why not try their favourite series, sit back, and share it. Do not underestimate the entertainment value of The Walking Dead, Drag Race, Elite, and so many other binge favourites.
- Invite their friends over, then get out of the house. As reopening phases expand, encourage your kids to have friends over. Fund the backyard pizza party, let them host a horror movie night, or whatever their crew is into. Then get out of the house and give them space to reconnect, laugh, and be loud, messy, and real.
We hope your family has a chance to unwind and recharge in healthy ways this summer. Our team is looking forward to the new school year with fresh perspective and even greater insight into helping teens shift from struggle to success. If your teen needs a smaller, more supportive place to make that shift, we are here.