Crisis has a unique way of revealing both the best and worst in people. Thankfully, we’ve witnessed a surge of gratitude and recognition towards those who are stepping up during this pandemic. Postal workers, delivery personnel, healthcare professionals, grocery store employees, and those sticking to stay-at-home orders deserve our applause. The list goes on, but I want to take a moment to shine a light on a specific group: our teens and older tweens.
Navigating this challenging time is particularly tough for adolescents. They’re at a pivotal stage where understanding the situation is crucial, and they were just beginning to gain their independence. Social interaction with peers is essential for their growth and development. When schools closed and lockdown measures were implemented in mid-March, I felt a wave of concern for my teenager and others in this age group. They’re meant to explore the world beyond their parents’ watchful eyes, not be confined at home 24/7.
Over the past few months, I’ve been continually impressed by the resilience of teens—not just my own, but many others. Yes, we’ve seen posts lamenting teens gathering in parks or riding bikes together. We might catch glimpses of them playing basketball while we walk the dog or hear our kids pleading to hang out with friends under the pretense of social distancing (to which the answer is a firm no).
While it’s easy to focus on the few who aren’t adhering to guidelines, this behavior doesn’t represent the majority. In fact, I’ve noticed that many of those flouting social distancing rules are adults, not teens. Most young people I know are taking the situation seriously. They are educating themselves about COVID-19, practicing social distancing, and engaging in limited outings for walks or backyard games. They’re reluctantly logging into virtual classrooms and coping with significant losses—cancelled graduations, proms, sports seasons, and more—with remarkable grace and understanding.
Of course, they have their off days—some may seem down or act a bit cheeky. They might neglect chores, leave clutter around the house, or indulge in video games and late-night binge-watching. But amidst this, they are also maintaining connections with friends, sharing laughs over video calls, attending virtual classes, and even picking up new hobbies.
Some teens are performing truly commendable acts, like delivering groceries to elderly neighbors or providing PPE to those in need. Others are simply managing to coexist peacefully with their families during this unprecedented time, which can be considered heroic in itself. They are adapting to their new reality and finding ways to make the best out of a challenging situation.
So, here’s a toast to our teens and older tweens. You are handling this crisis with aplomb, and your laughter and creativity provide a much-needed reprieve from the bleak news cycle. Your adaptability and strength are nothing short of inspiring.
If you’re interested in more insights, check out this blog post that discusses various aspects of family life. For those exploring the topic of home insemination, Cryobaby offers a reliable home insemination kit. Additionally, for further reading on fertility, Medical News Today is an excellent resource.
Summary
Teens are navigating the challenges of quarantine with resilience and creativity. Their ability to maintain friendships, adapt to new learning methods, and help others is commendable. Amidst the chaos, they are showcasing grace and strength, reminding us that they are indeed remarkable.