Sleepaway camp has been canceled.
Graduation is off the table.
Dance recitals are taking place in our living room.
No lacrosse season this year.
Freshman year ended in the confines of our home.
The last day of school at the amusement park? Canceled.
Spring break? Canceled.
Birthday parties? Canceled.
Beaches and pools? Closed this summer.
We haven’t seen any of our family members in ten weeks. Family visits? Canceled.
“Will I even have a senior year?”
“What’s there to look forward to?”
“I don’t want to be here. I loved my school and now I’m back home.”
I resonate with those feelings. As parents, we each cope in our unique ways, and some days are tougher than others. The hardest realization, especially since we are not currently facing a health or financial crisis, is the feeling of helplessness in making things better for our teens.
Typically, I’m the one who offers comfort—whether through homemade cookies, cuddles, or wise words passed down from my mother or grandmother. But this time, I feel at a loss. My teens aren’t resisting the stay-at-home rules; they wear masks and understand the need to work together.
I’m doing my best to keep them engaged with paint-by-numbers, nostalgic board games, and streaming services like Disney+ and Netflix. We occasionally have themed family dinners and Zoom chats with their grandparents. My partner is even more active on TikTok than I am, which is a relief.
Yet, sadness lingers for both my teens and me. I can’t fix this situation. We are all grieving various losses. In moments of solitude or when talking with my sister, I admit: this is hard. We are bored and there’s a sense of guilt in recognizing the silver linings amidst the chaos.
I often tell myself I should be more appreciative. While we cherish the extra family time, it doesn’t always bring joy, and I feel guilty for that. I’m fortunate to have a home that accommodates all five of us for online schooling and work, but I often feel claustrophobic.
“I hope your senior year turns out amazing, no matter what it looks like.”
“I hope you’re still as excited about summer camp next year as you are this year.”
“I’m grateful to have you home from college for a few bonus months.”
Ultimately, I cannot fix everything. Others are facing tougher situations. My teens may not be happy, but we will persevere. We aren’t heroes or on the front lines. We are simply doing our part, and this too shall pass. We all hold on to the hope for a brighter tomorrow.
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Summary:
Navigating the emotional landscape of parenting teens during uncertain times is challenging. With various events canceled, families are forced to adapt to new realities. While feelings of sadness, boredom, and guilt surface, maintaining hope for the future is essential. It’s important to recognize that everyone is experiencing loss in some form, and while we can’t fix everything, we can support one another through this journey.