On Saturday mornings, I venture out with my 13-year-old son, Alex, to grab sodas and explore our quaint town while playing Pokémon Go. At this age, he often shows little enthusiasm for my suggestions, but this activity has him racing down the stairs to join me at 7 a.m. I understand if you’re questioning the early start, but as an early riser, I relish this special time with Alex, free from the distractions of his younger siblings. We usually return before anyone else is awake.
I can’t pinpoint exactly how our Saturday tradition began; one day, we just decided to do something together. Now, it has become the highlight of my week, allowing us to engage in meaningful conversations about life and the challenges posed by the pandemic, fostering a connection that is incredibly important during these times.
Just last week, while driving to a Pokémon raid in hopes of finding a shiny creature, Alex was enthusiastically sharing insights about the game—most of which flew over my head. While he was engrossed in the gameplay, I seized the opportunity to listen as he opened up about his experiences with remote schooling and the longing for his friends. He shared how scared he felt when his mom was hospitalized with sepsis, and how peculiar it felt to celebrate Halloween without her. I simply nodded and encouraged him to express his thoughts and feelings.
As we drove home, I initially thought it was just another uneventful outing, until Alex looked at me and said, “Thanks for listening.” The early morning light was dim, but I noticed his eyes were glistening, revealing emotions I hadn’t fully recognized. It struck me that the past year had been far more challenging for him than I had understood. This time spent hunting Pokémon was a vital opportunity for him to converse with me, one-on-one.
Once we arrived home, I embraced him tightly and said, “Whenever you need to talk, I’m here.” He nodded, offered a shy smile, and wiped his eyes with his hoodie sleeve before heading inside. I lingered in the van for a moment, reflecting on how crucial it was for me to be present for him.
Not every outing is as profound. Sometimes we share little conversation or simply enjoy the ride. However, the key takeaway is that we are together, providing him with a space to express himself about the complexities of this difficult year. For teenagers, navigating life during a pandemic has its own set of challenges.
To all parents of teens during these tough times, I encourage you to find ways to spend quality time together. Whether it’s grabbing ice cream, going for a walk, or just driving around listening to music, make it a point to connect. I got fortunate with this Pokémon Go idea, but even simple moments of togetherness can foster open dialogue. Your teen may not always open up like Alex, but providing them the chance to share in a relaxed setting is vital.
This year has been tough on everyone, and our teens are no exception. For more insights on parenting and connection, check out this other blog post. And for a reliable source on home insemination, Make A Mom offers great products to support your journey. Additionally, NHS provides excellent resources on pregnancy and insemination techniques.
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In summary, creating opportunities for open communication with our teenagers is essential, especially during challenging times like a pandemic. Engaging in simple activities together can foster connections that may lead to deeper conversations about their experiences and feelings.