Hot Topics     Home and Family     Healthy Kids     Teen Health    

Ways to support your kids emotionally in the pandemic



Social isolation is hard for us all, but especially for teens

kids, emotional support, parents, family, teens

While some kids are looking forward to getting back together with school friends in the fall, others have been hit with the decisions of schools to persist with remote learning. Another semester of isolation may feel discouraging and anxiety-provoking.

Some teenagers have taken well to videoconferencing as a way to maintain contact with friends, while others gravitate toward gaming online. But those who do not enjoy online group activities may be feeling lonely. Psychologist Courtney Whitehead said she's seen an increase in teens who are sleeping long hours, reporting decreased appetite, and spending excessive amounts of time holed up in their rooms.

Pediatrician Ann Contrucci finds teens with tendencies toward mild anxiety have found those symptoms worsened under the pandemic, as they watch frightening news reports, observe their parents under stress, and have their own routines disrupted. In more extreme cases, when there's a mental health emergency, teens often have trouble getting treatment at ER's, where patients with COVID-19 are overwhelming medical resources.

Be creative in organizing activities. However, parents can play a role in helping their kids adapt as the school year begins. Find creative ways of organizing one-on-one social contact with a friend, outdoors and socially distanced.

Develop a routine. It's also helpful to encourage your teen to return to the daily routine followed during the school year, easing the transition into at-home learning.

READ MORE: Tips to keep your teen active in lockdown

Encourage a good night’s sleep. Whitehead suggested keeping an eye on sleep patterns, making sure kids are going to bed early enough to get a solid night's sleep, not staying up gaming into the wee hours. At the same time, don't let them sleep too long, as too much sleep can make a tendency toward depression even worse.

Make family time fun time. Organize family time that gives everyone a break from computers and headlines, a reminder that there's life apart from the pandemic.

Maintain your own personal good health. Most important, said both Contrucci and Whitehead, parents should pay attention to their own mental health. While pandemic stressors may distract us from self-care, we can be most helpful to our children if we maintain our own sanity and equanimity. If we give in to panic or depression, we can hardly expect them to flourish, but as we model ways of coping with stress, they can learn to do the same.




Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Save a life from stroke

    Tips from the American Stroke Association

    Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age – even young people. Despite being one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States, strokes are largely preventable, treatable and beatable – if you can control your risk factors. read more »
  • Take steps now to protect your vision

    Regular eye exams are the best thing you can do

    Your quality of life and overall well-being depend on developing healthy habits. These practices are essential to your eye health. read more »
  • How women experience heart disease differently

    Symptoms are not always obvious

    Most people think of heart attacks as debilitating pain in the chest. However, that’s not always the case, especially for women, and missing the signs can be a matter of life and death. read more »
  • Serve a simple pasta salad this summer

    A quick and easy dish your family will love

    Some summertime dishes are just too good to be true. This Easy Pasta Salad is simple enough to become a favorite side and filling enough to serve as a light main course. read more »
  • Combatting Cracked Concrete

    Causes of failing concrete and how to solve them

    Concrete is a strong, durable and easy-to-maintain material that is popular for driveways, walkways, patios and more. Like most materials, though, it can inevitably wear down over time. read more »
  • A Step-By-Step Guide to Changing Your Own Oil

    It's easier than you think

    Changing your vehicle’s oil is a crucial maintenance task that can extend its life and improve performance. It’s also a task many DIYers can handle on their own with just a few tools. read more »
  • Create a Cozy Outdoor Space with a Backyard Firepit

    Time to make a warm and inviting outdoor retreat

    A firepit can serve as a warm and inviting backyard retreat, perfect for roasting marshmallows for s’mores or stargazing while wrapped in cozy blankets. read more »
  • Phones Down, Eyes Up™

    Campaign to reduce distractions and increase water safety

    May’s National Water Safety Month, the campaign aims to reduce distractions and improve water safety awareness, specifically targeting families as they head to pools and waterfronts this summer. read more »
  • Enjoy a light summer lunch

    Make broccoli the star of this dish

    Try this broccoli salad. It makes an ideal light lunch or simple summer side. read more »
  • 2025 Free Fishing Days in New York State

    No freshwater fishing license required to fish on designated days

    Governor Kathy Hochul has announced designated Free Fishing Days in New York will take place on: June 28-29, September 27 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day). During these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters. read more »