Parenting The Quaranteen! Tips Slammed doors seem to be the new soundtrack for “My COVID Life.” Emotions are high for everyone, even if they are under the surface at times. Teen and tween emotions can change in a flash. The typical breaks we once got are now non-existent. If the phrase, “you just don’t understand,” were true before, it is even more so now. While we feel the stress, as parents, employees, as people, we cannot compare anything we have experienced in our past to what our teens and tweens are going through now and recognize that having everybody at home may be a challenge for the parents of tweens, teens, and college-age people. How do you support your child and manage your own stress? Here are some tips to maintain your own equilibrium: •
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Because of their brain development, young people have a harder time managing their feelings. Try to ignore the eye rolls and attitude – not all of it, but try to let some slide. Set clear boundaries for yourself and your young people, your sanity depends on it! Something we do in Response for Teens classrooms is set norms. In these uncertain times, we
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need them in our homes as well. Use the following questions to get your kids thinking, then develop a family contract or set of family norms. ○ What do you need to feel supported? ○ How can we act toward one another to make our home feel supportive? ○ What do you need from us when you are doing work?
