Crises can certainly reveal the best and worst in humanity. Thankfully, we’ve witnessed an overwhelming surge of gratitude and recognition for those contributing to our collective endurance during this pandemic. From postal workers and delivery drivers to healthcare professionals and grocery staff, countless individuals have stepped up. We also owe appreciation to those adhering to stay-at-home guidelines and teachers who have adapted to new challenges. The list is extensive.
However, today I want to shine a light on a specific group: our teens and older tweens.
Navigating this age can be particularly challenging. These young individuals are beginning to understand the complexities of the world. They crave independence from their parents and thrive on social connections with their peers. When schools closed and lockdowns began in mid-March, I found myself particularly concerned for my teenager and their peers. This stage of life is marked by a need for friendships and social interactions, which normally serve as vital developmental experiences. Instead of enjoying the freedom of youth, they are confined at home.
Over the past couple of months, I’ve been consistently impressed by the resilience of teens—my own and many others.
Sure, there have been social media posts lamenting teens gathering at parks or riding bikes together. We’ve all seen them—groups of teens playing basketball while we walk our dogs, or listening to our kids plead to see their friends while promising to stay six feet apart (to which the inevitable answer is a firm no).
While it’s frustrating, and certainly not safe, it’s easy to blame teens for such behavior. Posts about “the teens down the street” who disregard social distancing quickly gather complaints. Yet, these accounts do not reflect the majority. In fact, I often observe more adults flouting guidelines than teens (I’m looking at you, group of moms sipping iced coffees together).
The teens I know—like those you likely know—are doing their best to follow the rules. They’re becoming informed about the risks of coronavirus and mostly staying home, venturing out only for family walks or backyard sports. They’re logging into various online platforms for homeschooling, adapting to a new normal. They’re coping with significant losses: no graduations, proms, sports seasons, or goodbyes to teachers. They face this unprecedented situation with remarkable grace and understanding.
Yes, there are days when they might seem moody or a bit rebellious. They may neglect schoolwork or household chores, leave cups scattered around, and forget to shower. They could be gaming too much or staying up late.
But here’s what else they’re doing: they’re finding ways to stay connected with friends, sharing laughter over video chats. They’re attending virtual office hours for extra help from teachers and even taking online music lessons. They check in on friends who may have gone quiet and are creatively engaging in activities like TikTok videos and home baking.
Some teens are stepping up in truly inspiring ways, such as delivering groceries to elderly neighbors or distributing PPE across the country. Others are simply making the best of this historic moment, navigating their relationships at home with care—an accomplishment in its own right. They are adapting to losses and forging new paths in these difficult times.
So here’s to our kids—the teens and older tweens. You’re doing an outstanding job during this unprecedented crisis. Your laughter during video chats serves as a beacon of hope amidst the heavy news cycle. Your resilience is both impressive and inspiring.
These kids aren’t just managing—they are thriving in their own remarkable ways.
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In summary, let’s recognize and appreciate our teens for their strength and adaptability during such challenging times.