Two weeks ago, my 17-year-old daughter, Emily, took off to see her friends while I was out running errands. She’s been grappling with the restrictions on her social life, missing school, and not being able to work out. Emily has expressed her frustration multiple times, claiming her friends are still hanging out and that I’m being overly strict.
Let’s be honest: teenagers can be quite persuasive when they want something. When she mentions “all of her friends,” it’s likely she’s referring to just one person. And when she says they’re constantly together, it’s entirely possible they only met up once before their parents decided against it due to rising case numbers.
I’ve noticed a recurring theme in my social media feeds: parents frequently ask if they’re allowing their teens to hang out with friends. The consensus? A resounding “no” from many, and I stand with them.
As parents, we must unify in our approach to keeping our children at home: no exceptions. This isn’t a matter of differing parenting philosophies. When those philosophies put others at risk, they need to be reevaluated.
Teenagers often think only about themselves, a natural part of their development. We all remember that feeling of invincibility during our own adolescence. However, now is the moment to set clear expectations about the seriousness of the current situation.
This is not the time for your child to learn a hard lesson on their own. COVID-19 is highly contagious, and even asymptomatic individuals can spread it. Young people are succumbing to the virus. They might insist they’re fine and attempt to sway you into letting them see their friends, but this is not a situation where flexibility is warranted.
As parents, it’s our responsibility to enforce strict boundaries. We need to remember that lives are at stake. While it’s tough to witness our teens feeling isolated, that doesn’t justify disregarding social distancing guidelines. Unless your child is an essential worker, they need to stay home, and it’s up to you to ensure that happens.
When Emily decided to visit her friends during my grocery run, her father went to retrieve her. We made it clear that if she tried it again, her car keys would be off-limits until schools reopened. If our children can’t adhere to the rules, they must face serious consequences.
This is not the time for sugar-coating harsh realities. We must educate our teens on how they can contract and transmit COVID-19, even if they feel healthy. That friend they’re meeting with might live with vulnerable family members, and passing the virus along could lead to tragic outcomes.
Do you want the weight of that on your conscience simply because your teenager “needed” to socialize? I’m baffled as to why anyone would consider letting their kids mingle with others. It’s infuriating.
It doesn’t matter if they promise to maintain distance (they won’t) or wear masks (they might remove them). The only acceptable answer to your teens should be a firm “no.” Social distancing remains our best defense against this crisis.
If you believe you and your children are exempt from these guidelines, you’re part of the issue. Meeting with friends is not essential; protecting lives is. The longer people ignore these rules or claim they have no control over their teens’ choices (you do), the longer we all remain under lockdown.
The more you negotiate or think allowing your child to see just one friend for a few hours is harmless, the longer healthcare workers will be fighting without adequate protection. If you think a few hours of socializing won’t impact the situation, you’re mistaken and selfish.
Now is the time to emphasize the importance of thinking about others. Your teens have access to technology and can easily call their friends. As a parent, it’s your duty to explain that this is not a punishment; rather, it’s necessary for the greater good. If they struggle to understand the severity, that’s okay, but they still need to stay home.
Parents of teenagers, please consider this carefully. Stop allowing your kids to meet with friends. Stop deliberating about it. Keep them home and manage the situation. It’s challenging for everyone, but that’s not a valid reason to “let them live their life.” You must confront the reality: your actions could endanger others, and that is simply unacceptable.
For more insights on navigating parenting during these times, you can explore this other blog post. Additionally, reputable resources can provide valuable information on related topics.
Summary:
In the face of the ongoing pandemic, it’s crucial for parents to enforce strict guidelines regarding their teens’ social interactions. The risks associated with COVID-19 are significant, and allowing teens to hang out with friends can have dire consequences. Parents must prioritize public health over socializing and ensure that their children understand the importance of staying home.