The cancellation of sleepaway camp, graduation ceremonies, and dance recitals has left many families reeling. Events that once marked joyful milestones have transitioned to virtual formats, or worse, been completely scrapped. Lacrosse seasons are lost, and the spring semester of freshman year has turned into a solitary experience in a bedroom. Family visits have been put on hold, and the summer has seen beaches and pools closed.
Amidst this chaos, my teens are grappling with uncertainty: “Will I even have a senior year?” “What is there to look forward to?” “I hate that I found a school I love, only to come home.”
I resonate with their feelings. As parents, we’re each coping with these challenges in our own ways. The hardest part is coming to terms with the fact that while we aren’t facing a health or financial crisis at this moment, we feel powerless to uplift our kids in any meaningful way.
It’s in my nature to provide comfort—whether through homemade cookies, warm hugs, or sage advice. Yet, this time, I find myself at a loss. My teenagers are compliant with shelter-at-home guidelines and even wear masks without complaint, but it doesn’t change the fact that they’re struggling.
I try to keep their spirits up with nostalgic board games, paint-by-numbers kits, and binge-watching sessions on platforms like Disney+ and Netflix. We host family theme dinners and Zoom calls with relatives. Thankfully, my partner has taken to TikTok, offering a little levity amidst the heaviness.
Yet, sadness lingers in the air. We are all navigating our own stages of grief, mourning the losses of experiences we took for granted. In my more honest moments, whether alone or chatting with a friend, I admit: this situation is tough. We’re bored and yet grateful. I feel guilty for finding silver linings and wish to be more appreciative of our time together.
Despite enjoying family bonding moments, the reality is that I sometimes feel overwhelmed. Our home offers space for all five of us to work and learn online, but I often crave solitude. I want to encourage my teens: “I hope your senior year turns out amazing, whatever that looks like.” “I hope you’re still excited about summer camp next year.” “I’m grateful for the extra time we have together.”
But I recognize the truth: I can’t fix this. Others are facing far worse challenges. My teens are unhappy, but we will persevere through this together. We may not be heroes or on the front lines, but we’re doing our part. This will come to an end, and we collectively hope for brighter days ahead.
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Summary
Parenting teens during uncertain times poses unique challenges, with many traditional milestones being canceled or altered. As families navigate grief and sadness, it’s important to find ways to connect and support one another. Though feelings of powerlessness may arise, acknowledging these emotions can help foster resilience and hope for a brighter future.