How to help your teenager process emotions positively during lockdown: Set a schedule, give them freedom
Most teenagers are experiencing insomnia or sleep pattern disruptions during this period.
By Shannon Tellis, ET Bureau | Updated:
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Social distancing can be hard, especially for teenagers used to spending most of their waking hours with friends. Now, during this lockdown, several teenagers are struggling with being confined to the home. “
Most teenagers are experiencing insomnia or sleep pattern disruptions. They’re sleeping at 5 or 6 am and getting up in the afternoon. There is a lack of concentration and focus, low motivational drive, and irritability. They’re getting into scraps with their parents over home chores. Their use of social media and gaming have gone up. And unfortunately, even pornography,” says Dr Zirak Marker, senior psychiatrist and advisor at Mpower - The Centre.
Experts share how to help young adults deal with the situation:
Find the trigger
“First, figure out why the lockdown is difficult for them,” says clinical psychologist Priyanka Kartari. “Is it because they don’t have access to their friends? Is it because they don’t like the house? Sit down and figure out what you can do to make it easier for them.”
Set a firm schedule
Dr Marker believes setting a proper routine with fixed timings for meals with the family, exercise, socialising with friends, sleeping, etc. will help teenagers get back on track. “None of us has fixed a time for exercise or socialising with friends online. It’s important for parents to bring everyone together for basic interaction — whether it’s breakfast/lunch/dinner.”
Give them freedom
Now that they’re confined to the house, many teenagers are struggling with a lack of independence and the ability to make decisions for themselves. According to Kamna Chhibber, HOD, Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, adolescents need reassurance.
“Engage them in decision-making and provide them with opportunities to make choices, not just for themselves, but for what activities the family can do together.”
Don’t overwhelm them
“It is critical that parents themselves remain calm and relaxed,” points out Chhibber. She says that parents should hold back on sharing troubles and challenges with their kids, who can get overwhelmed. Focus on helping them express what they are going through. “Give them the space to share their thoughts and keep giving them reassurance,” says Chhibber.
Most teenagers are experiencing insomnia or sleep pattern disruptions. They’re sleeping at 5 or 6 am and getting up in the afternoon. There is a lack of concentration and focus, low motivational drive, and irritability. They’re getting into scraps with their parents over home chores. Their use of social media and gaming have gone up. And unfortunately, even pornography,” says Dr Zirak Marker, senior psychiatrist and advisor at Mpower - The Centre.
Experts share how to help young adults deal with the situation:
Find the trigger
“First, figure out why the lockdown is difficult for them,” says clinical psychologist Priyanka Kartari. “Is it because they don’t have access to their friends? Is it because they don’t like the house? Sit down and figure out what you can do to make it easier for them.”
Set a firm schedule
Dr Marker believes setting a proper routine with fixed timings for meals with the family, exercise, socialising with friends, sleeping, etc. will help teenagers get back on track. “None of us has fixed a time for exercise or socialising with friends online. It’s important for parents to bring everyone together for basic interaction — whether it’s breakfast/lunch/dinner.”
Give them freedom
Now that they’re confined to the house, many teenagers are struggling with a lack of independence and the ability to make decisions for themselves. According to Kamna Chhibber, HOD, Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, adolescents need reassurance.
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“Engage them in decision-making and provide them with opportunities to make choices, not just for themselves, but for what activities the family can do together.”
Don’t overwhelm them
“It is critical that parents themselves remain calm and relaxed,” points out Chhibber. She says that parents should hold back on sharing troubles and challenges with their kids, who can get overwhelmed. Focus on helping them express what they are going through. “Give them the space to share their thoughts and keep giving them reassurance,” says Chhibber.
In the wake of coronavirus, several schools and colleges have been shut in many parts of the world to contain the spread of COVID-19. As public awareness and conversations around the novel virus increase, the situation can get the children anxious and worried for their family members and friends.
Parents, family members, teachers, healthcare professionals and trusted adults play a significant role in helping children make sense of what they hear in a way that is honest, accurate and minimise their fear or anxiety.
Dr Sreenath Manikanti, Senior Consultant Neonatologist & HOD Fortis La Femme Hospital, Richmond Road, Bangalore shares a few tips to help make the corona conversation easier around children.
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