3/23/2023 0 Comments Suffering in silence![]() Some may surprise you and even want a hug, but most of all, they want you to listen and just reassure them that they are loved. These disappointments are easy to joke about on social media, but the hurt sometimes runs very deep and they may just want to say it out loud. ![]() Of course, the loss of traditions or big events like proms, graduations, yearbook signing, and homecoming can be major occasions in the life of a teen. Listen for disappointments in the current situation like not having that big birthday party they were looking forward to, no more sleepovers, and the roller-skating rink still being closed. Rather than trying to come up with alternative solutions, try listening and asking more questions about what she thought it would be like and what is disappointing her the most. Her dreams of moving to another state, joining a sorority, and being part of a big college campus may seem unrealistic and disappointing. For example, a senior in high school may be afraid that going away to college is not even an option anymore with so many schools moving to online options. ![]() Adults should ask open ended questions in a casual way and then be ready to listen without interjecting. These are things that are generally not in their normal routines and will set up an informal environment conducive to opening up. For example, work on a project together like learning how to change a tire for the car, baking cookies for the family, or even working on a puzzle together. A great way to get them talking is to engage in other non-threatening activities before bringing up the subject. Our youth have opinions on every subject under the sun, but they may not feel comfortable expressing their thoughts to adults for fear of judgment or condemnation. I humbly want to offer three suggestions for staying connected with your adolescents and how you can support them in a loving and helpful way during these very unpredictable times. They have strong opinions of what is going on and what their futures may look like, and it is not always what we have all secretly wanted for our kids. Don’t get me wrong, they are talking, or should I say really texting, about how they feel and expressing themselves on social media and with their peers. I don’t want to talk about it!” At first I thought maybe it was just because of my psychology background and maybe they were afraid I was trying to launch into a therapy session, but then parents all around me started sharing the same stories of how their teens are shutting down and not wanting to talk about how they are feeling in the midst of a pandemic. However, as a parent of two teens, I also know when I ask how they are doing, the standard reply is, “Mom I am fine- leave me alone. Their minds are full of questions, theories, and insecurities not only about their present situation, but also about what may come in the future and how they will be able to navigate all the choices they have before them. Peer relationships are important and the fight for independence is strong, but confusing. MOUNT OLIVE – University of Mount Olive Psychology Department Chair Natalie Kemp shares insights on the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on teens and young adults.Īs a professional, I know that the adolescent years are significant times of growth and development as young people try to find their identities and place in the world. School of Agriculture and Biological Sciencesīy Natalie Kemp, MA, LPA, Department Chair for Psychology and Assistant Professor of Psychology.Traditional Undergraduate Financial Aid.New Traditional Undergraduate Requirements.State Authorizations and Consumer Disclosures.
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