So Your Teen Doesn’t Want to Talk About the Coronavirus Pandemic

My guys and their Dad.

As parents during this time, we are experiencing an unprecedented parenting phenomenon. With school interrupted during the eventful time leading into spring celebrations and graduations, the impact of remote learning and online instruction efforts can feel even more challenging. The 2020 school year looks nothing like any of us expected, especially to the students.

I am the deeply grateful mama of two balanced and thoughtful young men, one in high school and one in college, both home respecting our family’s decision to self-isolate as much as possible. As we move about the house each tending to our own responsibilities, I find myself checking in with them more than I would be on any previous Saturday with a “How are you, sweetie?”

And how are they on Day Seven of self-isolation, do you ask? “Fine” mostly. Sometimes “good.” And occasionally “hungry” or “tired.” That doesn’t mean there aren’t more emotions and thoughts beneath the surface, but until they decide to share, those emotions and thoughts are theirs.

And how are they on Day Seven of self-isolation, do you ask? “Fine” mostly. Sometimes “good.” And occasionally “hungry” or “tired.” That doesn’t mean there aren’t more emotions…