Adolescents And Confinement: How They Live It

Teenagers don’t cope with being quarantined that long. If it is already an effort for adults, it is even more so for them, who are in the stage of socialization and need to relate. How can we help them cope better?

Adolescents and confinement: how do they cope with this very complicated situation at this stage of their lives in which they need independence, as the weeks go by with the state of alarm for the coronavirus? Forced coexistence is causing its effects on relationships in the family.

Being in quarantine with teenagers can be complicated, and the small conflicts that have existed until now can turn into battles. Being forced to spend weeks with parents in the vital moment they are passing (search for their independence), will make adolescents one of the groups that this confinement will cost the most.

How can we make teenagers understand that this is a temporary situation and that it will end?

We are all going through a difficult situation and that nobody would like to live. But we adults are capable of resigning ourselves to it and taking it in a different way than them. Adolescents need to go out because the body asks them to; They are at the stage where they need to socialize with their friends, and now they cannot leave the house.

We have to make it clear to them that this confinement is not our whim, but rather that it is a difficult situation and that we all have to stay home to overcome it.

Today, we live a life in which immediacy is the order of the day; We want everything here and now and, in this situation, where we have to wait and be patient, it costs us, especially adolescents.

Adolescents and confinement: how can we best handle the situation?

During these weeks there will be friction with our teenage children, but we have to try that they do not leave marks that last over time.

• Adolescents, in their state of rage and anger, can say many things, but it is important that we do not take it as something against us, but it is a consequence of the impotence and anger of not being able to go out.

• Confrontations will be inevitable during this confinement. It is not about giving rational explanations, but about stopping that impulsiveness and need to be with your friends, and having your moments of disconnection with your peers.
• We will have moments to share with the family, but we must also allow them their moments of solitude and intimacy in their room.
• It is better that during this situation we do not persist in discussions that in the end will not lead us to anything and give in from time to time.
• It is time to listen and attend to them, without haste, and, of course, give them their time.

Tips to make confinement easier for teens

Put on his place

Now more than ever, we must put ourselves in their shoes. Adolescence is a time of insecurities and changes. Their priorities at this age are based on the social aspect, so this situation is even more complicated for them.

Talk to teens about confinement

We must bear in mind that adolescents are not at the same point of maturity as adults, and this is more difficult for them to cope with. It is important to explain to them that staying at home is saving lives, and that we need their help to help at home because we cannot do everything ourselves.

Explain that this is not a vacation: set a schedule

You don’t have to get up at noon and go straight to the sofa with your phone in hand. You have to tell them the importance of maintaining some routines during these days. It is not a matter of getting up early either, but it is a question of getting up at a reasonable time and taking advantage of the morning to do homework. In this way, they will have the afternoon free to do whatever they want.

They need their moment of socialization with the mobile, but without abusing

There must be time for everything; also to talk with your friends or play with them through online games. Although they have to know that a rational use must be made and, if you have made it clear in the schedules, this step has been achieved. They will be the ones who manage the use of the mobile without abusing.

Adolescents and confinement are two concepts that do not get along. But, if we put these tips into practice, surely these weeks will be more bearable and we will avoid unnecessary conflicts. Now it’s time to fight together and stay home. Courage and patience.