Still, he ultimately said he felt more comfortable staying home.
And for the most part, hes been resilient and adapted to such a dramatic change.
He gets up early and starts on assignments at the same time every day.
His grades are good, and he is self-motivated.
He remembers when his Zoom meetings are, and has a good support system of adults.
But sometimes, he just needs a friend who isnt his parent.
But thats been the easy part.
Trying to navigate and supplement his emotional needs has proven more challenging.
She said what were experiencing right now is not uncommon.
She notes that most kids do have anxieties related to social distancing and life during the pandemic.
You may never know if you dont ask, and many parents might not know.
Kids can experience anxiety differently than adults and are less able to verbalize what they are feeling.
Anxiety and depression, she said, can manifest in kids in many different ways.
For example, they may feel certain physical symptoms, such as stomach aches.
This is particularly trying for more shy kids or older teens, who may keep things shut the chest.
Simply assuring a child that they are safe may seem basic, but it can actually be pretty powerful.
Schacter notes that listening, validating, and empathizing are keys.
For adolescents in particular, its also important that parents allow their child to have some space.
Respecting teenagers space and desire for autonomy while signaling an openness to communication can also help build trust.
But one thing that is known about children as a population is that they are incredibly adaptable.
For adolescents in particular, its also important that parents allow their child to have some space.
For now, there are some practical ways to check that kids still have some connection to friends.
