How to Respond to Conflicts with Adolescents During Quarantine
Adolescence is a difficult stage, both for youth as well as their parents, as we find ourselves in two very different stages of life. If discussions and disagreements already exist, then conflicts with adolescents are prone to increase during quarantine.
This confinement period has changed our routines and habits completely. We can’t leave the house, much less carry out our normal lives. This situation produces all sorts of emotions in us: anger, sadness, fear, uncertainty, etc.
Therefore, because we’re all going through a complicated time, we need to support one another. And, what’s more, as much as possible, we need to avoid confrontations. But if they do arise, how should we respond?
How to promote harmony and avoid conflicts with teens during quarantine
Keep your cool
This is a difficult time for everyone. As adults, we feel overwhelmed by this situation and have a thousand things to do. Therefore, we all need some peace in order to get through this situation as best we can.
Try to stick to a weekly schedule. Your routine should include time to spend as a family, time to be alone, time for work, etc. Also, set aside time for physical activity and talking with your friends and family by video call.
Understanding adolescents
To avoid conflicts with adolescents during quarantine, we need to talk to them about how they feel about things. Teenagers find themselves in a life stage where they need to socialize, go out, and be with their friends.
But in our current situation, that’s all completely impossible. It’s logical for teens to feel irritated and frustrated, and this can increase household tensions. Rather than arguing, listen to your kids.
Establish rules and guidelines for this new situation to avoid conflicts with adolescents
Organize a family meeting where everyone can participate. Together, set up a schedule that adjusts to your new routines to help everyone get along. This should include time for homework, leisure time, household responsibilities, games, etc.
If conflicts arise, try to stay calm
When arguments develop – and they probably will – try not to get caught up in them. It’s better to allow your kids to calm down on their own. Then, once they’re ready, you can talk about the issue.
Be positive and assertive
Avoid getting into power struggles and resist the need to “show your kids who’s the boss.” They already know you’re in charge. Now, it’s better to be positive and establish limits, but try to be loving and firm without being authoritarian.
Be conscious of the situation
If we work together, it will be easier for everyone to get along much better. We need to keep in mind that this situation is critical and we need to stay home with our families and support one another. Conflicts will just make quarantine that much harder.
Encourage empathy
We all have different circumstances in our families, with our children, our partners, and ourselves. It’s clear that this situation challenges us to spend time together and makes it impossible to avoid our problems. But if we handle things with love, respect, and empathy, the time we have at home will be much more pleasant and productive. What’s more, your family will come out stronger.
How to respond to conflicts with adolescents during quarantine
- Despite all your efforts, conflicts may arise. These circumstances cause us to experience a multitude of emotions. And teenagers may be prone to blame their parents for what’s going on. This is a complicated situation and we’re the ones that have to live with our teens. If there was already resentment in your home, it may seem much stronger now. What matters is knowing how to manage it and keep it from growing.
- If you feel angry or enraged, it’s better to give yourself some space to think and reflect. That way, you’ll avoid getting into arguments that will only make things worse.
- Look for a place in your home or yard where you can be alone and relax. Breathe deeply for as long as you need. When you’re feeling more at ease, then you’ll be more prepared to resolve matters without getting upset.
- You can also take advantage of this time to do meditation exercises or yoga. This will help you stay more relaxed and focused during this time.
We’re all doing the right thing by staying home – for ourselves and others. It’s clear that nobody wanted this and that times are hard on all of us. But if it’s hard on us as adults, we can be sure it’s even harder on teens and children.
We need to work together to avoid conflicts with our adolescents during quarantine. If we do, the entire family will be strengthened by this situation .