Celebrate until the doctor comes

When young people don't want to miss parties despite Corona

"Irresponsible", "reckless", "do not understand the seriousness of the situation" - these are just some of the headlines on the subject of young people and parties during Corona times. Articles that consult experts and promise a more balanced perspective are often only available for a fee. The lurid headlines are often connected with the request that one could do without a party for a few weeks.

For young people, partying is more than just celebrating

But how are the young people? You're only 16, 17 or even 18 once. You only finish school once. Especially when most young people start to become independent, they have a strong desire to spend time outside the home and with peers. There is a lot to discover, including perhaps the first beer or the first kiss. But their own personality also makes huge leaps. All this is rather difficult if you only hang out with your own parents.

Now what? Now many things that make the time as a teenager so exciting and fun are not allowed for the foreseeable future. No parties, no graduations, no going to clubs. It's unsettling. And at the same time, there seems to be no lobby to support the concerns of teenagers. It seems to be clear that the desire to celebrate is politically far behind. This can be frustrating for your almost grown-up child.

Enough free space and good communication at home saves high health risk

Most young people are aware that so-called corona parties are dangerous. They know the potential consequences. But the fear of missing something is still there. What if they miss out on all the things that older people love to rave about because they stay home?

Ask your kid what exactly he misses about partying. Is it the people? Is it the dancing?
Show understanding for his situation, even though your wildest times may be over. You know that you won't miss anything if you stay at home but your child hasn't had that experience yet.

Maybe you can organize something at home to show understanding:

If the rules allow it, you can invite two or three friends once in a while. Then it is of course great if the parents retreat for a few hours or even do something else. Even in small groups dancing is fun and when the parents are away, you can still exchange the latest gossip undisturbed.
If it is not allowed to meet in small groups, you have to move the whole thing to the internet. Give your child enough space and leave him or her undisturbed when interacting with peers. At least this way he or she has the chance to have a little space in their own four walls. Only spin the bottle doesn't work quite as well.

Published on 12.10.2020