Difficult: Puberty in times of Corona

When the rules of the pandemic collide with the desire for autonomy

"Nope, dont care," "I wont," "not in the mood." Okay, all right. Puberty is here. Everything is more important than School and what the parents do is not interesting anyway. How is a parent supposed to make himself heard in times of Corona? How to make the mask, distance and hygiene rules attractive? And why is it so difficult as a teenager when you dont see your friends so often?

Separation from the parents is important and normal at this time!

Puberty is a time of many things. It starts with a child and ends with an adult. The voice beeps, the breasts grow and everything, just everything, somehow doesnt quite fit into the picture: there are too many feelings, too many rules and how on earth can you still concentrate on the notes? Young people dont have it easy at this time - and they dont make it easy for their environment. So what can I do as a parent?

Corona parties "no" - outdoor football "yes"

Ten hours of computer games with Nils, the TV on all night? Jule chats loudly until the early hours? No. Its right that there must still be fixed rules. But instead of just talking about bans, its better to make other offers. No parties - right! But out to play football? With two or three friends? Thats okay. It is important, says youth psychologist Jakob Hein, to show understanding and take them seriously, because the brains of young people run in chaos fashion - that is normal at this time.

Counteracting the danger of isolation and loneliness

But just as important as making sure that meetings of young people do not end up in humid and cheerful Corona celebrations, it is also important to protect them from isolation. This means, for example, making up for a lack of daily structure due to the absence of training by making a plan at home for the weeks joint activities. That there are still phone calls with grandma and grandpa. That friends are called or game nights are held via video conference. Because young people react differently. Some become aggressive - some withdraw. And in the worst case they develop fears or depressions that need to be treated.

Use educational guidance centres and other assistance

But everything you suggest gets your son/daughter down the wrong path and youre at the end of your rope? There are psychologists and systemic consultants for this. Because it does not have to be you and it does not have to be your child. Sometimes parents and teenagers are on different planets and only a third person can help to bring you closer in conversation. Teenagers seek autonomy, distance and their own identity, yes. But at the same time a benevolent, facing communication must be maintained. In an emergency with Support.

Published on 19.10.2020