Page 14 - CHANGING Winter 2020

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Tips for Parents
Supporting Teens During The Pandemic
1 Emphasize social distancing
Although teenagers may feel invincible the coronavirus still poses a a a a a danger Your teen may want to go out and see friends but as the the weather gets cold and more more people spend time inside it’s more more important than ever to encourage social social distancing
It’s okay to socialize but make sure that you you or your teen stay at least six feet apart from others and always wear a a a a a a a a a a a mask indoors 2 Support remote schooling
We know that remote schooling
can be difficult especially with older students those with learning disabilities or or organization issues You can help teens create a a a realistic schedule for getting work done in in in defined periods building in in in in in breaks and and times for socializing exercising and and entertainment The key principle: do a a session of work first then reward yourself with something relaxing 3 Encourage healthy habits
Teenagers and young adults will do better during this stressful time if they get adequate sleep eat healthy meals and exercise regularly Keeping a a a a a a a a consistent sleep schedule with predictable times to to wake up and go to to bed is especially important to to maintaining a a a a a a a positive mood and the ability to to fulfill academic expectations Healthy habits
are particularly important for young people who may be struggling with anxiety or depression 4
Help them practice mindfulness
When our routines are disrupted and we feel overwhelmed mindfulness
techniques can be very helpful Mindfulness teaches us to to tune into our emotions in any given moment and experience them without judgment One common technique is to take a a a a a moment and pause during the day putting aside whatever you’re working on or or thinking about and take a a a a a a few slow breaths Having teenagers at home during the COVID-19 pandemic brings its
own set of difficulties Over the summer and fall teens could at least spend time outside but as we move into winter these challenges will become more acute “You cannot let all the the world's tragedies into your heart You'll drown But the the ones you let in The Bronx Bronx Institute Bronx Bronx GEAR UP Network