They've looked forward to these exciting high school years—and now the rug has been pulled out from under them.
Two miles from our house, my daughter's science project sits on display in a dark, quiet classroom, as it has since March 11—ready for a science fair that will never happen. The plants she was growing are most certainly dead and dried-out by now, while across the hallway, in a cold locker, a few textbooks and a random assortment of binders collect dust, never to be needed again.
Courtesy of Joy Moore
The COVID-19 pandemic is new territory for all of us, but as adults, we are slightly more aware than our kids that life can sometimes spin out of our control. The sudden change in routine and expectations is hard on them, and it will be interesting to see—decades from now—how this experience of adaptation will shape Generation Z as they age into adulthood.
In our house, these growing pains haven't been easy. The transition to online learning and the consequential struggle with loneliness and grief over losing their way of life (proms, extra-curricular activities, abundant time with friends, just to name a few) can be the source of a lot of anger, depression, and anxiety. My biggest concern as a mom is making sure my daughter knows that my husband and I are here for her. No, we don't know the future, but we can offer our support and surround her with a loving environment.
ACT has outlined some simple things that high schoolers can do to help themselves stay motivated and keep from sinking into a spiral of depression. These helpful ideas are taken right from the ACT website:
1. Establish a routine.
Without a set schedule, a leisurely morning can easily drift into a lazy day. When you’re in school, you have bells that indicate the time of day and consequences, like tardy slips, that hold you accountable. Without a class schedule, it can be difficult to maintain consistency. So, find a new routine. Set your alarm, get dressed, eat breakfast, and “get to class” (even if that means your new desk is the kitchen table) by the same time every day.
2. Write a to-do list.
Start by figuring out what you want to accomplish by the end of the day. Factor in things you already have on the calendar, like e-learning requirements and homework assignments. Then, add in some small tasks that will help you accomplish your personal goals. For example, if you want to read a new book, jot down “read at least one chapter today” on your list.
3. Get active.
Even though you’re limited, there are still options to break a sweat. Stream a home workout on YouTube or turn up the music and choreograph a dance. If you can safely distance yourself from others, walk your dog or go for a jog outside. Getting fresh air and exercise will help keep your mind clear and find balance in your day.
4. Stay connected.
Having meaningful conversations with friends and family members is a great way to reboot when you’re bored or listless. When physically seeing somebody you care about isn’t a possibility, text messages, social media, phone calls, and video chats can help you connect to others.
5. Clear your head.
When there are things happening out of your control, it can be hard to focus on completing easy tasks. One way to tame anxieties is by acknowledging them. Write down your fears in a journal, share your concerns with a friend, or simply say your worries out loud to yourself. Getting these burdens out of your head can make them less powerful and allow more space for positive thoughts.
