The cancellation of sleepaway camps, graduations, and even dance recitals has left many teenagers feeling lost. The lacrosse season is gone, and the spring semester of freshman year has turned into a monotonous routine from their high school bedrooms. Birthdays, family gatherings, and even trips to the beach have all been wiped from the calendar.
“Will I even have a senior year?” “What is there to look forward to?” “I’m so frustrated; I found a school I love and now I’m home,” are sentiments echoed by many teens today. I resonate with these feelings deeply. As parents, we each cope with this reality differently, often feeling helpless. The most challenging aspect is recognizing that, while we are fortunate to avoid a health or financial crisis (for now), we cannot alleviate our children’s pain.
Typically, I thrive on providing comfort—through homemade cookies, warm embraces, and thoughtful advice. Yet, during this unprecedented time, I find myself at a loss. My kids are compliant with the guidelines and even wear masks without complaint. I’ve tried to fill the void with nostalgic board games, Disney+ binges, and themed family dinners. My partner has even taken to TikTok, which has been a welcome distraction.
Despite these efforts, my teens are still experiencing sadness, as am I. We are all grappling with grief, mourning the many losses we’ve faced. In my quiet moments, I candidly share with my sister how challenging this has been. We’re bored, yet grateful, and I often feel guilty for recognizing any silver linings in our situation.
While I cherish our family time, I sometimes find it overwhelming. I feel fortunate to have a home that accommodates all five of us for work and school, yet I yearn for personal space. I often express my hopes for my children: “I hope your senior year is memorable, regardless of its form,” or “I’m grateful for the extra time we have together before you head back to college.”
Ultimately, I cannot fix this situation. Others are facing more severe struggles than we are. My teens may feel discontent, but together we will navigate these challenges. We aren’t heroes, nor are we on the front lines; we are simply doing our part. This phase will eventually pass, and we all hold onto the hope of a brighter future.
For further insights into similar experiences, check out our other blog post at Home Insemination Kit. If you’re looking for expert advice on the topic, Make A Mom offers invaluable resources, and the Cleveland Clinic’s podcast on IVF and fertility preservation, found here, is also an excellent source of information.
In summary, we’re navigating these difficult times together, acknowledging our feelings of sadness while also trying to find moments of joy. This experience has been challenging for everyone, but we remain hopeful for what lies ahead.
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