Every Saturday morning, I take my 13-year-old son, Ethan, out for sodas and we explore our quaint town while playing Pokémon Go. At this stage in his life, he shows little interest in most activities I suggest, but this particular outing motivates him to rush down the stairs and jump in the car by 7 a.m. I know what you might be thinking—7 A.M.? Why so early? But I’m an early bird, and the rest of the family sleeps in, making these mornings uniquely ours. It’s a time where there’s no competition from his younger siblings, and we usually return home before anyone else is awake.
I’m not sure how this tradition started. One day, both of us happened to be awake, and I asked if he wanted to do something together. Now, the joy he expresses every Saturday has become the highlight of my week. More importantly, it provides a space for us to discuss life and the challenges we face during the pandemic, fostering a connection that is vital at this time.
A couple of weeks ago, we were on our way to a Pokémon raid, hoping to catch a shiny Pokémon. He rambled on about strategies and terms I didn’t fully grasp, and I simply nodded along while following his directions. I’ll admit, I don’t completely understand the game, but I’m getting there. While Ethan is focused on the Pokémon, my goal is the conversation. Amidst our gaming, he opened up about his experiences with online school and expressed how much he missed his friends. He also shared how scared he was when his mother had a serious health scare in October, and how strange it felt to celebrate Halloween without her. I listened, asked questions, and validated his feelings about the difficulties of the past year.
As we drove home, I reflected on what seemed like an ordinary outing until Ethan looked up at me and said, “Thanks for listening.” Even though it was still dim outside, I noticed his eyes glistening, not quite in tears, but close. I didn’t say anything, but it dawned on me how deeply he had been affected by everything—remote schooling, the fear of losing his mother, and the overall stress of the pandemic. That drive for Pokémon became a precious opportunity for him to converse with me freely.
Once we reached home, I parked the van and embraced him warmly. “If you ever need to talk, I’m here.” He nodded, gave me a slight smile, wiped his face with his hoodie sleeve, and headed inside. I lingered in the van for a moment, realizing how crucial it was for me to simply be there for him.
Of course, not every outing is filled with deep conversations; sometimes we drive around in silence. Yet, the key is that we are together, and he has the chance to express himself. These mornings have established a safe space for him to share his thoughts and emotions. Navigating teenage years during a pandemic is undeniably tough.
So, to all the parents raising teenagers during these challenging times, my advice is to find ways to spend time with them. Whether it’s grabbing ice cream, going for a walk, or simply cruising around with music, it’s important to create those opportunities for connection. I’ve been fortunate that Pokémon Go has sparked Ethan’s interest, but any shared activity can pave the way for meaningful conversations. Your teen might not open up like mine did, but providing them a comfortable environment to converse is essential right now. This year has been hard on everyone, and our teenagers are no exception.
For more insights on navigating parenthood and fostering connections, check out this article on seasonal dishes or consult Make a Mom’s at-home insemination kit for additional resources. Additionally, Rmany’s blog offers excellent guidance on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
The article emphasizes the importance of connecting with teenagers during the pandemic through shared activities, such as going out for sodas and playing games. These moments provide a safe space for open conversations, allowing teens to express their feelings about the challenges they face. Parents are encouraged to seek out opportunities for bonding, as these interactions can significantly impact their children’s emotional well-being during such a difficult time.
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