Why Things Shouldn’t Go Back to Normal After COVID-19

There’s no question the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way families are living. Daily life for tweens and teens has dramatically changed with virtual school, separation from friends and family, and the loss of important milestone events. It’s no wonder they’re experiencing a range of emotions, including fear, anxiety, frustration, sadness, and loneliness. These emotions are a natural consequence of a crisis of human connection.

When parents approach Dr. Ken Ginsburg, Founding Director of the Center for Parent and Teen Communication, they ask with concern, “What’s going to happen to this group of teens after living through such unprecedented times?”

Dr. Ginsburg says these dramatic experiences actually offer an opportunity to raise a generation of young people who are better prepared to deal with emotions and appreciate the importance of relationships moving forward.

We must start by acknowledging and elevating what teens are going through and how they feel. Then, intentionally work to put support systems in place to help them cope with the enormous stress that remains. And above all, ensure teens find ways to connect with family, friends, and others in their communities. This generation has the potential to truly understand the value of human connection — an essential ingredient for building resilience.

Hear from Dr. Ginsburg about why he believes things shouldn’t go back to the way they were before the pandemic – and how a “new normal” could benefit teens and families.