Responding To Conflicts With Adolescents During Quarantine

Puberty is a difficult phase, both for the youth and for their parents. This is because we are in two very different phases of life. If discussions and disagreements exist at all, conflicts with adolescents during quarantine are likely to increase.

This quarantine period has completely changed our routines and habits. We can’t leave the house, let alone live our normal lives. This situation causes all kinds of emotions in us: anger, sadness, fear, insecurity, and so on.

Therefore, as we are all going through this difficult time, we need to support each other. In addition, we should avoid confrontations as much as possible. But when they do occur, how should we respond?

How to promote harmony and avoid conflict with adolescents during quarantine

Stay calm

This is a difficult time for everyone. As adults, we feel overwhelmed by this situation and have a thousand things to do. That’s why we all need some rest to get through this situation as best we can.

Try to stick to a weekly schedule. Your routine should include time to spend as a family, time to be alone, time to work, and so on. Also make time for physical activity and talking with your friends and family via, for example, a video call.

Understanding adolescents

To avoid conflicts with teenagers during quarantine, we need to talk to them about how they feel about things. Adolescents are at a stage of life where they need to socialize, go out and be with their friends.

But in our current situation, all of that is completely impossible. It is logical that adolescents therefore feel irritated and frustrated. This can increase the tension in the house. Therefore, listen to your children instead of arguing.

Draw up rules and guidelines for this new situation

Organize a family gathering that everyone can participate in. Put together a schedule that adapts to the new routines to help everyone get along. This schedule includes time for homework, free time, household responsibilities, games, and so on.

Try to keep calm when conflicts arise

If arguments arise – and they probably will – try not to get caught up in them. It is better to let your children calm down on their own. When they have calmed down, you can talk about the problem.

Be positive and assertive

Avoid power struggles and resist the need to “show your kids who’s boss.” They already know you’re in charge. Now it is better to be positive and set boundaries, but try to be loving and firm, without being authoritarian.

Be aware of the situation

If we work together, it will be easier for everyone to get along much better. We must bear in mind that this situation is critical and we must stay at home and support each other. Conflicts only make quarantine much more difficult.

Encourage empathy to avoid conflict with adolescents during quarantine

We all have different circumstances in our family, with our children, our partners and ourselves. Obviously, this situation challenges us to spend time together and makes it impossible to avoid our problems. But if we approach things out of love, respect and empathy, the time we have at home will be much more pleasant and productive. Plus, your family will come out stronger.

How to respond to conflicts with adolescents during quarantine

Despite all your efforts, conflicts may arise. These circumstances cause us to experience a multitude of emotions and adolescents can blame their parents for what is going on. This is a difficult situation and we are the ones who have to live with our teenagers.

If there was already resentment in your house, it may seem much stronger now. What’s important is knowing how to control yourself and prevent it from getting worse.

• If you are angry or furious, it is better to give yourself some space to think and reflect. That way you avoid falling into arguments that will only make things worse.

• Find a place in your house or garden where you can be alone and relax. Breathe in slowly for as long as you need. If you feel more comfortable, you’ll be better prepared to work things out without getting angry.
• You can also use this time to do meditation exercises or yoga. This will help you stay more relaxed and focused during this time.

We are all doing the right thing to stay at home – for ourselves and for others. Obviously no one wanted this and these are difficult times for all of us. But if it’s hard for us as adults, we can bet it’s even harder for teenagers and children.

So we have to work together to avoid conflicts with our teenagers during quarantine. If we do, the whole family will be strengthened by this situation.