How is your teen coping?

By Luma Wealth on May 19, 2020

 


Addressing Unwanted Emotions


If you’re the parent of a teenager, you may be concerned about the effect the coronavirus outbreak is having on your child’s emotional well-being. Teenagers thrive on school friendships, extra-curricular activities and the joys of key milestones (like the prom and graduation) — and they are now grieving their loss. In addition, many are worried about their family’s health and financial future.

At Luma Wealth, we care deeply about the wellness of families, so we’re sharing tips from professionals that can help you help your teenager deal with unwanted emotions they may be feeling.

Allow your child to feel bad.
According to clinical psychologist Lisa Damour, it’s normal for teenagers to be upset about how they’ve been impacted by the pandemic. She suggests allowing your child to freely express his/her emotions while providing reassurance that anxious feelings are to be expected during times like this. Let your child know that dealing with today’s uncertainties will build resilience, which can help when tackling future life experiences.1

Work collaboratively with your teen.
Give your child the opportunity to help around the house, working together to brainstorm ways they can help. According to Tori Cordiano, Director of the Center of Research on Girls at Laurel School, a collaborative approach to establishing responsibilities works best. And she suggests showing appreciation for the things that they do and helping them see the bigger picture of the value they provide to give them a sense of purpose.2

Encourage your child to stay active.
Physical activity can help your teen in many ways, including releasing tension and managing stress. Regular exercise can also help boost his/her immune system.3 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that teens get about an hour of moderate exercise per day.4

Watch for warning signs.
While some anxiety is to be expected, it’s important to understand the kind of thoughts and behaviors that indicate your child may need help. If you fear your child is suffering from anxiety, depression or other mental illness, reach out to your child’s primary care physician for guidance.5

In support of Mental Health Awareness Month, our goal is to fight the stigma and provide support to families who may be struggling. If you are facing difficulties, know that you are not alone – you have the strength of the Luma Wealth community on your side.

Third-party links and references are provided solely to share social, cultural and educational information. Any reference in this post to any person, or organization, or activities, products, or services related to such person or organization, or any linkages from this post to the web site of another party, do not constitute or imply the endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of Fairport and Luma or Hightower Advisors, LLC, or any of its employees or contractors acting on its behalf.
1 Helping Teens Make Room for Uncomfortable Emotions, Lisa Damour, The New York Times, April 22, 2020.
2 Conversation with Tori Cardiano: Keeping the Peace During a Pandemic, Your Teen, https://yourteenmag.com/coronavirus/tori-cordiano-keep-peace-pandemic?fbclid=IwAR1RbEd82lGG6i0uB81Ct5gpXqIRuoPemrGY6jAP4QuH6UJTOtBZ2ysRQSE
3 How to boost your immune system, Harvard Health Publishing, April 6, 2020, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system
4 Physical Activity Recommendations for Different Age Groups, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/age-chart.html
5 Know the Signs, Warning Signs and Symptoms, National Alliance on Mental Illness, https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms


Luma Wealth is a group comprised of investment professionals registered with Hightower Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Some investment professionals may also be registered with Hightower Securities, LLC, member FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Hightower Advisors, LLC. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC. All information referenced herein is from sources believed to be reliable. Luma Wealth and Hightower Advisors, LLC have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this document. Luma Wealth and Hightower Advisors, LLC or any of its affiliates make no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information or for statements or errors or omissions, or results obtained from the use of this information. Luma Wealth and Hightower Advisors, LLC or any of its affiliates assume no liability for any action made or taken in reliance on or relating in any way to the information. This document and the materials contained herein were created for informational purposes only; the opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s), and do not represent those of Hightower Advisors, LLC or any of its affiliates. Luma Wealth and Hightower Advisors, LLC or any of its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. This material was not intended or written to be used or presented to any entity as tax or legal advice. Clients are urged to consult their tax and/or legal advisor for related questions.