Learning To Embrace Uncertain Times

It’s no secret that today’s world is the definition of uncertain times. When it comes to parenting, you want nothing more than a safe place for your child to grow and learn the ways of life. There is a difficult but important shift that occurs during adolescent development. During this, parents must also shift their focus from “How do I shield my child from harm and hardship” to “How do I best prepare my child to successfully navigate the inherent challenges and struggles of young adulthood.” 

We Are in Uncertain Times

When COVID-19 hit, there were many things that we didn’t know. Is school going to be back in session? When will normal return? How will our “new life” look? Teenagers specifically may start to have increased feelings of anxiety and isolation. Which is a normal feeling during a worldwide pandemic. They may be searching for hope during this uncertain time and want to find normalcy. 

The therapeutic work that we do at Eva Carlston allows students to explore their emotional and cognitive patterns. This helps them avoid self-destructing or fixating on the future beyond their control. Adaptability and flexibility are skills that can be taught. Along with problem-solving and coping skills, which allow them to adjust to whatever “curve balls” life may throw at them. 

How To Succeed in Uncertain Times

When helping teens learn to focus on what is in their control instead of what isn’t, it is important that we teach some core lessons. We shouldn’t confuse “I can’t control everything” with, “I can’t control anything.” Since there is so much unknown about the future, we should focus more on the short term process rather than things that are always subject to change.

Especially now, it’s vital to create normalcy and routine where possible. This can not only help with anxiety that may start to creep up, but can also create a more stable environment to explore changes that are happening. The typical unknowns of life feel even more uncertain in times of community stress. 

For example, at Eva Carlston, we instill daily routines into our student’s lives. Although the details might change, the general structure of daily life, and daily goals, remain predictable. This allows students to have a safe foundation. This allows them to explore more complex issues all while knowing they can return to the familiar routine as an emotional “home base.”

At Eva Carlston Academy, we make sure our students’ lives remain as stable as possible. While emotional support will last throughout their lives, we believe that it is crucial for teens to learn self-care, resiliency, and problem-solving skills to tackle those unavoidable life challenges with increasing independence and self-sufficiency.