As the school year progresses, most students have spent several weeks at home with their families due to COVID-19 school closures. Milestone events such as prom and graduation have been postponed, moved to a virtual setting, or have been canceled altogether.
Missing out on these traditions can be heartbreaking for students who have been looking forward to them. As parents, we can support our teens through these setbacks by finding creative ways to celebrate:
- Organize a neighborhood senior parade. Seniors and their families can drive through town (with their cars decorated) while neighbors with signs, confetti, and noisemakers to recognize their achievements.
- Decorate the outside of your house with celebratory signs
- Sponsor or join your high school’s “adopt a senior” program to distribute cards, inspirational quotes, and small gifts.
- Organize a virtual prom.
- Host a virtual graduation party with family, friends, and other loved ones.
- Consider rescheduling graduation parties for later in the year, when social distancing rules may be relaxed.
Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Can Help
If you are concerned that your teenage children are having difficulty adjusting to social distancing, your EAP can help. A counselor can provide you with practical information that can help you support your family during these uncertain times. Counselors can also provide you with coaching to boost your pandemic parenting skills.
Whether you are looking for counseling, financial advice, or legal guidance, your Component EAP is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Services are confidential, free, and do not affect your security clearance. What you discuss with EAP is never reported to your supervisor. Just like monitoring your temperature for the first signs of a fever, monitor your stress and act as soon as you need support. There is no shame in getting help.
Your Employee Assistance Program is available to provide support to you and your family members during these uncertain times. For more information, contact your Component EAP, or send an email to worklife@hq.dhs.gov.