Parents of teens, GO HUG YOUR TEENAGER. I am hearing how much they long for physical contact (usually accomplished by flopping all over their friends). Unsure how this will land? A quick rub on the back or side hug will give you a read. Don& #39;t be weird about it. Just do it. 1/3

Next, tell them that they are doing *such* a good job managing an incredibly hard time. As the pandemic drags on, we risk forgetting that our teens are functioning under *bananas* conditions - yet they are mostly upright & marching along all the same. Shower open admiration. 2/3

Last, if you& #39;re at odds with a teen who wants to socialize, start with, "I am so sorry that getting to see your friends is something we now have to negotiate. That is NOT how it should be." Discuss safe options, but only after empathizing with their awful "new normal." 3/3