The Pandemic Is Over: Time to reenergize your children

The mission of the Learning Consultants has been to help our clients – parents (mostly of teens) help their children reach their potential.

The physical effects of the Pandemic were the understandable focus.  Covid attacked the body.  Those who suffered the most were older.

The psychological effects of the Pandemic were less observable.  Covid did not overtly attack the mind.  But quite certainly the amount of depression and anxiety in our country sky-rocketed. While those of all ages suffered, it seems clear that the young suffered the most.

In working with students in Shoreline Connecticut for the past 20 years, I can attest to this point on an anecdotal level.

The most reported findings: surges in diagnosable mental illness; gaps in learning due to Zoom school; and increased failure to launch all seem clear to me.

The less reported but equally clear finding that I have seen: decreased striving to reach one’s potential.

Depletions in energy from the past two years have lowered the motivation level of many teens.  Parents, understandably dealing with their own work and life challenges brought by the Pandemic, were less willing to “inspire” (push 🙂 their children to do their best.

The result seems to be a huge number of teens in our wonderful shoreline towns (Guilford, Madison, Essex, Old Saybrook, Old Lyme, East Lyme, Waterford, Stonington et al) who are not striving.  They are just going through the motions. They don’t see the point of working hard.

Unfortunately, while the Pandemic has ended (optimist here!), adult life is just beginning for Connecticut high school students.  There are probably no good times to languish but there are definitely bad times.  Life crossroads – like heading off to college – may be the worst time to give up striving.

Happy to help your children as needed.