The quarantine and social distancing mandated by the Covid-19 outbreak impacts all our lives.
Help For Students
For students, the switch to virtual schooling is disruptive. In most cases, teaching is virtual and hurried, focusing on assignments to be completed by the student on his/her own. High school courses have transformed into a combination of the excessive busy work of early schooling and the hands-off/self-directed learning model of large college courses.
Some students find this is a blessing, as they do not feel like they are wasting hours listening to boring, confusing, or un-helpful teacher presentations. For those who struggle to learn on their own, who cannot read the chapter and make sense of the ideas and concepts, and for those with low motivation, disorganization, or attention and learning problems, self-directed learning is a disaster.
Worse yet, the rules of social distancing and quarantine mean that buzzing adolescent energy is left to fester. The typical routine and outlets of school, sports, activities, social life has been crushed by the hammer of state, local, and federal rules keeping teenagers inside their homes. In the first weeks of this new life, some students are starting to show signs of anxiety and depression. Others cause additional stress in the family at a time when life is tense.
Teenagers need guidance, structure, and an outlet for their thoughts, wonders, and frustrations. Families and teens need the help of advisers like me more than ever. My performance coaching program helps any teen make the best of a difficult time, one that will not likely dissipate soon. A compassionate, helpful, and wise guide can make life better for your teenager and your family. One hour per week of planning, reviewing, reflecting and brainstorming about school assignments and upcoming projects, personal and family life, well-being, and the future provides the necessary structure in a disorganized world.
Help For Parents and Other Adults
For parents, the issues are different. Very few adults have prospered under the pressures that we are experiencing. While the rules of social distance and quarantine may bring our families closer, this can be a double-edged sword. Escape from work, child demands, spouse, is nearly impossible. There may be a few quiet moments, however quarantine anxiety and stress are difficult to put aside. Yet, the demands do not let up.
Your job will require continued productivity amid chaos. Your children will take more of your time and attention with their stressors and demands. The present and future may look much different than the life you’ve led for the last decades, as realities shift quickly and dramatically. How do you respond?
In a difficult time, your need for assistance is greater. You need help to complete important tasks and maintain productivity at work, support to maintain your mental health and well-being, and an outlet to soundboard your ideas and fears.
I began my career in the helping professions in New York City, working with adults and parents who were rebuilding their lives after the devastation of 9/11. While the events of those days were different than our current circumstances, the stress, physical containment, and uncertainty were major factors both then and today.
I want to support you and know exactly how to help parents survive and prosper in this strange new reality. My coaching services are available to assist you in managing important domains like family, career, future, stress, and well-being. There is no reason to struggle with challenges that you didn’t agree to or anticipate. One hour of coaching each week, with someone outside your household, to plan, review, brainstorm, and vent can transform your time in quarantine from overwhelming to manageable.