| The news that's been on a lot of parents' minds this week is how Facebook knew Instagram was detrimental to teens' mental health, as reported in the Wall Street Journal. It's particularly difficult for teen girls because of body-image issues. But it also isn't great for boys, according to the social media company's own study. Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, is a balm and a bane in our house — it lets our teen stay in touch with far-flung camp friends, and it was a connection to pals here, as they go to new high schools. But I also have seen and heard how these teens get sucked in and pulled under as they scroll through their feeds, staring at people who have (supposedly) nicer things, better friendships, amazing bodies. My friends and I were texting about the article this week, and that morphed into a discussion about how even for us adults, staring at the feeds of beautiful home design, perfectly organized living rooms and pristine kitchens can make us feel meh. Lucky for me, these friends then started the best text thread ever: Photos of our piles of sports gear, shoes and messy desks as a reminder that it's not all spotless vintage rugs and minimalist dining rooms. Lucky us, our brains are mature enough to know this. Our teens? Maybe not so much. So I'm grateful for this piece today by Jennifer Breheny Wallace, which helps parents figure out how to handle kids and their Instagram accounts once that genie is out of the bottle. Because let's face it, we're really not going back. Hoping you all have a relaxing weekend. I don't know about you, but my kids are wiped out after really getting back into school. Which takes me to this smart tweet from middle school counselor and On Parenting writer Phyllis Fagell: "Just a reminder that kids need unconditional positive regard – especially right now. That doesn't mean you accept poor behavior – it means you see them as inherently human when they make a mistake, recognize they're doing the best they can & never withhold warmth or affection." My plan for the weekend is to recognize they're doing the best they can, and to just have some fun. Everyone's brains probably need some comfort and relaxation, messy house or not. Let's Instagram that, shall we? Perspective ● By Meghan Leahy and Amy Joyce ● Read more » | | | |
Parenting in a Pandemic These are challenging times for any parent to navigate. Let On Parenting help. Below you'll find a selection of expert advice and personal stories for all types of parents. To keep up with The Post's best advice for living through a lockdown, including recipes to make, shows to watch, the best socializing apps, resources for parents, guidance for managing anxiety and tips for canceled trips, bookmark Your Life at Home. And the latest on school reopenings can be found on The Post's Education page. For vaccinated parents with unvaccinated kids | Vaccinated adults may have more freedom. But for kids, 'the rules haven't changed.' For parents dealing with virtual school | Strategies to improve distance learning | Tips for creating a good learning environment at home | How parents can avoid anxiety around distance learning For parents dealing with in-person school | How to help children adjust to masks, according to experts and parents | As kids move from quarantine to school, separation anxiety may follow. Here's how to help. For parents working from home | 6 strategies for parents struggling with work-from-home interruptions For parents looking ahead to post-pandemic life | The pandemic changed everything about family
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