Valentine’s Day is probably the one day of the year that most people want to enjoy. However, it can also be stressful for some people, including teens and young adults who are trying to figure out how they feel about their crush, and parents who might worry about their child’s emotions. Find out in this article by Infano, what you can do to make Valentine’s Day less stressful if you are the parent of a young adult.
It’s a time for love and romance, but Valentine’s Day can also be a time for stress and anxiety. In modern times, it seems like teens may be stressed out by the day more than anyone else. Parents may also feel anxious and worry about how to handle their kids’ emotions at this time of year.
A new study out of the University of Toronto has found that teen anxiety levels on Valentine’s Day spike higher than usual. The research, conducted by a team of psychologists and led by PhD candidate Anna Remenick, surveyed a group of around 228 high school students, asking them how they felt about the holiday.
The Origin of Valentine’s Day
You may know that Valentine’s Day is a holiday to celebrate love, but do you know the original story behind it? The idea of Saint Valentine was created in association with a priest who was imprisoned for marrying Christians to each other. In the legend, he sent a note signed “Your Valentine” to a girl he knew before his execution. Read More…
The Modern Teenager and their feelings
Love is a tricky emotion for teenagers. It’s a time of stress and pressure. Teenagers deal with the uncertainty of how their love will be reciprocated or if they’ll experience a broken heart. The more pressure, the less likely it is that a teenager will play the dating game. It’s estimated that only 20% of children have been on a date by age 18. This age is mixed with a surge in hormones and uncertainty and the thrill of pursuing romantic relationships.
The teenagers’ feelings about Valentine’s Day are dramatic. On one hand, they want to be loved so much that they enjoy the feeling of receiving gifts and flowers. On the other hand, they are aware of the expectations that come with this holiday. They know how their friends will evaluate their performance on this day. That is why they feel stressed out because they try hard to please everyone at once.
Why Young Adults Feel Pressured
It has been found that Valentine’s Day is a very stressful day for many young adults. Some of the common worries are related to peers or romantic relationships. This is a reflection of a shift in society, whereby we have become more concerned with our own personal happiness and what others think of us. Many young adults also feel that the day is overrated and don’t feel the need to participate.
There are many ways in which social pressure creates anxiety in young adults. For example, when one person in a social group is not interested in Valentine’s Day, it can create tension within the group. It’s also difficult for some people because Valentine’s Day may remind them of past relationships. But for others, Valentine’s Day can be an enjoyable experience filled with romance and excitement. However, for someone with no significant other, it may create a Fear of missing out or a feeling of isolation if the rest of the friends are dating or in romantic relationships.
Parents and their Teens
Valentine’s Day is a day for love, a time to celebrate the bond between couples. However, it can also be a stressful time for parents and their teens. Teens may feel pressured by peers to have a date and take them out. Many people feel pressure to express their love in the form of expensive gifts. There are ads on TV, commercials on social media, and messages from friends telling you to go shopping for your significant other. It can be exciting for some people, but it’s also scary because the pressure to find someone is on.
How to Help Kids Deal with the Stress and Pressure on Valentine’s Day?
This year Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday, which means that it will be the first day back to work or school after the holiday weekend. The pressure to find that perfect gift or spend time together can easily cause stress and overwhelm many couples.
To keep the stress level down, try keeping things simple. Don’t let them feel obligated to spend a lot of money on dinner or other activities. Instead, tell them to focus on quality time together and putting thought into something special to give your loved one.
Keep your child comfortable with the pressure of Valentine’s Day by encouraging them to be themselves and have fun.
If your child is experiencing signs of depression, it may indicate a bigger problem. Encourage them to talk to a trusted adult or friend about their feelings.
You may also want to speak with a counselor or psychologist about your child’s behavior and feelings. Your therapist may be able to create a coping strategy so your child is able to have fun instead of sinking into depression.
Another way for your child to feel better about themselves is to do something for someone else. Set up a meal schedule with friends or family, and encourage your child to cook for others or help others. Even if it’s just helping clean the house, your child will feel like they are contributing to their world.
Create a plan with your child to get through the day. Make it fun and avoid any conflicts as much as possible.
If your teenager is already in the dating scene make sure you are up to date on their plans and know where they are going and with whom. Always be prepared for the unexpected, and be understanding if your child needs to call home. Encourage them to share their live location for safety.
It is better to be safe than sorry and pays to be informed about your child’s plans and romantic interests.
If you are the parent of a young adult, tell us how you cope with the parenting pressures and what works for you.
