Lockdown Diary Of A Teenager: Who does your home have, The Grinch or The Optimist?
We all are aware of the fact that teenage is a defining period of a person’s life. It is when they find their own niche, develop their personality and discover their true self. Our lot is abundant with myriad personalities, each distinct from one another. Being a teenager myself, I felt that it was my sacred duty to honour these animated souls, their behaviours and characteristics during this quarantine period that the novel coronavirus has put us all into.
1. The Worrywart
This type of teenager is the self-proclaimed ‘dada/dadi’ of the family. ‘The Worrywart’ constantly polices the rest of the family members to strictly abide by rules, such as regularly washing hands, sanitising them, etc. Their hours are spent either near the wash-basin or in front of the television with eyes and ears alert for the next case to be announced. Upon such an announcement, ‘The Worrywart’ heralds the apocalypse, renewing his/her cycle of policing and ensuring practise.
2. The Ostrich
Every family has that one person who dwells in their own fantasy world and is least bothered by the happenings around them. ‘The Ostrich’, as the name suggests, buries his/her face in the sand, signalling that they do not wish to be disturbed by the ‘insignificant’ corona-sermons by their parents.
3. The Chatterbox
If only friends could be transported by the click of a button! ‘The Chatterboxes’ try their level best to reduce the bane of social distancing by constantly staying glued to their phones. From video-calling to texting, these teenagers have got it all covered. Though their family is by their side, they cannot resist chatting with all their buddies in the effort to not fall off the social ladder.
4. The Grinch
This teenager is probably the worst nightmare of a family; especially in quarantine, when there is no escape from the perpetual bouts of complaining, whining and sulking. ‘The Grinch’ refuses to cooperate with the demands of the current scenario and constantly wallows in self-pity, callously reminding others of their misery.
5. The Optimist
‘The Optimist’ brings the element of happiness to the table. Always looking at the brighter side of things, this teenager helps lighten the mood with his/her innovative ways of remaining entertained. Keen on learning new skills and improving on earlier ones, this teenager knows how to keep busy. It is essential to have at least one optimist in the family to maintain some level of sanity!
Dear parents, by now, though you may wish for your teens to disappear altogether no matter what their ‘quarantine personality’ may be, please try to spend this time trying to know your children better. Sit down with a clear and open mind, listen to the troubles or antics of your teens without judging them, and make them feel understood and protected. Who knows, you might just spill your own childhood secrets and bond over silly teenage jokes!
Also read: Lockdown Diary Of A Teenager: Screens are fine, but when can we go back to school?