Rural Issue

Helping rural teens through COVID-19 pandemic

A member of the University of Minnesota Extension Rural Stress Taskforce has some advice for parents of rural teens during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aly Kloeckner says geography plays a role in parenting, and a rural setting presents both challenges and advantages.

“With our teens, so often they’re looking for the opportunity to make a decision for themselves. They’re looking to become independent young adults. So I think it’s really important that we remind them about how their choices are helping to protect the people that they love and the people in their communities.”

She tells Brownfield teens should feel empowered, as long as they follow household rules and COVID-19 guidance from state health departments.

“It’s important for all of us to remind ourselves that our youth are just as affected by the pandemic as the adults are in our communities. And with that lens on, making sure that we’re communicating with them.”

Kloeckner also says school needs to remain a priority for young people, even though it’s taking place at a distance.