Moving can be tough on any member of the family, but it can have a particularly significant effect on teens. Leaving their friends behind and starting over in a new location can be extremely difficult for teenagers. Yet with these tips, you may be able to soften the experience for them. Keep the following tips in mind when planning a move with your teen children.
Be Open
Although teens are still minors, they are edging closer and closer to adulthood all the time. Keeping them in the dark about a proposed move can only cause them to mistrust the situation. When your move is certain and you have dates, be sure to sit down and talk to your teen about your reasons for moving. Let them know the dates so they can begin to make their own plans as regards to friends and activities. Even if they are initially angry or upset, the more time they have to get used to the new arrangements, the better.
Involve Them in the House Hunt
If possible, be sure to involve your teen in your house hunt. You can see Spencers for information about looking for properties. When your teen understands that the move is certain, they may be nervous about what that entails. By including them in the process, they may feel more positive about the move. Seeing potential new homes may make your teen excited about setting up camp in a brand new space.
Highlight the Positives
Your teen is naturally going to see a slew of negatives when it comes to a move. Although they may understand that moving is essential for the family, they may still be upset and scared about this major change. Be sure to highlight some positive aspects of the new move. There may some great sports teams at their new high school or other exciting elements of their new city or region. You might also talk about the benefits of the new home or the new neighborhood.
Help Them Maintain Friendships
You can soften the move for your teen by ensuring they have access to technology that will allow them to keep in touch with their old friends. You might also want to plan return visits so they can more easily maintain the connections that are important to their lives. Without technology like the internet, it will be difficult for them to keep in touch, and that could exacerbate the situation.
Become Familiar with the New Location
You’ll want to familiarize yourself with your new location as soon as possible. Organize a trip or a few trips with your teen to explore the features of your new neighborhood. Have lunch at one of the local eateries and check out the parks. If there are special landmarks in the region or shopping centers, you might check out those too. By familiarizing yourselves with your new neighborhood, you’ll feel less out of sorts when you finally make the move, and so will your teen.
Decorate the New Digs
You can make your teen feel more comfortable in your new home when you allow them to decorate their new space. You might do some shopping together for paint and other items they can add to their new bedroom. When your teen feels more at home in the new space, they can begin to develop their room into the private sanctuary they need.
Focus on School
Even though your teen may be loath to attend a brand new school, they will need your support as they begin classes. Encourage them to attend school functions and events even though they may not know many people yet. It may prove difficult for them to meet new friends, but if they attend clubs with kids with similar interests, they may have a better chance of making friends more quickly.
Focus on Family
Friendships are important to your teen, but emphasize that family is a mainstay in their lives. Try to spend time together before and after your move. This time will help you tune into your teen and their feelings. During your time together, keep trying to focus on the positive aspects of your move. Let your teen know that you care about their feelings; spend time listening to their thoughts and help them develop ideas for making the most of their life in a new place.
Keep these tips in mind so you can help your teenager adjust. It may not be easy, but they can manage with your love and support. It may take patience and time, but it can all work out with positive results.
Megan Jones earns a living in the property market and also has a large family to look after, even after they have grown up. She enjoys sharing her experiences with an online audience and writes for several family-orientated websites.
