Moving to a new place can be especially hard on teenagers. They are being asked to leave their comfort zones, social circles, extracurricular activities, teachers, and sometimes the only home they have ever known at a time in their lives when emotions are already running high. Even if the move is for the family's good, it can be difficult for a teen to imagine living anywhere else besides their childhood home. Whether you are moving local or long distance, the following moving tips for teens can help both you and your teenager cope with the change.
How Does Moving Affect a Teenager?
The teenage years are a time when your teen is trying to figure out their identity. Teenagers may feel insecurity and anxiety about new surroundings and the prospect of new friends. They also may experience an emotional roller coaster of excitement one minute and dread the next. Knowing your move is likely to be quite stressful for your teenager can help you support them better before and after the move.
How Do Teens Cope With Moving?
One of the most important ways to support your teen is to speak openly and honestly about the move. Even if they disagree, teenagers are old enough to understand the decisions behind a move. Being honest with them shows that you respect their feelings. Make an extra effort to keep the communication channels open so that your teen feels comfortable sharing their feelings.
Tips for Moving With Teenagers
Moving Out
1) At the start of the move process, be sure to give them an outlet for their feelings. Get them a journal, encourage them to start a blog, or search for an online support group with other teenagers that are moving to a new home.
2) Take your teen's preferences into consideration when looking for a new place. Show that you value their opinion by asking for their input on schools, houses, and neighborhoods. Help them find specific information relevant to their interests and hobbies. Have them check out the local malls, movie theaters, restaurants, and teen hang-outs. Making a bucket list of places for the family to visit after moving can give them something to look forward to. Even the most minor task, like letting them choose where to eat dinner after a day of house hunting, can make a huge difference in how your teen copes during the move.
3) Give them plenty of time and opportunities to say goodbye to their friends. One of the biggest fears of moving is losing friends, so encourage your teen to find ways to stay in touch with their closest friends. With the help of the internet, your teen can keep up with friends 24/7 from hundreds of miles away.
Moving In
1) Have your teen pack a bag of essentials that includes items they'll need for the first few days in the new home. This bag should consist of things like clothes, books, toiletries, make-up, cell phone charger, a favorite blanket, and other personal items they can't live without.
2) Place setting up your teen’s new room pretty high up on the unpacking priority list. Teens need to feel like they have a space to call their own so help them get settled quickly by surrounding them with familiar objects. Also, give them a little freedom regarding how their new bedroom will be decorated.
3) It may also be wise to keep them busy during this transition, so they don’t have time to dwell on negative feelings. Make unpacking and decorating the rest of the home a family activity. Ask their opinion and allow them to be involved with tasks like helping a pet or younger sibling set up their space.
Moving Schools
1) Learning as much as possible about the new school ahead of time can help to set realistic expectations and reduce some of the anxiety produced by unfamiliarity. If possible, arrange for them to have a school tour and talk to a guidance counselor about classes and extracurricular activities before the move. Ask about a peer mentor that can guide them the first few days.
2) Help your teenager adapt quickly by encouraging them to get involved – clubs, sports, drama classes, music classes, art classes, and other hobbies can help them make new friends who have similar interests. Now is the time to make a fresh start as no one has preconceived notions about who they are, so encourage them to step outside the box.
One of the best moving tips for teens and their families is to keep the lines of communication open throughout the entire process. Check in frequently to see how they adjust to your new life and restore their sense of security by constantly showing them that you are there for them. By being intentional, you can improve your relationship with your teenager during a radical life change like moving!
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