Moving to a new place can be especially hard on teenagers. Asking them to leave their comfort zones and social circles adds to the usual teenager angst and anxiety they experience nearly every day. Even if the move is for the good of the family, it can be difficult for a teen to imagine living anywhere else. Use these tips to help your teen cope with the change.
1) Speak openly and honestly about the move and be receptive to any response, whether it’s excitement, shock, sadness, or anger. Even if they disagree, teenagers are old enough to understand the decisions behind a move, and being honest with them shows that you respect their feelings.
2) 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 teens going through the same process.
3) 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.
4) Give them plenty of time and opportunities to say goodbye to their friends. Do they want to host a party? Would they rather have a weekend get-together with a few 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.
5) Suggest that they do some research about your new city or town. Help them to find specific information that is 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.
6) Make sure they pack an essentials kit that includes items they'll need for the first few days in the new home. This kit can consist of clothes, books, toiletries, make-up, cell phone charger, favorite blanket, and other personal things they can't live without.
7) Let teens unpack and decorate their room. If they need or want help, give a little extra priority to getting their room set up and organized. With all the changes going on, your teen needs to be able to settle in surrounded by familiar objects.
8) Help your teenager adapt quickly by encouraging them to get involved – clubs, sports, drama classes, music classes, art classes, and new hobbies can help them make new friends who have similar interests.
Of course, keep the lines of communication open throughout the moving and settling-in 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!
If you need help navigating the ins and outs of an upcoming move, give 1-800-PACK-RAT a call! We are experts in the moving and storage industry and can help you move locally, long-distance, or store your stuff. With locations across the continental United States, we can help you get the services you need. Give us a call today or go online to get a free quote and see how moving and storage can be made simple for you.