New town, new friends, and new school are all very scary for a teenager moving. Teenagers are very vulnerable to feelings of insecurity and working to establish their identity. Moving can seem like the end of the world to them. You may experience doors slamming and I want to go home, which many parents will start to worry whether moving is the right choice. They can experience cultural change, difference in clothing styles, or social customs. Time will help and planned activities. Most teens will adjust fine. The good news is that kids that move around are more adjusted to meeting others and accepting change.
How To Tell Your Teenager You’re Moving
Let your teenager know about the move as soon as you can. Tell them the location of the move and why you are moving. You can also look on line to see what exciting new adventures they have to offer in the city you are moving too. The more time they can process the information the better the adjustment. They will be experiencing new neighborhoods and new schools which is very traumatic for teenagers.
Fears of Moving
Ask them why they are reluctant to move and let them express their concerns and frustrations. You want them to speak openly and honestly about the move. Don’t ignore their feelings and concerns. You want to ease their moving anxieties and let them know their opinion matters. You want them to know you trust and respect their feelings and dreams.
Decision Making Process
Give your teenager as much decision making power as possible. Let them help with decision making about them with schools and extracurricular activities. They can pick out their classes too.
Send off Party
Throwing a going away party or a weekend get together with their close friends is a great way to say good bye to their friends. Have a photo booth to post pictures of their send off party. Slumber party or a lake or beach getaway is a great time to spend time with their close friends. They could also plan a trip for their best friend to come visit them soon. Have their friends give them sealed letters to open when they arrive at their new home.
Design A Floor Plan for their Room
You and your teenager can help decorate and design their new room. When your teenager is in charge of their new room, they may be more excited about moving in. You could make a detailed digital floor plan of their room. You could buy new décor for their room to make them feel more like their place.
You want them to have the self-confidence and excitement for their brand new home. This could also be a great time to become closer to them. Take the opportunity to spend more time one on one.
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