Moving is complicated for everyone, but it can be incredibly challenging for teenagers. If you’re moving with a teenager, it’s important to be aware of how you can help your teen through the process. By encouraging your child to make new friends (but keep the old), you can help your teen adjust to your new community.
Moving to a new community is also a good opportunity for you to spend time with your child and become closer as a family. These tips can help your child adjust to your new town.
Keep Up With Old Friends
If you moved locally, offer to give your child rides to see friends. Or provide stamps for writing letters, or give your child access to the technology they need to stay in touch with the friends they knew before their move. Ask about your child’s old friends from time to time to show that you support your child staying in touch with the people they knew in their old home.
Explore Your New Community Together
This is a wonderful chance for you and your child to find your new favorite things to do in your new community. Explore fun things to do like cultural centers, restaurants, entertainment centers, and historical landmarks. You can do this either after your relocation or before, to give you something to look forward to.
Listen to Your Teen
Your child will need someone to listen to them. In the weeks leading up to and following the move, your child may experience various emotions that they will need to explore and discuss. Taking the time to ask your child about their feelings and then listening to what they have to say helps your child feel like you’re truly there for them.
Take the time to eat cookies or have a snack, and talk to your child. Find out what might be keeping them awake at night or what they’re excited about in their new community. Having these types of talks can help you and your child feel closer, and also helps your child feel recognized.
Make Time to Be Together
Arrange for movie nights, watch TV shows, and spend time doing your teen’s favorite activities. Having these types of talks can help you and your child feel closer and help your child feel recognized. Making time to be together with your child can help them feel supported and cuts out any boredom that your child might feel after the move.
Check Out Community Groups, School Clubs
Encourage your child to get involved at their new school. Community groups and school clubs can help your teen get involved in their new community. Ultimately this can help them start to fit in and make new friends. Do some research with your teen to find out which clubs and community groups would be best.
Make Your Move a Success with Professional Movers
If you’re moving, this is a time when you should be focusing on family. Hiring professional movers can help you get through the process while taking care of your family. Contact a professional moving company today to schedule your upcoming relocation.