Moving is stressful for everyone, but transitioning from one home to another can be tough on teens. Here, we’ll take a look at things you need to know to help your teen adjust as you move.

Tell Your Teen Early—But Not Too Early

Many teens experience anxiety around uncertainty. Tell your teen about the move as soon as it’s definite, but keep it under wraps while it’s still in the “maybe” stage. Letting your teen know that they’ll be moving can provide them with plenty of time to connect with friends, attend school events, and begin to research their new area.

Don’t Try To Have All The Answers

When you tell your teen that they’re moving to a new area, they’ll likely feel sad and angry. However, these feelings are normal as they adjust to a new life. Don’t try to quell your teen’s every fear. Instead, listen to their concerns and validate their fears.

Make Plans With Old Friends

It can be helpful for a teen to know that they’re going to see their old friends again. If possible, set up a time for your teen to return to their old home or to bring old friends to their new home. Knowing that they still have contact with their previous community can help your teen feel a sense of stability even as everything around them begins to change. You might also want to think about easing up on screen time limits as your teen adjusts to their new home—social media can be a vital source of comfort for a teen going through an adjustment period.

Reach Out To Your Teen’s New School

It’s wise to talk with your teen’s new school before their first day to discuss their schedule, extracurricular activities, and other factors that may help your teen feel more comfortable walking through the doors on the first day. Follow your teen’s lead regarding how much they’d like to get to know their school beforehand. For example, an extroverted teen might love the idea of attending a school dance before their first day, while a more introverted teen might shudder at the thought of forced interaction with others.

Watch For Signs Of Trouble

Most teens adjust well to moves, but some struggle more than others. If you notice that your child is struggling to make friends in their new school, is becoming withdrawn, or you’re concerned about depression or other mental health issues, reach out to the school counselor or a local therapist to discuss how to best support your child.

Don’t Go It Alone—We’re Here To Help With Your Move

There’s no need to try to go through the moving process on your own. Getting from one home to the next is stressful, and we’re here to help make the process a little easier. Reach out for a free quote today.