One of the most difficult aspects in relocating to a different city or state is informing your teenager about the planned move. Some teens can handle the news quite well, but others may react in ways that will make the already stressful process a lot more challenging.
Teens can be a lot to handle. In a way, we are essentially getting a taste of our own medicine for all the anguish and frustration we’ve given our parents during our teenage years. Moving day is tough for everyone involved. Sometimes we are so occupied with all the packing and the phone calls to utility companies and moving services that we sometimes forget how it must feel like for our children, knowing that they’ll have to leave their school and friends behind.
The best thing to do is have a talk with your kids as soon as possible. Don’t delay the big news. The more you delay it, the more intense his or her reaction might be. You have to give them time to adjust emotionally, say goodbye to their friends, and settle their affairs in school. Put yourself in their position. It’s tough to make new friends and be socially accepted in an unfamiliar environment, you know it and your kids know it.
As much as possible, provide clear and complete details about their future home, the neighborhood, and the activities available to them. Answer any questions as honestly as you can. Be straightforward and talk to them as if they were adults who understand the situation. Keep in mind that teenagers hate being treated like a child because in their minds, they are no longer children and they can make their own decisions. We all know this. We’ve all been there, remember?
Ask for their input when choosing furniture for their bedrooms, what color wallpaper they want, and so on. In other words, you should make it a point to involve your teens in some of the decisions concerning the new place. This will increase their interest and allow them to dream of the endless possibilities in their new environment.