Anyone who has managed a move knows it’s a stressful time for the whole family. When managing this stress, we often focus on the needs of younger children, but we should never overlook teens. Moving teens comes with a unique set of challenges for their stage of life.
Teens are no longer children, but they’re not yet adults and still finding their identity and place in the world. It’s a difficult time, made more so by the upheaval of moving. Here’s a guide to managing stress and anxiety for teens when you next move house.
Get your teen involved in the moving process
Getting your teen actively involved in the decision making processes of moving has several benefits. First, you’ll avoid them feeling neglected or overlooked, which can worsen an already erratic mood. Getting them involved from start to finish makes them feel included.
Your teen will no doubt have strong opinions about what they want in a new home too. Every teen is different, so ask them what’s important. It might be space to be alone, easy access to shops or places to meet friends. Even though you’ll make the final decision about what’s right, it will give you the opportunity to talk to them about everything to gain their acceptance.
Take you teen with you when you view properties
Teens are often reluctant to get involved in any activity that feels like a chore, but it’s important to include them at this stage. Take your teen with you as often as possible when you view potential homes.
Talk to them while you view it. Ask them if they like a certain room and how they would like to decorate it. Tell them they can choose the colour for the walls. You can always paint it again in a few years. This will help your teen to feel positive about the move, rather than focusing on what they’ll lose from moving away from your old house.
Balance routine with moving tasks
As you get closer to moving day, balance involving your teen with their normal routine. Moving is a very disruptive process. When they’re not at school, keep them busy with tasks such as packing up their room, helping to clear the attic or cleaning up rooms as you pack.
Think about ways to settle into your new home
Moving to a new home is always unsettling, especially on the first night, so it’s important to think of ways to make it feel more like home from the start. You’ll know what your teen likes, but takeaways, a movie night of having friends to visit are a few ways to help your teen to settle in. Creating positive associations to the moving process is always a good way to move forward.
Keep a close eye on your teen after the move
You’ll need to keep a close eye on your teen through the adjustment period after moving. Every teen is different, but there are several signs your teen is unsettled. This can include shutting themselves in their room, crying, or being quiet or loud.
It’s natural for your teen to miss the old family home, their friends and the places they liked to go. Talk them through it and encourage them to express their feelings. This will help your teen resolve their feelings and settle in.
