A few weeks ago, we gave some tips on how to help young kids deal with the changes of moving. As we mentioned, it’s the younger ones that usually have an easier time with the move. Usually, it’s the teenagers that have the hardest time coping. Teenage hormones and moving just don’t mix – they’re going through enough changes with themselves and their bodies, trying to fit in and then here comes another major change in their lives. We’ll discuss

Try to understand what they’re going through

Parents are sure to encounter lots of teenage angst and drama when they first announce that they have to move – this is, of course, quite normal. Your teens are about to leave everything and everyone they’ve known their entire lives – friends, teachers, neighborhoods -and plunging into the unknown. It’s difficult enough spending your pre-teen years trying to fit in, and now they’ll have to start all over again. Trying to see things through their eyes will give you a better perspective and open up the line of communication to talk things through.

Open up

Get your teen to open up about their concerns over the move and address each one. Talk to them and let them know your concerns as well, and you just might find out that you have similar worries. You may also be surprised – perhaps he or she may not be as unhappy as they may seem.

Get them informed and involved

Get everyone together for a family meeting and tell them about the move. Explain why you have to move and don’t sound patronizing. If you haven’t selected your house or neighborhood, get input from your children. Ask them what they and put that into consideration when making the final decision. Give them as much information as you can on your new place and let them do their own research on the net.When it comes time to move, give them responsibilities and tasks to do, such as putting together a moving kit, or packing up their own room. When you get to the new place, allow them some freedom when decorating their room.

Give them time to say goodbye

Ask them how they want to say goodbye to their friends – maybe have a big party or sleepover or a (supervised) weekend trip. Allow them to spend a reasonable amount of time with their friends and encourage them to keep in touch.

Another sensitive topic may that be of boyfriends and girlfriends. On one hand, your kid is still young and you may view it as “puppy love.” On the other hand, you wouldn’t want your teen to think you don’t give their relationships any importance. Whatever the case may be, help them make the decision. Give them advice on breaking up or having a long-distance relationship and let him or her know that you will be there for them no matter what.

Consider scheduling the move around their academic schedule

Moving in the middle of the school year can be hard on teens, so try to move at the end of the summer. That way he or she can start fresh with their new schoolmates. If your teen is in his senior year, consider letting him stay with relatives or a family friend so he or she can finish the year. It’s difficult to make the adjustment in this final year, not to mention the added stress of SATs and college applications.

Teens can be resilient. Just give them some time and they’ll get used to the idea of moving eventually. Pretty soon, they’ll be settling into their new school, meeting new teachers and making new friends.