Relocating to a new town can be a difficult change for anyone. Whether the move is job-related, school-related, or even just due to wanting a new adventure, relocating can undoubtedly bring a wide range of emotions for both adults and kids alike - and not all of them might be pleasant at first.
Teens can undoubtedly struggle with any changes in their general routine - and moving from one home to another is a substantial change. Not only can it be challenging to be thrown into the mix with learning your new neighborhood, making new friends (and leaving old ones), and adjusting to a new routine, but they also end up changing schools. While common, switching schools in the teen years can present a challenge for both kids and parents.
Thankfully, there are some things you can do to limit any presumable trauma when you are moving from one home to another - and in the case of your child, things you can do to make starting at a new school a bit more enjoyable!
- Take a tour: this tip is more complicated if you are spontaneously moving to a new place; however, if you have a bit of wiggle room to tour your child’s school before they start, it can definitely help them be less anxious when their first day rolls around. While they might not know all the ins and outs of the school, touring beforehand can give them a sense of security that they’ve at least seen the place before and can know where to go if they need help with anything.
- Communicate: if you, as the parent, have reservations about your upcoming move, then it’s almost certain to say that your child does as well. It’s beneficial to be able to openly communicate with your family and let them know about any pending feelings of anxiousness, frustration, stress, or even sadness about leaving your home and moving to a new location. Allowing your child to see that you are comfortable speaking about your feelings might enable them to do the same (or at least feel like they can do it safely if needed). If you have an elementary-aged child, check out some books from your local library that might help explain your move more easily.
- Find something fun: this can be something like a new haircut before the first day, an exciting outing planned for the afternoon, or a celebration at dinner once the day is complete. Letting your child know that you are in this with them (and are probably experiencing your own first day at a new workplace) can ease their minds a bit - and give you all something to look forward to at the end of a big first day!
- Keep in touch: whether with friends back home, family members in the new area, or even grandma and grandpa across the country - let your kids know that they can reach out to anyone they need to in order to talk about their feelings, rant and rave about the first day of school, or even just to discuss any sadness or anxiety about the move.
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