Moving with a teen can be difficult. In the middle of adolescence, they may not want to leave their friends or family behind. But moving is also an opportunity for you to help make this transition easier by getting your teen involved in the process. Here are some tips on how to get your teen engaged in the process.
Give Them Notice
The first thing to do is give your teen plenty of notice about the upcoming move. They need time to process the news and answer any questions they may have. Plus, it’s never too early to start getting them involved in the moving process.
Giving them notice also gives them time to start making new friends in the area. This is especially helpful for younger teens who are still very involved with school groups and sports teams.
Get Them Involved in House Hunting
The next step is to get your teen actively involved in house hunting or apartment searching. Doing this is a great way to keep their mind off of moving, plus it keeps things exciting instead of stressful by allowing you both to dream about all the possibilities before they become realities. Plus, when your child feels personally invested in finding their dream home, that makes saying goodbye even more complicated – because now where they live is “theirs,” too.
You can find a real estate agent to help you out or even look online for properties in the area. If your teen is old enough, let them browse through different websites and neighborhoods on their own. Just make sure to keep a close eye on what they’re looking at so you don’t wind up with a house that’s too far away from schools or friends.
Focus on the Positives
Moving can be a very stressful time for everyone involved, but it’s essential to stay positive throughout the entire process. This means keeping your conversations upbeat and cheerful, staying organized, and focusing on the good things that will come from this change.
One way to do this is by throwing a going-away party before you move. This way, your teen can say goodbye to all of their friends in one go and celebrate all the good times you’ve had together. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to give gifts to all their pals.
Get Their Room Set Up First After the Move
One of the best things about moving is getting to decorate your new home however you want. But even if your child isn’t old enough to help pick out paint colors or furniture, they can still have a significant impact on how their new room looks.
Try setting up their bedroom before anything else in the house – this will make them feel more at home right away and less like everything around them is constantly changing. Plus, it’ll give them a chance to personalize their space before anyone else moves in.
In Conclusion
Moving into a new home with a teen can be a daunting task for parents, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these simple tips, you can help make the moving process a smooth one for both of you. And don’t forget to take some time for yourselves during this busy time – after all, you’ll need to be well-rested for the challenges that lie ahead.
