Moving abroad with teens?
Moving abroad with a young person, particularly a teenager, can be more than a little complicated. Whether they resent the idea of moving to a new country or are worried about missing out on the fun happening back home, moving abroad can quickly turn into a minefield of emotions. Here at Santa Fe Relocation, we’re taking a closer look at the different ways you can put your teen’s mind at ease when moving to a new country.
Remain positive
To make the moving process simpler all around, the first step is to encourage the teens in your family to remain optimistic about the move. Instead of focusing on the negatives, pay attention to the positives. There are several benefits of moving abroad, including the fact that it provides the opportunity to gain insights into a new country, as well as the chance to travel. Depending on what your child is hoping to achieve in the next few years, moving abroad could actually help to improve their future prospects. Research this with them – employers are seeking individuals who have successfully showcased their ability to adapt, so this is now more beneficial than ever.
Communication
If you have recently announced that you will be moving abroad, your child may feel reluctant to talk to you and speak out about their feelings. To ensure this doesn’t happen, it’s important to remain as open as possible with them from the very start. This is especially true if the idea of moving abroad has come out of the blue. Should this be the case, it’s important that they are aware of the reasons behind the move; whether it’s for work or leisure. This will help them to better understand why the move is happening, allowing them to digest the idea and even come up with their own goals.
Give your teen the space they need
While getting to grips with the idea of moving abroad, it is not surprising that your child may distance themselves from their friends, or even you. While it is important to ensure they have the space they need to process the change, it is crucial that you are there for him/her and that they know this. A small gesture can make all the difference!
Stick to your plans
Once you have made the decision to move abroad, it’s important to go along with your plans, no matter how your child may be feeling. Instead of disregarding the idea of moving abroad, find ways to overcome the challenges your teen may be concerned about. To put their mind at ease, encourage them to research where you will be moving. By doing so, they can find out more about what the country has to offer them, helping to encourage optimism and maybe even excitement.
While telling your child that you are planning to move abroad with them is not easy, there are a number of different ways you can support them through what could be a difficult time.
If you would like more information about how Santa Fe Relocation can assist your move and provide support when choosing a new school for your teen, get in touch with a member of our team on 020 8961 4141, today.
