Moving house is already quite an ordeal. Navigating the minefield of teenage angst just adds fuel to the fire. But, we assure you, you aren’t the first or the last person moving abroad with a teenager. Hence, as one of the most experienced long distance movers NYC we want to bring our expertise to you. From helping numerous families with teens relocate overseas or cross-country we’ve had the chance to learn a few things. So, today, instead of talking about which moving and storage NYC company is the best, we want to offer some advice. This is our small guide to navigating teenage angst during a move…
The first step when relocating overseas with an adolescent is having a bit of inside knowledge…
Teenagers are strongly connected to their friends - expect quite a bit of protest when you break the news.Teenage brains work in mysterious ways, right? Well, we have some insight as to what is going on inside of those heads during a long-distance move. And, of course, we want to share it with you in order to help you relocate without too much hassle. So, the essentials when moving abroad with a teenager go kind of like this:
- Teens form strong connections at their age. Their friends and other people in their lives are an important part of their identity. They are looking to become independent and form their own selves through those connections.
- Teens still believe that they are the center of the universe. Hence, everything about moving abroad with a teenager revolves around them.
- Teens have hormones on a high. The changes in their bodies make them prone to drama and theatrics. Expect some, if not a lot.
- Teens are adults, at least in their own minds. Treating them as such will help you move abroad with an adolescent much smoother than the other way around. They should definitely be included in the process.
And now, it’s time to talk about communicating the relocation with an adolescent
Remember - everything you forbid will just prove as a temptation.Eye rolls, grunts and a long line of words you likely won’t find in a dictionary of any language are included in the teenage communication. So, what does one do in this situation? Not only as NYC local movers but as parents, we understand that communication is difficult when moving abroad as a teenager. Hence, what we suggest is telling them about your thoughts on relocation early on. It will provoke arguing, tears and likely some cold shoulder treatment. Though, this will end, too.Once your teenager has had the time to mull over the fact that they will be moving abroad, they will voice their concerns. And, this is the most important moment of moving abroad with a teenager. Make sure to listen to them and talk to them about their concerns. No matter how trivial they might seem, those concerns are vital to them. The only reason for concern is if you get absolutely no reaction to the news of moving abroad. Then, it’s time to consult a professional. Remember that dictatorship will get you nowhere with an adolescent.
Next, you will need to give some control when moving abroad with a teenager
Letting a teen take the reins sounds quite scary. However, in most cases, you’re underestimating the adolescent. By involving them in the process you’re essentially making it their relocation, too. They won’t feel as alienated as they can be. Of course, these don’t have to be final decisions or large ones. When you choose a city you’ll be moving to have them do some house hunting. Ask them for help, telling them what you’re looking for in a new place. Also, ask their opinion about residential movers NYC you’re considering. With how nifty teens are with the internet, they could prove a huge help here. They will be able to look up important information about different movers you’re taking into consideration. And, they will feel like moving abroad is their next step in life, too. Altogether, this is an important part of making moving abroad with a teen easier on the whole family.
Remember that relocating abroad with an adolescent should focus on the positives at all times
When moving abroad with a teenager it's essential to focus on the positives.Bribes work on younger children quite well. With teens, they still have an effect, but they will need to be a tad subtler. Hence, when moving abroad with a teenager you should definitely focus on the positives. Depending on your destination there is surely a thing or two you know your child will love there. Whether it is learning to drive early or studying a new language, we will leave you to do some research. It might be something like riding a camel for the first time. Or, a possibility of drinking legally at eighteen. Remember that everything you forbid your adolescent to do they will do. And, likely, they will do in abundance. Hence, allowing it is the perfect chance to use subtle reverse phycology on them. While not noticing it, the action itself will become less ‘cool’ for them to actually do.
Finally, there are a few things you won’t hear out loud when moving abroad with a teenager
Naturally, no matter how close you are to your child, they won’t tell you everything. There is a reason why teenagers are the ultimate rebels, after all. Everything and anything is embarrassing to them to say. Hence, here are a few things which you won’t hear.Though, you should definitely assume that they are churning in your teen’s head:
- What for? Remember the communication rule. They won’t ask the reason or they will assume that it’s their fault somehow. Be sure to communicate the reason for relocation clearly.
- I don’t want to go. This is a phase which you will have to wait out. Hence, tell them early on that you will be moving house. Focus on the positives.
- I’m embarrassed. This is a natural state of any teen. You will have to remind them that moving abroad with a teenager who feels this way is completely normal.
- I don’t want to be the new kid. Here, you will be able to focus on the positives easily. While they will be leaving their old life behind, they will be starting a completely new one. Also, with them moving from abroad, they will likely gain a popular status.
- I don’t know the language. This is another point to make positive. While they may not know the language, they will surely gain more friends while learning it. Remember to focus on making it a positive thing.
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