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Helpful Moving Tips - Moving with Teenagers

Source: Standard Installation Topic Exchange System (SITES) for LIFELines

Pre-Move

Facts about Teens:

Female teenagers are the group most affected by relocation, followed by all high school seniors.
Teenagers are independent. We as parents tend to think that they will handle the move "like an adult", but they are still in the process of letting go.
Teenagers are unwilling to accept our advice easily.
We tend to back off if we encounter any resistance from our teens - don't. Stay the course.

Things we can do to assist teens:

Provide information.
Make them part of the move.
Share all feelings and emotions.
Get them acclimated to school and community.
Be aware of deadlines or cut-off dates for certain activities.
Visit the school before enrolling.
Find out about the dress code, before and after school routines, and lunch activities.
Get a copy of school newspaper - learn about the activities and special programs.
Hand-carry a second copy of each child's transcript, the first should have been mailed.
Learn about credits required for graduation.
Encourage teens to become involved in an extra curricular activity at the new school - helps find friends with similar interests quicker.
Plan ways to record some of the favorite - and not so favorite - things about the place they are leaving.
Find out about local youth programs.

Post Move

Things you can do to encourage the adjustment: Unfortunately most mobility occurs in the summer - which is difficult for teens because their adjustment into a new school is often easier during the school year.
If your move is during summer take time to explore with the teens.
Get teens involved in community.
Teens of driving age need to get acquainted with the laws and customs, register cars, take the younger siblings around, etc.
Ask them to help design their new rooms.
Plan a schedule for contact with old friends.
Set aside computer time or video taping just for them.
Plan a return trip, knowing when you are going to see someone again lessens the pain of saying goodbye and separation.

Helpful Web Sites:

Department of Defense Education Provided by the Department of Defense school system this site focuses on the history, success rate, student testing procedures and much more.
After School Helping individuals interested in the growth and development of children between ages 6-18 by providing information on how to obtain funding for an event or after school activity.
Healthy Parenting Provides military specific parenting resources including access to Family Advocacy Program, chaplains' programs, and medical clinics.
Military Teens and Kids on the Move Provides exceptional advice and guidance to moving with teens or children for both parents and the children themselves.

Military Child Education Coalition The military child coalition is a clearinghouse of information important to parents researching the educational needs of a child. It includes military and school links.

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