5 Ways to Help Your Teen Adjust to a New Community After Your Move

By the time a child is a teenager, they often have a network of friends and a number of favorite spots in their community. When they have to move away from those friends and favorite spots, many teenagers go through a period of adjustment. 

You can make that period of adjustment easier by listening to your child talk, encouraging them to make friends, and by helping them stay in touch with their old friends. If you’re moving to a new community, here’s what you need to know about helping your child through the adjustment period.

1. Listen to Them

Ask your teenager questions through the move and beyond. What are their worries and concerns? What are their strategies for making new friends? What are their hopes for their new school and new community?

Listen carefully to your child’s concerns. This is not the time to solve their problems, but simply provide a friendly ear. Your child will likely feel more supported if you listen to what they have to say.

2. Stay In Touch With Old Friends

Your child may want to stay in touch with old friends, and unless they’re able to drive themselves to see their old friends, they may need your support when it comes time to visit them. Make arrangements for your teenager to go see friends if visiting is realistic. 

You may also offer your child the technology they need to stay in touch. Many teenagers are very savvy with phones and computers, and with the right devices, they can keep in contact with friends no matter where they are.

3. Explore Groups and Clubs

While it’s definitely important to stay in touch with old friends, making new friends is also essential.  Many teenagers make friends by getting involved in their school. Exploring groups and clubs in their new town or school is one way they can meet new people with like interests.

Your child may need help finding some of those groups and clubs, so take time to explore the possibilities together. Ask your teenager’s new school for a list of extracurricular activities. If you’re involved in a church, get a list of youth groups at the church. Finally, reach out to local recreation centers in your new community to find out more about classes and sports groups that your child might enjoy participating in.

4. Make Time to Be Together

It will take your child a little time to make friends and meet new people at their new school. Until that time, it’s important to carve out extra time to spend together, either watching movies, playing games, or engaging in fun community activities. This is an excellent opportunity for you and your child to get closer.

5. Go Exploring Together

You and your child will have a new community to explore – so why not explore together? Go to new restaurants, new parks, and other recreational activities in your new community. Avoid the temptation to choose these activities on your own: choose activities with your child, or come up with separate lists of places to visit, and then consolidate your plans into one large list. Keep the list of places to explore on your refrigerator or in another centralized location in the house, and tick off items from the list as you go.

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