How Teens Cope With Moving Blues

Moving to a new place is known to be one of the top causes of teen stress. That, combined with other pressures of teen life, can make the time before and after a move a very painful experience. Here are some tips from other teens that have dealt with the moving blues:

Before you leave:

• Talk to your family and friends. Communication is important. Express how you feel to them and listen carefully to what they have to say. Chances are this is just as hard on them.



• Try to think positive. This is a new and exciting chapter in your life where you will meet new friends, neighbors and teachers.



• Research the town that you are about to move to. Find out all the cool places to see and fun things to do!



• If you're already involved in some type of activity or club, find out what kind of activities and clubs are offered in your new town. Being involved in something familiar will help with the adjustment and make you feel more comfortable.



• Say goodbye. Make sure you have a good-bye party for all your friends, and be sure to get all their e-mail and snail mail addresses and phone numbers. Staying in touch will make them feel close by even though there may be miles between you.



• Take pictures and make a moving album that all your friends can sign and decorate. When you get to your new home, you can go through the album and remember all the good times. This will make you feel good and happy inside.



• Draw a layout of your new room in the new house. Have fun designing it before you even get there!



• Take a flower, tree, or other plant from your current home and plant it somewhere in your new yard. This is a way of bringing something old to something new and creates a positive new start!

Once you get there:

• Try and do things the same way you did at your old home. Get up around the same time as before, watch the same TV programs, and so forth. This pattern will help make the new home feel more like "normal."



• Cry if you need to! It is normal to feel a little sad and to miss your old home, school and friends. You’ll feel better afterwards!



• Start to settle in and have fun decorating your new room. Maybe you will want to create a whole new look. Ask your parents if you can help with the rest of the house too!



• Enjoy the attention! When you begin classes at your new school, all the other students will be curious about you. Take advantage of this before the novelty wears off.

Most of all, don't expect too much too soon. Adjusting to your new surroundings will take time, but you might be surprised that within a few weeks you'll be discovering a whole new world of interesting places and people. Things won’t seem that bad after all. Instead, everything will be very exciting.

--The views expressed in this article are for general informational purposes only. The reader should not interpret these views as a substitute for expert advice. Please seek competent expert advice if needed.

Back to top