Moving to a new area is difficult enough without having to face the challenges that come with uprooting a teenager. Studies have shown that teenagers are generally more angry about having to move then their younger siblings.

These teens are not only having to deal with the thought of changing schools, they also realize they are losing friends, social clubs, athletics, performing arts activities and a way of life they've come to love. For them, life may seem to be over. Here are some tips to help your teens make the transition:

Recognize Their Hardships and Address Their Concerns
Make sure your teenagers realize how much you understand their sadness and their difficulties with accepting the move. Listen to their objections, and no matter how angry they may get, try to remain as calm and understanding as possible.

Answer all their questions. "Why do we have to move?" " Why do you have to take this job?" "Why can't we stay here for a few more years?" Emphasize that we're in this together and in the end, this move will be great for everyone.

Make Plans to Visit Old Friends
While you are still planning your upcoming move, think ahead and arrange for trips back and forth to visit old friends. Remind them that with phones, emails, and online chat rooms, staying in touch with their friends will be easy. Then be sure to plan a going away party with all their special friends. Be sure to take a lot of photos to place into a memory book.

Include Your Teen in the Moving Process
Studies have shown that teens who provide their opinions and thoughts with moving decisions are generally happier with the move and adjust better to their new surroundings. If possible, have your teenager accompany you on your home tours. Check out the local schools, parks, shopping malls, sports facilities and libraries. Get them excited about their new surroundings. If your teenager is into athletics, help them find new training facilities. If performing arts are a big part of their lives, help them find new instructors and studios.

Make Sure Your Teenager is Set Up for School
As soon as you know where you are moving, contact the local school and be sure you have all the information on how to transfer your teenager's credits, registration dates, and audition/tryout dates for the school's athletics and performing arts groups. Then before school starts, take a trip to observe how the local kids are dressed. Making sure your kid "fits in" on the first day of school is an important step to helping them make the transition to a new environment.

For more moving tips, school and community information please visit - http://www.parentrelocationcouncil.org/