So we are moving again.  It seems like every few years we get the itch to switch things up but this time we are moving to a new town.  I worry about how this move will affect my three children who are now twelve years old (twins) and fourteen years old.  I guess time will tell.  It’s hard for me to know how they will adjust because I never had to go through this as a kid; Both my husband and I grew up in one house.  No moving!

My kids will finish the school year off at their current school and then we will make the move.  I ask myself: Will they be okay? Will they make new friends? Is this best for them?

I have a plan in place, for both them and me.  That’s the way I roll.  I want to be prepared to support them and build up their assets through this transition.  Maybe they will surprise me. We shall see. Ultimately, I want to be there for them. I try to do this every day but right now I need to put this front and center.  Here’s my plan:

Stay mentally strong as a family

• Watch for signs of stress: a headache, sore stomach or changes in behavior.
• Tell them I love them often. It’s stressful to feel alone.
• Keep open communication. If I sense they are stressed – talk to them. Ask them!
• Don’t over-schedule them. It’s important for them to join activities and make friends, however having too much to do can be stressful.
• Recognize we all need a little quiet or down time.
• Make sure family dinner time happens!
• Help support them to get enough sleep. A tired teen can get stressed more easily (just as I can).

Be involved in our new community

• Take a stroll through our new neighborhood or hike a new trail. Spend time together without electronics.
• Spend time outside. Play basketball or road hockey in the driveway and local school yard in hopes to draw other kids outside.
• Introduce ourselves to, and hopefully get to know, our new neighbors.
• Encourage my kids to discover new and fun extra-curricular activities.
• Get involved in their new schools.

Involve kids in decision making

• Talk about why we decided to move.
• Discuss school options. Attend open houses or schedule a tour.
• Create their space. Pick paint colors out together.  One of my daughters has shown a lot of interest in decorating. Maybe a career path for her 😉  Who knows!

You might think that I am expecting the worst. I truly am not.  I am trying to think of how I would have felt moving when I was a young teen, entering high school.  Luckily this is not new to them.  Wish us luck on our move!

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