• Consideration for Teenagers and Their Concerns
Besides, being a teenager in familiar confines is not easy. Grappling with peer pressure, acne, weight issues, fashion faux pas and what not…a teenager’s life can hardly be described as simple. This is precisely why they are likely to be far from enthusiastic about moving abroad. They are at an age when they feel the need to rebel and assert their views more aggressively. Though they are likely to be vocal in expressing dissent, you as a parent must be empathetic. Do not attempt to brush off their protests. Instead give them a patient hearing and try to put their fears to rest.
If you and your spouse are unable to convince them then ask a trusted family member, friend or counselor to help you out.
• Timing is Everything
It is important that you introduce the topic of moving abroad at an appropriate time. The end of the academic year or something on those lines can make the move seem like the beginning of a new chapter in your children’s life. It will also enable the child to look at the move as beginning afresh in a new school with new friends and so on.
• An Introduction to The New Country
Give your teen a preview of the new place he or she will soon call home. A book or a film about the place is a great way to introduce them to the place. Encourage your child to find out something on his own…through an internet search perhaps. Do not forget to highlight the existence of an expatriate community, if any so that they know they will have new friends and lots of fun things to do.
• Involve Them In The Moving Process
Make your child feel involved in the transition by asking him or her to come along when you go out house hunting. Extend this to decorating the new house or at least setting up his or her room. If your child loves animals and has been asking for a pet for sometime now then letting your child know that he or she can get one in their new home abroad could also help break the ice.
• Things To Do
You could encourage your child to select a school, hobby class, language lessons and other activities that he can carry out abroad. That way he will know he has a lot to look forward to.
• Build A Support System
Let your child know that he may loose his old friends and the constant support of his extended family but he can always rely on his parents for anything. Make it clear that no matter how embarrassing an issue you will at least hear him or her out first. Assure your child of open communication links with family and friends back home via telephone, e-mail and at least an annual visit to your home country.
• Visit the New School Together
A visit to the new school together with your child will help you all take a tour of the new school, meet the teachers and the head of the institution so that things do not seem very new and overwhelming when the academic year begins. Also take time to talk to the teachers and explain your child’s predicaments if any.
• Family Time
Reserve some special family time when you and your children can bond. It could be a simple dinner or a power packed breakfast when you all could talk about what is happening with you at work and in school. It could also be a short weekend getaway, a visit to your favorite restaurant, catching the latest movie, bowling, skating…something you all enjoy doing.
Always keep up family rituals and practices so that your children remain in touch with your traditions and values in a foreign land.
A patient and empathetic approach with the element of fun thrown in is all you need to make a smooth transition abroad with your teenager. However, if things seem tough don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
More Expat Resources
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