Dear Parents,
Embarking on the exhilarating journey of relocating overseas with your high school-aged teenagers (ages 14-18) is a monumental step filled with excitement and challenges. As you navigate this transformative transition, it’s crucial to recognize the unique perspectives and aspirations of your teens and provide them with the support and guidance they need.
To assist you in preparing your teen adventurers for the upcoming move, we’ve outlined practical strategies tailored to their age group, based on our tried and true experiences. (Yep, we’ve been there!) Let’s embark on a journey to equip your high school-aged kids for this transformative chapter.
Cultivating a Sense of Exploration and Discovery
Encouraging your teen explorers to approach the move with a sense of adventure and open-mindedness can empower them to embrace the journey ahead. Help them envision the possibilities – from forging new friendships and immersing themselves in a vibrant culture to seizing opportunities for personal growth and academic enrichment.
Engage them in conversations about the transformative experiences they’ll encounter and the profound impact it can have on their journey of self-discovery.
Involve your teens in the decision-making process, empowering them to research the destination and envision their future. More than younger kids, teens like to feel as though what they think and how they’re feeling matters. Encourage them to articulate their aspirations and goals, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment as they embark on this transformative adventure. By giving them agency in the process, you ensure they feel included and valued, making the right move overseas a collaborative family endeavor.
Establishing a Foundation of Support and Stability
Transitioning to a new country can present unique challenges for high school-aged teenagers, emphasizing the importance of establishing a foundation of support and stability amidst the changes. Involve your teens in the logistical aspects of the move, soliciting their input on housing options, school choices, and extracurricular activities. Create routines and rituals that offer continuity and reassurance during this period of transition, providing a comforting anchor amidst the whirlwind of change.
Empower your teens to create a “transition toolkit” personalized with essentials that embody familiarity and comfort. Include cherished mementos and keepsakes that evoke fond memories, providing a sense of continuity amidst the upheaval.
Pro tip: Before the move, help your teen establish ‘connection plans’ with anyone they would like to stay in touch with- friends, teachers, coaches, etc. Start by making sure they have all of the contact information- phone numbers, email addresses, and home addresses.
Then, give thought to HOW they will connect. If your teen doesn’t have a computer, then emailing could be tough. No cell phone? Then traditional texting is out. It’s so important to give this thought BEFORE you go, not only so that you can get the pieces in place, but so that your teen can have the added peace of mind.
Pro tip 2: For texting, look into apps like WhatsApp, Marco Polo and Voxer. For international phone calls, check out Skype and Google Voice (you can get a local US number for just a few dollars a month).
Addressing Emotions and Nurturing Resilience
Moving to a new country can evoke a range of emotions in high school-aged teenagers–and their parents!–from excitement and anticipation to apprehension and uncertainty. Foster an open communication and emotionally supportive environment where your teens feel empowered to express their feelings and voice their concerns about the move.
Validate their emotions and reassure them that their thoughts and concerns are heard and understood. Encourage them to embrace the journey with resilience and optimism, knowing that they have the strength and resilience to navigate this transition successfully.
Carve out dedicated time to engage in heartfelt conversations with your teens about the move, inviting them to share their hopes, fears, and aspirations openly. Emphasize the opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and cultural enrichment that awaits them in their new home.
Make the Right Move Overseas
By incorporating these strategies into your pre-move preparations, you can empower your high school-aged teenagers to approach the transition with confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose.
Embrace this transformative chapter with empathy, patience, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing their well-being, knowing that you’re laying the groundwork for a fulfilling and enriching experience abroad.
Onward and upward!
Erin