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Moving Day
Teens Can Cope With Family Relocation By Teri Brown
Warning Signs
Despite parental help and involvement, there are times when a teen may become depressed over the move. Rosenberg says that there are both obvious signs and less obvious signs that a teen is not adjusting well and may need some extra help. "The obvious signs are easy: prolonged sad mood, withdrawal from formerly enjoyed activities, change in eating or sleeping habits, a sudden drop in grades, truancy, drug or alcohol use," she says. "But you'll also want to keep your eyes open for more subtle changes and to take the time to figure out if the changes in behavior are part of the normal adjustment or indicative of a more serious problem." Rosenberg says to expect that a teen may take some time to adjust to a new home and school and that a decrease in socializing may be normal as the child tries to find how to fit with the different social environment. However, if your teen never wants to go out, seems to exhibit regressed behavior or shows any of the obvious signs of depression, get some help. Nobody has to go through this alone. Together, you can move in a positive direction.