It’s easy to minimize the effect changing schools can have on your high school teen.
Not too long ago, we went through the high-school thing and then moved on. But we quickly forget the unique stressors those in high school experience. And those stressors are arguably greater than we experienced a generation or two ago.
Moving to a new school exponentially increases those challenges.
If You Can’t Help Your Teen Like You Want
Is your teen changing schools because you recently moved?
If so, you’re likely having a difficult time nurturing your teen during their transition.
Why?
Because you’re dealing with an immense amount of pressure yourself.
We’re talking about major change stress for everyone involved. While you’re adjusting to a new job, learning how to get around town, changing your utilities over and maybe getting used to a new relationship, your teen is trying to process life as well.
Not only does your high schooler feel your heightened stress level–Their new high school experience is possibly putting their stress levels at near or actual levels that are unmanageable for them.
It may be possible that you can’t help your teen like you want. After all, you’re feeling pretty swamped.
This is a great time to be intentional. Instead of feeling guilty because you can’t help like you want, look for opportunities for others to help your teen. You can’t do everything and admitting it can be freeing.
That could mean seeking out a therapist to help your child work through their transitional stress. If you’re near family or friends, consider scheduling some time for your teen to spend with them so he or she can feel some normalcy and greater stability for a while.
Be Careful Not to Downplay Your Teen’s School Transition
As already said, this is easy to do. But experts in the mental health field know all too well that moves for high schoolers can lead to low points in their mental health. This can even be true for those who are generally considered pretty resilient.
Do your best to keep open communication with your teen about these struggles (or as already shared, find someone who can).
Your high-schooler is grieving for friends they can’t see as easily and scared about the ups and downs of new relationships.
It’s important to regularly remind your teen that things won’t always be so difficult. Eventually, a new routine will be established and new friendships will bloom. If it is time for you to schedule your couples counseling appointment online using our online scheduling tool, call us at (949) 393-8662, or text us.
