Found some info on teenage expats
When expatriates and their spouses/partners accept the offer of an international move and take advantage of a new career opportunity, that decision ideally occurs after a period of reflection based on a review of their options. The younger members of the family are not always privy to this decision-making process. While they may view the international move with enthusiasm and fervour, it is not unusual for them to experience some level of anxiety and confusion.
Teenagers, on the other hand, often have a more intense reaction to an international relocation. Why is it often different for teens? Teenagers typically form close relationships and bonds during and after the school day. Friends and social activities become crucial components in their lives, and "fitting in" is a vital part of their existence.
When initially informed that their parents have made a decision to move the entire family to a foreign country, they may react angrily, even fight with their parents and threaten not to come along. This type of response is often due to the lack of control and feeling of powerlessness experienced by teens in relation to their parents' decision.
Exacerbating the situation is the fact that, developmentally, teenagers are undergoing significant physical and emotional changes in their lives, as well as learning to form self-chosen values and independent choices. From their perspective, the impending move to a foreign country will disrupt all things that are central in their lives. Consequently, teens are often the most upset about the transition, as it can be tougher and more traumatic for them than their younger siblings.
What parents can do to help Relocating parents sometimes underestimate and overlook the feelings that their teenagers are experiencing. This oversight is often a direct result of their involvement with the demanding logistics of the move — closing accounts, selling the family cars, researching suitable schools, deciding what to ship and what to store, finding a new foreign home, renting their home-country residence, and so forth. Parents frequently err in assuming that the rest of the family will not understand or even care about all the details involved in the relocation. As a result, they do not actively involve other family members, who may feel excluded — particularly, the teenagers.
Addressing the needs and concerns of all their children is imperative for parents. To maintain a harmonious home life, both in the home country and overseas, it is crucial to take the time to explain to each family member why you are moving. Express that the international relocation is a positive choice.
Parents should involve children in the relocation process while recognising their concerns and issues. This will help facilitate communication within the family unit. What also helps the family dynamics both before and during the assignment is for everyone to make the effort to be appropriately open and honest with each other. The best practical support parents can provide for their children would be to guide them toward helpful resources.
When expatriates and their spouses/partners accept the offer of an international move and take advantage of a new career opportunity, that decision ideally occurs after a period of reflection based on a review of their options. The younger members of the family are not always privy to this decision-making process. While they may view the international move with enthusiasm and fervour, it is not unusual for them to experience some level of anxiety and confusion.
Teenagers, on the other hand, often have a more intense reaction to an international relocation. Why is it often different for teens? Teenagers typically form close relationships and bonds during and after the school day. Friends and social activities become crucial components in their lives, and "fitting in" is a vital part of their existence.
When initially informed that their parents have made a decision to move the entire family to a foreign country, they may react angrily, even fight with their parents and threaten not to come along. This type of response is often due to the lack of control and feeling of powerlessness experienced by teens in relation to their parents' decision.
Exacerbating the situation is the fact that, developmentally, teenagers are undergoing significant physical and emotional changes in their lives, as well as learning to form self-chosen values and independent choices. From their perspective, the impending move to a foreign country will disrupt all things that are central in their lives. Consequently, teens are often the most upset about the transition, as it can be tougher and more traumatic for them than their younger siblings.
What parents can do to help Relocating parents sometimes underestimate and overlook the feelings that their teenagers are experiencing. This oversight is often a direct result of their involvement with the demanding logistics of the move — closing accounts, selling the family cars, researching suitable schools, deciding what to ship and what to store, finding a new foreign home, renting their home-country residence, and so forth. Parents frequently err in assuming that the rest of the family will not understand or even care about all the details involved in the relocation. As a result, they do not actively involve other family members, who may feel excluded — particularly, the teenagers.
Addressing the needs and concerns of all their children is imperative for parents. To maintain a harmonious home life, both in the home country and overseas, it is crucial to take the time to explain to each family member why you are moving. Express that the international relocation is a positive choice.
Parents should involve children in the relocation process while recognising their concerns and issues. This will help facilitate communication within the family unit. What also helps the family dynamics both before and during the assignment is for everyone to make the effort to be appropriately open and honest with each other. The best practical support parents can provide for their children would be to guide them toward helpful resources.