Crown Relocations have written an excellent article on relocating with teenagers that we've reproduced below.

There are few things that impact a family unit the way a relocation does. And relocating with a teenager can be especially difficult, considering that many teens will view this upheaval as nearly earth shattering. In fact, many employees use family issues as the basis for deciding against relocating, thus preventing companies from sending their “first choice” candidates on international assignments.

Teenagers will present a catalogue of reasons, well thought-out productions, on why the family should not relocate. After all, most teenagers, unlike younger children, have been building a life for themselves, honing their social skills and making decisions on their own. They have close friendships, school activities, jobs, family ties and, simply put, memories of growing up in a community they call home.

Human Resource professionals are confronted by the family versus job dilemma because of the obvious implications. But when a family must relocate, for professional reasons, the Human Resource departments can look toward their relocation company of choice to provide their employees with advice on how to involve their teens – how to make the experience positive for all involved.

“Parents must stimulate some excitement about the destination,” said David Muir, CEO of Crown Relocations EMEA division. “This will involve research and family teamwork, but once the work is done, parents can highlight the “cool” things, the positives about the destination ,in their family conversations."

Employees can also challenge their teens to become more involved; even take personal responsibility for specific components of the relocation. The whole process can be treated as a real life experience. Because teens are usually more computer savvy and conscious of online intricacies, they can do the research on a multitude of issues concerning their destination, such as real estate -- best neighborhood to buy or rent; driver’s license information – what forms to fill out; school systems – which are the highest rated; places to visit, foods to eat, major languages that are spoken, and many other things.

This effort by the parents to get the teens involved is just one step toward a positive outcome. “If parents adopt genuine enthusiasm for the change they are about to embark on, they can truly enrich their children’s worlds by supporting them through the rough stages ahead,” said Elizabeth Perelstein, President of School Choice International, Inc. “Expatriate children are known to be more self-assured, more adaptable, as well as more open minded."

It is extremely important that Human Resource professionals make sure their relocation company not only thinks of the relocating employee but the whole family unit. This in itself may not be earth shattering news, but any help on what may be the most challenging aspect of moving a family (getting the teens in the household to buy into the move) would most certainly help.

And it would be one more opportunity for parents to make a positive impact and prepare their children for this unpredictable world.