Leaving friends and a school where your teenager is settled can be hard. In this extract from our archives, parenting expert and child psychologist Dr Pat Spungin, CEO of Raisingkids.co.uk, suggests ways to make this transition smoother.

Raisingkids member's problem
How do I help my 16 yr-old boy move to a new town and a new school?

Dr Spungin's advice
On the positive side... Many children change schools at 16 so your son won't be the only 'new starter'. That's easier than coming in when friendships are already well-established. During Years 12-13, the established gangs reform anyway as different pupils follow different subjects. This will make things easier for your son too, as he'll often be working in small groups on shared projects. Talk to his Year Tutor - explain the situation and ask her to keep an eye out for your son (she may be able to suggest extra-curricular activities for him to get involved in).

If you're concerned that he'll feel lonely and isolated, encourage him to stay in contact with old friends. Text messages, email and phonecalls are easy and cheap ways of staying in touch. Invite old friends to stay too.

It's also a dry run for university! Remember, in two years time your son will have to start all over again with a new set of college friends or his first job. This move will be good experience. The ability to create relationships quickly and easily is valuable life skill that he can start acquiring now.

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