Content Principles

1. Respect the Reader

No edition should talk down to its reader.

Simple language is not childish language.

Teen content should be direct, intelligent, and honest.

2. Participation Is Not Approval

A child or teenager may participate thoughtfully without supporting the move.

The workbooks must allow readers to express:

• Excitement
• Uncertainty
• Anger
• Sadness
• Curiosity
• Indifference
• Conflicting emotions

3. Ask Before Teaching

The workbooks should first help readers identify what they think and feel.

Educational content should support reflection rather than overpower it.

4. Avoid Family Assumptions

Use terms such as:

• Your family
• Your household
• The people moving with you
• The adults involved
• The people important to you

Avoid assuming:

• Two parents
• A mother and father
• Siblings
• Home ownership history
• Shared custody arrangements
• Biological relationships

5. Make Every Activity Meaningful

Coloring, drawing, puzzles, and rating exercises must support the home-buying or moving experience.

They should not be decorative filler.

6. Preserve the Child’s Own Voice

Adults may help explain directions, but the answers belong to the young person.

Do not correct feelings.

Do not pressure the reader to give positive answers.

7. Encourage Family Conversation

Each edition should contain selected pages that can be shared during a family discussion or HBE Strategy Session.

Private reflection pages should be clearly identified when appropriate.

8. Protect Dignity

Avoid labels such as:

• Moody teen
• Difficult child
• Picky
• Dramatic
• Immature

The internal development goal is to engage reluctant or skeptical teenagers, but the product language must remain respectful.