Relocating your family, especially when it involves changing schools, poses significant challenges, particularly for children. While adults primarily grapple with the financial and logistical aspects of a move, children are more attuned to the emotional side of the process.
Photo by cottonbro studio
The experience of moving can elicit emotions such as fear, sadness, and even anger in children. These emotional responses are entirely normal, but it’s important to recognize that frequent relocations, especially during specific developmental stages, can potentially lead to issues related to schooling, emotional well-being, and social adaptability.
Studies conducted by the MacArthur Foundation shed light on the profound impact of childhood relocation. Their research has shown that even a single move can have detrimental effects on school-age children. In fact, any move during childhood is associated with a nearly half-year loss in educational attainment, which can also result in decreased earnings in adulthood.
The research further underscores the significance of timing. Children ages 6 to 10, a crucial developmental period, experience short- and long-term impacts from relocations. Such moves during this sensitive time can lead to a remarkable 44% decrease in later earnings. Moreover, the study reveals a correlation between the number of childhood moves and lower life satisfaction and psychological well-being in adulthood.
For parents, this emphasizes the need to consider a multitude of factors when preparing their children for a move. By addressing these concerns proactively, parents can navigate the challenges of relocating with their children more effectively, ultimately promoting a smoother transition and better ensuring the well-being of the entire family. Please see the accompanying resource for further insights.
Graphic created by Move Central.