Constant moving can have a damaging effect on families, especially on young children. People who are involved in the military are much more susceptible to constant moving, and this can have a damaging effect on the children in the family. Imagine being seven or eight years old and having already attended three or four different schools. There are so many children who have had this type of experience.



Children who move only once or twice in their childhood are less susceptible to these damaging effects. These kids might find moving to be exciting...it could be a chance to start over for the better. However, children who are forced to move around several times per year can have serious problems in the future. These children may feel like they are not in control or as though no one cares what they want. What if they do not want to move? These kids are forced to go where their parents go and this can hurt them later in life.

Kids from families that move a lot can have both social and academic problems at school. These children may have a hard time making and keeping friends. I have some friends now that I have know since elementary school. These children do not have that luxury. They are forced to try and make new friends wherever they go and usually lost touch with old friends. Academically, it is very easy for these students to fall behind. Most school districts follow different programs, different states have varying curriculum standards, and in the long run, it is very easy for a child to fall behind due to gaps in their education.

Logistically speaking, it can be difficult not only for families involved in frequent moving, but for the people around them as well. While these children have a difficult time reintegrating into school settings several times in their school careers, teachers frequently have a difficult time integrating new students into their classes, as well. Parents also face challenges, such as finding new childcare, after school activities, etc.

Constant moving can be hard on everyone involved, especially with families involved in the military who are relocated on a yearly or biyearly basis. The children, teachers, and parents are the ones most directly afftected by the moving.It has to be really hard to readjust at any time in life, let alone every year or two as a kid.