Moving Can Be Detrimental for Children

A new study has found that children who relocate several times throughout childhood have a harder time completing schoolwork and making friends.

The study's findings

The study was conducted by researchers at Boston College, who discovered that both reading and math scores for children are negatively affected by multiple moves. Children who move a lot also have a difficult time with certain social skills, such as forming bonds with other kids.

This impact was felt -- although less strongly -- even if the child stayed within the same school system.

Children who move multiple times were also found to have emotional and behavioural problems. This is most likely due to an increase in stress levels and the disruption of children's day to day routines.

"Moves during both early and middle childhood were associated with decreases in children's social skills and increases in emotional and behaviour problems, and these effects lasted for years," revealed developmental and educational psychology professor Rebekah Levine Coley.

To help your children through this difficult transition, we highly recommend following these tips for getting kids adjusted to a new school and their new community.