This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: As cost-of-living pressures increase and the rental crisis worsens, many families are moving more often. New research, published by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute last month, shows children growing up in rental homes move every 2.3 years on average.
In Australia, more than 30% of households rent properties. Moving can be a stressful time at any age. But it can be particularly difficult for kids during early childhood and elementary school years.
Research shows relocation can impact children's well-being and development and potentially disrupt their sense of safety and belonging. It can also distance them from their social and emotional supports, such as friends, neighbors, sports coaches and babysitters, as well as the local services and schools they are familiar with. These impacts can be greater when children relocate frequently.
For some children, there can even be a temporary regression in their concentration skills and ability to learn. There may also be changes in: Our survey study of 41 parents, published this year, looked at the challenges Australian Defense Force families face when relocating frequently. Parents communicated how their frequent moves impact their children.
One parent explained the emotional toll on her child: "He was very out of control emotionally, having tantrums, and he developed a stutter. We didn't really know how to support him through the stress." Another parent said, "Our eldest often asks to go back to our last posting location, and often talks about his 'old friends' … telling us that he 'just really misses them' … we struggle to help him … he doesn't understand." These experiences show why children may need support to understand and adjust to a move. There can be good things that come with relocation too.
Moving to a more suitable home or community with greater access to services and opportunities can be beneficial in the long term. During a relocation, children can also learn positive ways of coping with change from their parents. So what can adults do to help kids adjust more easily?
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