RSS FeedMoving and the Military
Moving constantly can have a negative effect on families with young children. Families in which one or both parents are in the military can be susceptible to constant moving, and this could have a detrimental 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 children may even find moving to be exciting; it is a chance to start over, make new friends, and maybe even change yourself. 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? They are basically forced to and this can hurt them later in life.
Kids from families that move a lot can have both social and academic problems at school. They may have problems finding and keeping friends. I know that I have a few close friends that I have known since elementary school. These kids do not have that at all. They are forced to make new friends every time they move, and usually lose touch with friends from their previous home. 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.
Moving can be difficult for not only the families who move, but 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 face a multitude of challenges, as well, including finding childcare, after school activities, etc.
Moving is hard on everyone, especially children of military families. Children, teachers, and parents are the most directly effected by constant moving.It has to be really hard to readjust at any time in life, let alone every year or two as a kid.