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. Many children who are only seven or eight years old have already because to three or four different schools due to moving. 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.
Children from families who move frequently can also have problems at school, not only socially, but academically as well. 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 try and make new friends wherever they go and usually lost touch with old friends. These children can also fall behinds academically very quickly. 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 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.I bet it is extremely difficult to readjust at all, let alone every year or two.