How Does Moving Affect Kids?
Whether you move across town or across the country, making a move can be unsettling to children.
Moving Can Be Difficult
Regional and cultural differences can be hard on kids.
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I was born in Grants, New Mexico and my sister was born in Poughkeepsie, New York. Needless to say, I was too little to remember those moves. From the time I was three until I was thirteen, we lived in West Lafayette, Indiana. We moved to Marietta, Georgia in the middle of my 7th grade year.
I am not sure if it was the black and white difference between the Midwest and the South or my age, but the move was HARD on me. Kids wore different fashion, listened to different music and were developmentally more advanced than I was. I have always felt bad for my 13-year-old self and have thus decided to never uproot my kids.
With that being said, I have lots of friends who have either moved here for work or because of the great schools or have moved away due to military assignments or the economy. Many of my friends report that their children have done very well and that the move allowed for new friends and activities. Some kids that I have asked have reported missing their old friends and clubs.
Have you experienced a move? What have your children said to you, good or bad, about their experiences? Do you think children's ages make a difference in their perceptions? Have regional differences affected you and your lifestyle? Please share your thoughts.
Tell us in the comments.
Toni
11:24 am on Thursday, September 29, 2011
Hi Andrea,
I was born in England and lived there for the first few years of my life. When we moved to the states kids wanted to hear my accent. Our family moved around a lot so we met different people and learned about different cultures. I don't see it as a negative because we still have many connections which means plenty of vacation spots! My kids have not moved so much but they have changed schools often. They adjusted well and have friends who they communicate with from each school. Their circle of friends is expansive so they are always involved in different ways with different people. Sometimes it's necessary to to move around and make adjustments until you find the right fit for your family. Things are always changing so what you thought may have been perfect for your family five years ago may not be today.
Toni
tifani matherson
9:40 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
I think that she is right about kids moving to different environment because when I was 10 my mom moved me to another state and I was all ways thinking about my old friend and not once I told my mom I was deverstated and hated my new school