Children Who Move

Abstract

According to the most recent census data, nearly eleven million children in the United States annually change their residence. Residential relocation can be a severely disruptive event for adults, but little is known about its effects on children. After a brief sketch of the ldimensions-a-nfdfiackground of the problem, this article reviews the extant literature to examine whether and how the mobility of children is related to their academic behavior, social relations, and general well-being. The importance of several contextual factors is noted. Finally, limitations of research and the implications for planning are discussed.