Is it bad for kids to move around a lot while growing up?

Question

When I was a kid I moved around a lot. I think it was good for me and I turned out well. What are your thoughts on this?

Answer 1

moving around is by far the better choice. It exposes you to a wide variety of experiences, and I think it makes you more open to new ideas.

Answer 2

As a military brat, I grew up all over the place and can say without a doubt that I don't regret it. Especially as a young child, I don't think it really matters so much, because any friendships you have at that age aren't likely to last a long time anyways....and when you get older, the real friends will last through thick and thin, and you find out how small the world really is in the face of true friendship. Growing up in a variety of places makes a person become a strong, self-sufficient, well-rounded, worldly, and flexible/adaptable. As a result of the experiences of my youth, I speak 4 different languages, have a great appreciation and tolerance of all sorts of different cultures, and can easily adapt to many different situations that life hands me. It also brings a family closer together because they rely on each other more strongly. The only downside to this kind of upbringing might be that you have a serious travel itch as an adult! :)

Answer 3

I moved around a lot as a kid. In fact, I went to a different school every year from the 4th grade to the 11th grade. I was always the new kid. I think this has helped me in many ways as I am very outgoing, comfortable in most social situations, have no problem meeting new people and I have a diverse group of friends and associates.

I have friends that have lived in one place most of their lives and they tend to be a lot less accepting of people that are different from what they are used to. I have several friends that never would have befriended a black person had I not initiated conversation with them. Once they got to know me they assumed that I was different from other black people based on stereotypes they accepted as truth. I let my friends know that I most certainly am an individual but they should not limit themselves to experiencing all the beautiful people God has created based on information that they do not know to be true. My catch phrase is "your small town mentality is showing"

Answer 4

I am a Navy brat so I definitely relate. I did fine with it. I think once a child's social life becomes important then it is harder. Moving makes children learn to adapt and interact better. I find, personally, I can deal with change easier now from all my different enviroments.

Answer 5

I am not a lover of big changes and personally fear moving away from my friends and where i live. I am so happy and dread the thought, i would be heartbroken if it comes to be reality. I guess it depends on the child and the circumstances of why you are moving.

Answer 6

It depends on the family, my siblings were raised by their Mother, I was not. They moved around lots and hated it. I stayed in one place and hated it. They say they miss not having a friend thats known them since they were little, like I have. I always wonder what it's like to live somewhere else.

Answer 7

Well, I think a child needs stability in their lives. I lived in the same house until I was 20. I think it gives children a sense of "home". Now, obviously it worked for your family. Your parents must have been careful.

Answer 8

There are pros and cons. The positive side is that you get to experience a lot of different places and meet a lot of different people. The downside is that it's hard to make any lasting long term friendships.

Answer 9

We moved 12 times as i grew up. I think it was a bad thing because we werent able to have lasting friendships.

Answer 10

Yes, very bad. Children needs stability. Moving constantly gives them no chance to really connect to anything.