As cost-of-living pressures increase and the rental crisis worsens, many families are moving houses more often.

New research, published by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute last month, shows children growing up in rental properties move houses every 2.3 years on average.

In Australia, more than 30% of households rent properties.

Moving houses can be a stressful time at any age. But it can be particularly difficult for kids during early childhood and primary school years.

Research shows relocation can impact children’s wellbeing and development and potentially disrupt their sense of safety and belonging. It can also distance them from their social and emotional supports, such as friends, neighbours, sport coaches and babysitters, as well as the local services and schools they are familiar with.

These impacts can be greater when children relocate frequently.

For some children, there can even be a temporary regression in their concentration skills and ability to learn. There may also be changes in:

difficulty with routines

difficulty with routines

difficulty separating from parents

difficulty separating from parents

Our survey study of 41 parents, published this year, looked at the challenges Australian Defence Force families face when relocating........

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