Forced removals | Consequences for toddlers

As a housing crisis grips the four corners of the province, tenants more often face repossession requests or evictions, according to recent data^⁠1. A new survey by the Observatoire des tout-petits reveals that 88% of parents of young children are worried about a potential move. This proportion rises to 95% among single-parent families and those with an income of less than $40,000.

Fannie Dagenais
Director of the Observatory for toddlers

A source of concern for parents, moving can also have consequences for the development of young children.

A move can be positive for a child, especially if the new home better suits the needs of their family. However, by changing neighborhood and housing, the child loses his bearings, which can be insecure. If he changes daycare, he will have to adapt to a new educator. Their routine can be upset, for example if their parents are away from work and have to allow more time for travel. Finally, a move can also cause the child to lose the precious ties he has developed with certain members of his community: the children of the neighborhood and their parents, the worker from the family community organization, the librarian who leads the story time, neighborhood health workers and professionals, etc.

Although they are part of life, changes can cause stress in toddlers. If the child is well accompanied by the adults around him, he will be able to control his stress and adapt to the new situation.

However, it is more difficult to maintain these conditions when the changes are frequent, unforeseen and generate stress in the adults caring for the child. Stability, so precious for the child’s development, can then be compromised.

Worrying repercussions on the development of children

According to the latest Quebec survey on the preschool career of kindergarten children^⁠2, 42% of kindergarten children who have experienced three or more moves would be considered vulnerable in at least one developmental domain. This proportion drops to 24% among children who have never experienced a move.

Moving can also have consequences on the living conditions of the family, and by extension on the health and development of toddlers.

Forced to move, some families find themselves in housing that is too expensive for their means. They must then make cuts in other expenses, such as food, clothing or activities with the children.

Other families, unable to pay their rent, are content with housing that is too small, sometimes in poor condition or even unsanitary. These dwellings may be in a neighborhood less close to services and public transport, or lacking parks and green spaces to allow children to have fun outdoors. Single-parent, immigrant and lower-income families are particularly affected by housing problems.

Acting on housing means promoting the development and health of children, as well as the ability of parents to properly meet their needs. To achieve this, many levers are at our disposal. The financing of social housing close to services, better control of rent increases, the adoption of by-laws to preserve the sanitation of housing or home ownership subsidies are examples. Together, let’s act on this important issue for toddlers and adults alike!