Migrating Together or Leaving Behind: The Impact of Migrants' Early Urban Migration on Their Children

ABSTRACT In recent years, the importance of urban experiences and learning effects among rural‐to‐urban migrants has been theoretically and empirically highlighted. However, the intergenerational impacts of migrants' early urban experiences have not been sufficiently explored in the existing literature, especially the impact on their children. Using data from the China Migrant Dynamics Survey, we examine the impact of migrants' age at first migration on their children migrating together and the underlying influence mechanisms. We find that the younger migrants are when they move to cities, the less likely their children are to be left‐behind. The mechanism analysis suggests that migrating to cities at a younger age promotes higher income, better social integration, and enhanced cognitive awareness of urban education. Moreover, a heterogeneity analysis reveals that the positive effects of early city migration on children migrating with their parents are more pronounced among second‐born children, younger children, and migrants with lower education. Further analysis demonstrates the significant impact of early migration to cities in shaping gender disparities, particularly by increasing the likelihood of sons migrating with their parents. We provide valuable insights into the urbanization process and the issue of left‐behind children, offering implications for developing countries facing similar migration challenges.