Pre-Internet, all but the most eclectic families followed the same template when it came to work, school, and vacations. September through May, everyone hunkered down and got through the daily grind best they could. This 9-month stretch known as the school year was punctuated by a few breaks, when you could visit Disneyworld, road-trip to Grandma and Grandpa’s, or maybe take the whole gang to Europe for a week’s worth of culture – and then there were three months of summer vacation, most of which were spent by the parents working and by the children complaining of boredom.
Nowadays, both homeschooling and remote work arrangements have become — well, if not the norm, at least much more commonplace and accepted. Few folks would raise an eyebrow to learn that you work from home, or that you teach your own children rather than sending them to a public or private school. Raising a family no longer has to mean staying in one place for 18 or more years, giving up your wanderlust dreams, or turning into a (shudder!) soccer mom.
Have you been kicking around the idea of ditching your suburban existence and hitting the road en famille? Here are 3 terrific reasons that becoming digital nomads isn’t such a crazy idea at all.
Hands-on Homeschooling
One of the biggest benefits of homeschooling your children is the flexibility to design your own curriculum. Rather than flying through history from the Mesopotamians to the Civil Rights Movement, or drilling multiplication tables ‘til you’re blue in the face, you can help your kids learn everythign they need to by studying what interests them most.
When your family lives a digital nomad lifestyle, you can substitute real-world experiences for textbooks and truly make learning come alive. See the sights where historic events actually happened, taste foods that tell you about the intersection between climate and culture, improve math skills by calculating the miles to go before reaching your next exciting destination.
Speaking of miles, one lesson you don’t want to teach your children is what a hassle it can be to get stranded mid-sojourn! Make sure to protect your time and travel schedule by securing an extended warranty on your RV or camper van. Find out more at https://www.goodsamESP.com/fifth-wheel-extended-warranty/.
A Wealth of Experience Equals Well-Rounded People
The greater one’s depth and breadth of experience, the better one is destined to become. Exposure to diversity builds strength of character, good communication skills, creativity, and compassion. Those are qualities that will serve your children well, no matter where they end up geographically or in terms of a career.
Traveling around the country — or seeing the world’s most stunning travel destinations — is one of the absolute best ways to expose your kids to different experiences and peoples. And because you’re beside them every step of the way, you don’t have to be afraid they’ll make poor decisions or be emotionally harmed by an encounter.
Don’t Put Your Happiness on Hold
In some ways, Western society sends a pretty mixed message to children. We tell them to carpe diem and live each day as though it’s their last; to dream big and pursue their goals no matter what obstacles others put in their way. Yet at the same time, we expect them to conform, to contain their passions to certain hours of the day and times of the year, and to sacrifice their own happiness for the greater good.
We tell our children that we love them more than anything, but we also can’t wait until they leave home for college so that we can enjoy life. Stop putting your adventure on the back burner, or delaying your gratification for after the job of parenting is done. Teach your sons and daughters by example that parenting and a full, rich life aren’t mutually exclusive. Dare to live your travel dreams, and in doing so, teach them that theirs are within reach, as well.
Happy Travels – to Your Whole Family!
For intrepid travelers who just can’t hang with 9-to-5 office culture, monthly PTA meetings, or a picket-fence lifestyle, the possibilities are now wide-open, thanks in large part to the digital revolution. And while it might take some serious planning and organization, the rewards you will reap are definitely worth the work.
Think you and your family are cut out to live your best life on the road? Or have you already made the break from sedentary society and become a digital nomad — kids or no kids? Let us know how you’ve made it happen, and what you’ve gained from the experience, by leaving a comment below!