What to Consider
Our friends @rvlifediaries mentioned that having a routine for their kids is hard to follow on the road. Loud Walmart parking lots, constantly moving and not knowing where you will be sleeping are tough sometimes. When they have a place to stay over a week or longer, they are typically happier. Schooling can be difficult when living the van life as well. Many families will travel while their kids are under the age of 5 or 6, before schooling is required. For some families, this is not possible because their kids are older. Homeschooling and/or online learning programs are going to be the only option.
The van life is an amazing experience for kids to learn and grow. Here are just a few benefits:
• Teaches kids to be minimalistic and less materialistic
• Immerses them in nature, when they would otherwise be watching TV, playing video games, etc.
• Spend more time with family
• Kids will learn to get out of their comfort zone at a young age
• Kids will be able to get more exercise.
• More opportunities to meet new people and experience different cultures
Things to bring
• A highchair that can be attached to anything.
• Child toilet seat – Getting your little ones to go potty isn’t always easy. If they have their own toilet seat to take with them, they will feel much more comfortable.
• The security blanket – Every kid has that special blanket or special stuffed animal. When being surrounded by different people and different areas, they need to feel secure. Kids need to bring these one or two things that give them this sense of security.
• One toy – If they have a favorite toy, it will be nearly impossible to tell them they can’t bring it.
• Nature books and toys – Providing your kid(s) with things that allow them to play and experience nature is a great learning experience. Animal books, insect jars, binoculars, etc. Anything to get them away from the iPad.
• Something to show other kids – Your kids may not get as much interaction with other kids their age when living the van life, so if they have a collectable, an insect jar, or something cool to show other kids, they will be more likely to socialize.
• Hiking backpack with a child holder.
• Stroller – This isn’t necessary because you can just use the backpack with a kid holder, but you may need to give your back a break.
• Something for exercise – A football, soccer ball, or if you have room for something larger, a bike is a great option.
The bottom line: Unless your kid will need something on a daily basis, don’t bring it.