Now that my husband and I have our first-born child, it seems as if we come across a lot of families on the rv lifestyle in real life and on my algorithm.
Especially online, the most common comments I see people have is that rv life is not manageable with children.
And I’d like to point out some opposing opinions on these comments because everyone has their own reasons why they are rv living: from losing a home, saving money, financial hardships, work purposes, or maybe they just want more freedom to travel!
Most people would say that having a roof over your head, food to eat, and clothes to provide is the bare minimum of taking care of a child and yet, have a problem when the living space isn’t up to their standards.
And if people truly knew more about a rv camper, it truly is no different than a trailer house on wheels.
I believe you can make anything work, as long as you make the conscious choice to provide what it is your children need, as well as work with them in the best way you can.
So, let’s talk about the rv lifestyle with kids and how this type of lifestyle can benefit them.
Here are ways rv life helps kids learn and grow!
I mean, people want to complain about nepo babies and how spoiled children are, so why complain about rv kids when they are the children that are more likely to come from humble beginnings?
Think about it: they have to manage the space that they have and the things they are given.
They can’t really just buy an endless amount of stuff and in a way, they have to become more of a minimalist.
Now, I don’t see this as the worst childhood that a child can have.
Because here’s the thing: this can encourage children to problem solve, be creative with the things they have, and use their imaginations.
I feel like, far too often, children need that quick dopamine hit, so they reach for those iPads, phones, or sit in front of the TV.
And I’m not completely against these things for kids. Quite honestly, I feel like there can be pros and cons when it comes to screen time.
However, I also feel like it’s good for them to just “be bored” and sit with the things they have in front of them.
This can also allow them to appreciate the small things in life.
Kids on the rv life get the chance to learn many different experiences that other children may not have.
Many children don’t get the chance to visit new places around the world.
Heck, some rarely ever leave their hometown!
Rv life can provide a wide range of experiences and, if you think about it, can even provide skillsets such as fishing, archery, cooking on a grill or over a fire, and so many more life experiences!
Now, of course this can vary.
I have seen it to where kids can resent their parents for this lifestyle, but then I’ve seen several kids living under one trailer home and be close to their family.
I personally believe it really depends on how the kids grow up.
I believe if you can respect each other, respect privacy as much as you can, and hear the kids out when they need it, you can grow closer as a family on this lifestyle.
Kids turn out how they are treated anyways, so no matter how big or fancy a home can be, it doesn’t automatically mean that they are going to love their parents and be close with them.
I say you can grow closer as a family because you learn to live with each other in small spaces.
And yes, this means kids have to learn to cooperate, talk it out, and co-exist with each other, but this also gives them chances to play with each other and help them grow a close bond with one another.
Regardless, always remember that the main reason kids turn out the way they are is based on how they are treated personally!
As a black woman from a more conversative state, I wish the people around me were more exposed to different cultures.
It’s gotten better over the years, but back when I was a kid, I had to face a lot of racism and bullying over my appearance.
And if you are a family that travels on the rv lifestyle, you’ll be faced with a lot of culture shock.
I feel like rv travel can allow kids to meet new types of people, which means they have a better chance of becoming more open-minded to the different types of people they face.
I really want to emphasize this with my own kids, especially since we are in interracial couple (my husband and I) and want our kids to just be accepting to the different types of people out there.
If you are a rv family that travels, I hope that your kids get to meet a wide range of cultures!
And this can be with anything: from their personal belongings to boondocking in a camper home.
The rv life can teach our kids how to learn use their resources wisely, which you’ll want, not only for survival skills, but to help them navigate this world wisely.
If you aren’t new to camper life, you know the experience of having to be wise with using your propane tanks (especially with winter rv living), how your endless amount of hot water is non-existent on this lifestyle, how to winterize your camper, and how to use your space wisely in your camper.
I feel like, personally, that kids on the rv life have the chance to become a lot more resilient than the average child.
And with this mindset, having a resilient mindset can allow them to get further in life!
