Full Time RVing With Kids

Are you considering going full time in your RV but not sure how with kids? You’re not the only one. Every parent that has taken or considered taking the plunge to go full time has asked themselves the same questions that you are right now. Questions like “How will we have enough room?”, “Is it okay for my kids to not be in one place?”, and “What will we do for school?”. If you have been asking yourself these questions, you’re in the right place. So, keep reading and put your mind at ease.

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How will we have enough room?

Considering most people feel like they don't have enough room in their houses these days this can be an intimidating step in the process. Downsizing is a necessity for RV living. However, doing so gives you and your children a beautiful experience all on its own before you are even in your RV. It gives you the ability to teach yourself and your children what possessions are truly necessities or have genuine value. In a world that seems to be filled with greed and want we have the chance to give our children a simple yet more fulfilled life. You do not have to get rid of every single thing that does not have sentimental value. They are kids and kids need toys, books, art projects, and things of their own. Fortunately, most RVs have storage hacks that would be amazing if they had in some houses. Most RVs have storage areas under beds, benches, a lot of them even have closets. Storage is one thing to take into consideration when purchasing an RV for your family. Based on the size of your family a small bunk house may suit you, or a larger bunk room might fit your needs better. However, there are always different options and layouts to find what works best for you and your kids while on the road. If you already have an RV and organization is posing a challenge, there are always more organization hacks to improve and utilize your space efficiently. In our own RV we have the two full size bunks in our bunk house with little to no floor space. To give the kids a place to play we removed the mattress from one of the bunks and put in a foam floor. ​

We have used the foam flooring to convert bunks in two of the RVs we have owned. Although the space is small, it is the perfect little nook for kids to play, do activities, or schoolwork. Another huge plus is not having to worry about tripping over toys in your main living area. With kids comes chaos and clutter naturally, but organization is the key to surviving it, especially in an RV.
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Is it okay for my kids to not be in one place?

For those of you asking yourselves this question odds are you were raised to believe in the white picket fence idea. To be married, have a beautiful home, two kids, a golden retriever, all surrounded by a sparkling white picket fence. We were raised to believe that was what made you successful and stable. As an adult that lives full time in an RV the white picket fence just seems boring and compliant. Our world is different, and times have changed since we were kids. We now have the opportunity to show this ever-changing world to our children. Give them experiences we never even knew were out there. In one summer, my kids went from the flat open plains of Kansas to the mountains, up to beautiful Lake Tahoe, and they got to see the ocean for the first time. Just by changing where we lay our heads at night gave them the chance to do and see things most people don’t allow themselves to do in their entire lifetime. ​

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Kids are born with a natural sense of adventure and curiosity, traveling the country is the best way to embrace those things for them. So, it may not be what we pictured growing up, but it is a much bigger and brighter picture once you see it for yourself.

What will we do for school?

​This is probably the best time to consider the idea of homeschooling. As the worlds idea of normal has been rapidly turned upside down going to school is not as simple as it once was, for some it is not even a possibility. With the everchanging restrictions, homeschooling options are becoming more accessible and convenient.  Traditional homeschooling has always been an option and there are countless curriculums’ and styles to fit your child’s needs. There is also the option to use your current public schools’ virtual curriculum that will allow your child to learn from anywhere in the country while still enrolled in public schooling. Homeschool is not a blanket solution or style, each child and parents’ needs are different. However, homeschooling on the road is not your typical homeschooling and with the uncertainty of the current pandemic public school is not what it used to be either. One of the number one factors in choosing to send a child to public school is the opportunity to develop social skills and have interaction. Currently kids are being separated as much as possible and some are already learning remotely from home. Homeschooling on the road gives your kids the chance to see something new and exciting to learn about all the time. It is never boring or placid. There are probably even things you will learn along the way with them.
 
To say living in an RV full time with kids is a breeze or piece of cake would be a lie. Yes, it is much simpler and fulfilling than living in a stationary house, but it poses its own challenges. One thing I will always say and genuinely believe about this lifestyle is that it may not always be easy, but it is always worth it.