RV Living 101 for Families: The Balance Between Freedom and Routine

Contributed post.

Traveling with your family is an experience that will get scarcer the older the kids get. The open road, changing landscapes, and the possibility to stop at a whim is unlike anything else. While the excitement of RV living is nice, it's difficult to maintain this spirit when there are children along for the ride. To achieve a balance between adventure and happiness with your family, will take discipline and commitment to both flexibility and routine.

Structure Is Not A Bad Thing, Even On The Road

One of the most appealing aspects of RV living is the freedom of being able to go wherever you want, whenever you want. For families, too many unknown variables can result in a lot of stress and fatigue. Children crave routine and consistency no matter where they are, it is possible to incorporate some structure into your daily routines without taking away the spontaneity of RV travel.

Use the basic building blocks of a structured day, such as eating meals at set times, setting up a consistent sleep schedule, and blocking aside specific periods of time for homework or quiet time. The basic framework of a daily structure allows children to feel secure and provides them with a base of knowledge about what is expected of them each day. Keep your daily schedule light and flexible. Share your daily plans on a calendar, write down the plans on a whiteboard, and avoid creating too many expectations of what needs to be accomplished each day.

Choosing the Best Campsites Will Help Ensure Your Family Has Fun On Vacation

There are many different types of campsites available to RV travelers. It is essential to choose a site that has many amenities that are suitable for families with children, like playgrounds, clean restrooms and showers, and plenty of room for your children to run around and explore. If you plan to continue working while on the road or plan to homeschool your children, then having access to Wi-Fi would be a great feature. Do not forget that a fun pool or a short walk to a nature trail can be just as important, these bonuses contribute to a relaxing and enjoyable vacation for all members of your family.

Homeschooling On The Road - Find Balance Between Flexibility & Focus

Flexibility is one of the greatest benefits of homeschooling or "roadschooling" when you're traveling. It is very helpful to have a basic framework or curriculum to follow, so you're not constantly searching for educational opportunities. Mornings seem to work better for focused learning than afternoons. Fresh minds and fewer distractions contributes to effective learning in the morning. Afternoons are a perfect time to explore museums, visit nearby nature trails, or participate in other local activities that support your child's learning.

Family Chores And Downtime

In a confined RV, every member of your family has a job to do. Assigning age-related tasks creates a sense of accountability among your children and helps keep the RV neat and a little less chaotic. Create a rotation system to complete daily tasks like cleaning the floors, washing dishes, and organizing gear prior to leaving each campground. The routine helps build team effort and reduces arguments with the family over time.

For relaxation, stock your RV with board games, creative supplies, and books. RV living can be very peaceful when all family members have something to do.