So, you’re thinking about living as a digital nomad, but are still not sure what it entails, especially if you’re travelling with kids? Well, apart from the obvious benefits that you’re aware of and which made you consider this lifestyle in the first place, you should be aware of many obstacles along the way. Apart from the obvious ones, such as whether you’ll be able to afford such a life for your family, you really need to think carefully about the impact of your decision on those who really depend on you.
What does it take?
Luckily, you wouldn’t be the first person to choose this kind of lifestyle, since many have taken this path and never looked back. Also, there are those who tried it and gave up on the idea and their experience is equally useful for everyone about to follow that road. So, before you take any steps, make sure you take all the necessary steps before you embark on your trip. You can’t just pack your bags and start roaming, as any successful digital nomad will tell you.
Choosing destinations
You may be attracted to the idea of spending some time at certain destinations, but you need to remember that you’re not alone any more. Choosing areas that are risky or where the climate is quite harsh may give you an adrenaline rush you crave for, but those are definitely not the right destinations for your kids. You don’t want to be preoccupied with their safety and well-being while travelling. Well, at least not more than you would be if you stayed in the place you’re currently residing in. If you want to make sure your child is safe, check out some of the best-reviewed baby car seats on the market in order to make the right purchase. So, make sure you only visit those destination where your kids will feel safe, where they won’t have any health issues because of the environment and where they too could make the most of their stay.
Focus on the positives
Depending on the age and character of your children, you might have to deal with more or less resistance on their behalf when it comes to constant travelling and uprooting. That’s why it’s vital you talk to them regularly and point out the benefits of your lifestyle, since they are bound to find flaws in it. Help them understand the unique experience they’ll have, which not many kids their age boast. Also, be available to them. What’s the point of travelling with your family if you won’t have any free time to spend with them and enjoy?
Medical insurance
One of the burning issues when it comes to living as a digital nomad is definitely health care. You mustn’t spend a day abroad without medical insurance and since you’re likely to travel across various countries a lot, you should find the best travel medical insurance for your family. Your kids may be perfectly healthy, but remember that they are prone to all sorts of injuries and accidents and you need to be covered for such eventualities at all times, wherever you are.
Schooling
Again, depending on the age of your kids, you might need to enrol them in different schools each time you change your location, or opt for tutoring or online schooling. This means you’ll have to get more involved in choosing the curricula and syllabi and monitor your kids’ progress more closely, since you won’t have anyone to do that for you over a longer period, as you would in regular schools.
Socialisation
Another problem you’ll probably have to deal with is the fact that if you travel constantly, your kids won’t have enough time to build strong relationships with their peers. Also, there might be a language barrier, which would make it impossible for them to find their feet. If you spend too much time travelling and change your location often, your kids will definitely suffer. So, try to stay at one place long enough for them to feel comfortable.
As you can see, despite all the benefits, being a digital nomad is not easy, especially if you have kids. Still, it’s far from impossible, but you really need to think it through and put a lot of effort in making it work.
