I love adventuring with my kiddos. Whether its Rhys climbing all over Guatemalan ruins or Kai and Juniper taking a tuk tuk to the beach in the Philippines… I’m so glad I’ve introduced them to travel early.
Of course, it isn’t easy traveling with kids… and having three all three and under makes it all the more challenging. But there are a couple of things I try to repeat pretty often:
Shit can happen anywhere • Okay, there’s probably a more kid-friendly way to say that, but the truth is it’s kind of inevitable that kids will have meltdowns, kids will get sick, all that. It’s best to anticipate that up front so you can know how you’ll deal with it and won’t feel as overwhelmed when you’re in a new place. The fact is, that’s just what happens with kids no matter where you are, including at home. No need to let that be the thing that holds you back from a great bonding or growing experience.
It’s a lifelong adventure • You can’t travel at the same pace you used to, and you won’t do ALL the things. Don’t stress yourself out trying to make it all fit, and don’t stretch the kids so thin that everyone is miserable. It’s their experience too. Better to have one satisfying experience then quit while you’re ahead. At this early stage, it’s more about building a positive relationship with travel, exploring, and learning from the world.
Want more specific tips? My newest video is all about the things I’ve learned traveling with three very young passengers.