Raising a digital nomad family is exceptionally challenging and exceptionally rewarding. Children who grow up traveling the world, learning new languages, exploring new cultures and meeting people from all over the world are uniquely positioned to grow up to be global citizens who are adaptable life-long learners. In the context of the Future of Work and the Future of Life, there is no better way to prepare the next generation to live fulfilling lives. Not surprisingly, raising and educating digital nomad kids on the go is also incredibly challenging. Deciding to leave home for a certain amount of time and taking full responsibility for your children’s education is not a decision to be taken lightly.
A number of elements need to be considered and integrated into your daily routine as a family for remote education to work effectively on a longer time horizon. Digital nomad families raising kids will come across a host of challenges. From our experience, here are the most important tips to keep in mind as you prepare to take the plunge in educating your children remotely as a digital nomad family:
1. Plan ahead
Research the education alternatives that are affordable and available for you well before leaving home. Depending on where you are going and how long you are staying, you can mix and match educational institutions in destination countries and remote educational platforms. We spent about a month in each destination, so local institutions were not an option. We decided to mix and match different countries’ curricula to emphasize what we thought was important in our children’s education.
2. Set a routine
Cities, languages and cultures may be changing frequently, but a “home routine” keeps the family together, happy and healthy. Kids learn to count on a solid home life while they adapt to numerous and ongoing changes around them. Keeping a routine is critical for everyone’s mental, physical and emotional health while you travel.
3. Utilize technology, but don’t depend on it
Take advantage of online resources such as educational websites, online tutors and e-books to supplement your child’s education. However, we have found that pencil and paper still provide the best way to educate children – especially in primary school. As you travel, the world around you serves as a wonderful in-person school. Make time to get to know the countries you explore – their economies, policies, history, language and culture. Children learn quickly when they can see, hear, touch and smell what is being taught to them. Prioritizing a digital educational experience would be a shame and not as effective.
4. Stay organized
Keep all of your children’s school materials and assignments in one place. This will make it easier to stay on top of their education while on the move. Our children each have a carry-on in which they organize their school materials as we travel. This means that we do not risk losing anything as bags travel on planes. However, it also means that each child’s belongings are consistently in one place and cared for by themselves.
5. Encourage independence
Teach your children to be self-sufficient learners and allow them to take responsibility for their own education. You would be surprised at how much even very young kids can do when given the opportunity. Do not assume that they cannot take responsibility for their own education. Give them ways to be able to actively participate and manage their learning.
6. Make learning fun
Incorporate hands-on activities, games and field trips into your children’s education to keep them engaged and interested. This should be easy as you travel. Even a walk outside in a new neighborhood allows for learning to be fun.
7. Find a community
Connect with other digital nomad families to share resources and support each other in your homeschooling journey. This has been the most challenging part of our journey so far. It is not easy to meet other families if you travel a lot. Digital nomad kids tend to be out and about when other kids are in school or organized activities. Find community centers in your neighborhood, and inquire about sports activities. We have found this to be an excellent way to meet other families.
8. Balance work and play
Ensure that your children have plenty of opportunities to play, socialize and explore their surroundings while you work. Try to find places where you can work while children play and interact with others in a safe environment. If you can work in the evening, this helps the family make the best of “play time” during the day.
9. Stay in touch with home
Regularly communicate with family and friends back home to help your children maintain a connection to their roots. Kids need to feel rooted and know that their old friends and family are still with them while they travel. This helps them maintain confidence and face ongoing changes in their environment with gusto.
10. Celebrate accomplishments
Recognize your children’s achievements and celebrate their progress to boost their confidence and motivation. Without peers, teachers and a classroom environment, it’s easy to forget important milestones in your children’s educational journey. Marking the semester’s end, or celebrating the acquisition of difficult subject matters is important as kids complete their curricula.
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