Overlanding is fun if you know what routes to take and how to live on the road. What’s even better is overlanding with your family. You get to share these unique experiences with the people who are closest to you in your daily life. But despite all that fun, things may get pretty difficult at certain points when you’re bringing your kids along.
Kids are not as patient as adults – particularly if they’re very young. Besides, you need to make sure you have everything you need to take care of your children during the trip. So, if you want to survive this journey, here are some tips that will help improve your experience on the road.
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Consider the Age
The age of the children is always a very important consideration. This is not only because kids have different needs at different ages, but also because of school. Planning an overlanding trip is usually easier when the children have not reached the schooling age yet. You could just go on a trip whenever you want.
If they’re already old enough to go to school, then it would be more challenging to plan your overlanding trip, but it will all be better if you consider schooling them on the road. You will have to bring a lot of materials with you and take the time to teach the children all they should be learning. It’s a big responsibility and you need to be ready for it.
At the same time, make sure you don’t decide for your children. If they want to go to regular school instead, don’t get in their way. You could always try planning these trips during the holidays instead.
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Pack the Right Food for Everyone
There are high chances that your children may not like the same food as you do. On the other hand, they might have their favorite foods that make them empty the plate in an instant. You can still cook during your trip, but you need to consider not only your cooking skills but also the possibility of cutting or slicing foods on the road. Even if you have the chance to do so while camping, sometimes it’s better to prepare everything before you leave your house. This includes chopping, cutting, and dicing the food. This will prevent you from having too much to do while camping.
Also, you should always pack things that your children like. It will be easier to keep them happy and entertained during your adventure.
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Don’t Pack All the Toys
Packing some toys for your children may be necessary if they are still young and you want to keep them busy. However, you should not pack all the toys they have at home. This would take too much space that you could use for necessities instead. Only pack a few toys that your kids love, and preferably toys that they don’t mind getting dirty or can be easily cleaned.
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Give Them Tasks
While you don’t have to ask them to start cooking or make a fire, you could always give your children some small tasks to keep them busy and make them feel like they’re part of this whole adventure. They will love feeling like they’re contributing to the trip and it will also ensure they are not doing something they shouldn’t while you’re busy and not paying attention. It’s also a great way to teach them a few things and to bond as a family even more.
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Stop a Few Times on the Road
While driving, you will have to stop a few times on the road. Some of you may want to go to the bathroom, or you maybe need to go shopping for something. What’s even better is that this is a way for children to do other things in the meantime and not get bored sitting in the car. You could stop at playgrounds you see along the way or take them shopping. You could also stop at some beautiful spots you see and take some pictures, or explore the surroundings. It’s a fun thing to do when you are overlanding with children.
Final Thoughts
Overlanding with children can be fun if you follow some tips that will keep your little ones happy and entertained. The advice above will help you keep your kids safe while making sure they stay in a positive mindset and enjoy the adventure to the maximum.
