Family Issues When Thinking About the Nomadic Lifestyle

Of all the posts I’ve written so far, this one has probably the most emotion laden topic for me.  I have been really drawn to the idea of being able to travel for extended periods and live for a few months in various places of the world.  Since I’m a wife and mom to 3 daughters, I realize I am altering the lives of many people with this idea.  My dream was to take off for a year with the children, homeschool while we traveled (which would consist a lot of them learning about the places we would stay in – history, geography, etc.), meet up with my husband as he was able to get time off, and then return after the year.  This idea has caused all sorts of uneasiness in my family. 

I’m envious of so many of you out there on travel blogs who are single, young and unattached.  You have no idea how simple things are for you when you make decisions!  I can barely make a statement about a possible itinerary without having someone plead, "But mommy, I was going to be on the track team next year", or "But mommy, I’ll miss my friends".

It’s hard to come to a decision.  One part of me says thinks this is an incredible opportunity for the kids and I to spend extended time together, for them to be exposed to new cultures and vistas, and that it is only one year from their regular life in exchange for a once in a lifetime opportunity. Well worth it.

The other part of me says I am making a completely self centered move that doesn’t take into consideration what my loved ones want.  My children have their stable lives and my husband counts on us to be with him.

Reading travel forums I see that a lot of people are wondering what will happen if they stay away too long.  Some never want to return.  The fact is, you can lose out on things back home if you choose to live as a nomad.  On the other hand, you will have a life story unlike any other.  God – give me 2 lives!!

  • elizabeth

    Just to respond to your dilemma, my husband and I lived in Malta, Europe for several years. We don’t have children but we met a couple who sailed all over the world with their young children, home schooling as they went. They told us of other familes they met along the way, some having been away for years at a time. As far as taking the children away from their stable lives, it is only for one year, and so would not be forever. Come to think of it, we also met a family from New Zealand who were on the tail end of one year traveling. The children seemed really happy, and they were having quite an adventure together. It seemed they were enjoying themselves…good luck with your difficult desicion!

  • http://www.movingtolose.com Colleen

    Hi Carmen,
    Have you read the book “One Year Off” by David Elliot Cohen? A couple and their 3 children traveled around the world. It’s a great read!

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