There are an estimated 35 million digital nomads in the world today. Of these, 24% say they travel as a family with their children. Meeting their needs while traveling and working is a major challenge. Constant travel can, for example, be in total contradiction with the need to continue providing them with a quality education. How do you solve what can seem like the squaring of the circle? Here's our advice.
The challenges of digital nomadism for families
In fact, there isn't just one, but several challenges facing digital nomads traveling with their families
Adapting to new environments
Regular travel also means having to fit into a different mold each time, with new places, new cultures and new environments to discover. Children need stability, and constantly changing places can be a source of real discomfort. So we'll have to find ways to remedy the situation. This is essential if parents and children are to continue to travel the world together. The experience of digital nomadism must be positive for everyone.
Balancing work and childcare
Reconciling a parent's work with child-rearing can be a tricky business when you're on the road. But you've got to find a balance. This will often require careful planning. The aim is to determine the time slots dedicated to each activity (education, work, leisure). For example, it's imperative to take into account the times when children are most receptive to learning. In short, everything must be done to create an environment conducive to learning, even when you're on the move.
Combating social isolation
In order to thrive, children have an almost vital need to interact with other children. From this point of view, the nomadic nature of the lifestyle can present a problem. That's why it's necessary (and also true for parents) to combat social isolation. Digital nomads need to be in a position to meet others. In short, socialization remains an imperative, even when traveling thousands of kilometers a year.
Looking for financial stability
This is another challenge for digital nomads. They need to be able to maintain financial stability. Once again, this requires careful planning. It's essential to plan your budget, which must cover travel, education and daily living expenses. And let's not forget the unexpected, which is bound to happen along the way.
Solutions for reconciling work and family life
The importance of routine
Faced with the instability of travel, the family must become the island of stability that children so desperately need. Consequently, it's important to establish fixed schedules for work and education, while retaining a margin of flexibility to take advantage of opportunities for discovery. Routine is essential, but it must be compatible with a certain degree of adaptability.
Involving children in decisions
Children must not feel that they are constantly in the position of the one who suffers. Children should be encouraged to participate in travel decisions. Involving them in the choice of destinations will give them a sense of responsibility and show them that their voices count.
Online educational resources
They exist, and they're often of good quality. So why deprive yourself? Online educational resources offer interactive courses and tutorials, adapted to every level. What's more, they allow you to match the frequency of lessons to the pace of your travels. Online education is a powerful ally when you're traveling with your children.
A nomadic community for children
As we saw above, socialization remains an imperative. For children, this means meeting other digital nomad families. By meeting each other, children can develop friendships. Even if they have to leave again, these encounters can be extended via digital tools and applications. Exchanging similar experiences will strengthen children, which can only have a positive impact on learning and education.
Prioritizing family time
Despite the itinerant lifestyle, planning special family time is essential for strengthening emotional bonds, creating unique memories and, ultimately, making the most of the travel experience.
Clearly, navigating between the pleasures of travel, the demands of work and the needs of family requires constant attention from digital nomads. The experience calls for meticulous planning, which cannot, however, do without a certain degree of flexibility.