Well, we have been on the road in our RV for 6 weeks now. We have seen and experienced much during our time together. It never ceases to amaze me what I learn during our sojourns out and about this country. Some are significant "aha" moments, while others are just simple learning moments.
I have decided to compile my top 10 lessons that I have learned while on the road with 5 kids, 2 adults, a (very large) dog in a 320 square foot RV (thanks Linda for correcting me!)...
1. A family that gets sick together stays sick together - I believe the velocity of a sneeze is 10 times stronger in a small home. We share everything in such a small space.
Lesson learned: Expect to get sick and don't leave home without essentials oils, diffuser and lots of NyQuil.
2. Everyone needs their own space - see #1 above. Seriously though, if each of the kids didn't have "their space" to go to and keep all their personal belongings, you would be reading about us in the newspaper. Yes, each child has their own bunk and no, that is not essential for travel but, oh, does it ever help keep my sanity!
Lesson learned: Help everyone respect each other's private space and property - including parents.
3. Stick to a schedule - some of us really like schedules. It is comfortable, predictable. Others of us, NEED a schedule. Travelling by RV can disrupt even the most basic schedule like eating and bedtimes. It is so important to be aware of those family members that may totally disintegrate without a schedule and try to stay to a basic schedule like wake up, bedtimes and school days/hours.
Lesson learned: Don't get mad when child #3 breaks down because I did not recognize his basic needs.
4. Allow the kids to help plan the trip - allowing them to choose between 2 activities or have a say in what the family sees or does gives them a sense of importance and responsibility. I can get too controlling and plan everything out but when I stop to ask what my kids would like to do I engage them and tell them that I value their input.
Lesson learned: Let go of control a bit and ask for help deciding family events.
5. Plan a buffer when travelling - staying in Rawlins, Wyoming for the night was not on anyone's "To Do" list for this trip. But it happens.
Lesson learned: Schedule extra travel days 'just in case.'
6. Take advantage of Teaching Moments - stop the bus for great teaching moments where the kids can get hands on education about something they (maybe) learned in their books. Also, living in less than 1000 sf with 7 people tends to magnify everyone's - ah, shall we say - flawed sin nature? (yeah, that covers it). Take time to talk with and work through character issues when they arise.
Lesson learned: God provides the lesson plan - go with it!
7. There is more than one way to organize an RV kitchen! - and I have discovered many of them (but not all of them)!
Lesson learned: Stop before you drive your husband crazy.
8. Share the work - at home each child has their own chores that they are responsible for. Why should being on our home on wheels be any different? Each child has their chorepack outlining each chore. The nice thing that in a space this small chores are accomplished quickly which frees us all up to go outdoors and enjoy our time together.
Lesson learned: Complete chores first thing in the morning.... if they wait until after they've ventured outside, chores won't get done.
9. A place for everything and everything in it's place - See #7. Lots of people+lots of stuff = no space. Everything has to go somewhere. I enjoy organizing which is a bonus when figuring out a home for everything.
Lesson learned: Make sure everything returns to it's rightful home.
10. Don't get bogged down to where you don't enjoy the road - Sometimes just being away from the regular chaos brings about more chaos. It is easy to get distracted with remembering all the different schedules and forget to stop and enjoy the road. Our time as a family is priceless. Come to think of it, this applies no matter where we call home.
Lesson learned: Enjoy the time on the Road to Righteousness!
