Single Mom Traveling with a 2.5 year old

[Donedirtcheap]

Sane, a good way to judge whether you want to take someones advice here is to look at their total posts, you will quickly see the pattern. You can then choose to not have their posts displayed to you. There are a number of helpful folks here with a wealth of information, there are also some who see only the downside just like in the real world. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to figure out which is which. This tape will self destruct in 10, 9, 8, 7----------------

Please share with us what the pattern is. Does it mean that Bob with twenty some hundred posts knows everything and someone with 24 posts knows nothing and should be put on ignore? Does it mean that the person with 500 posts knows less than than the person with 700 posts? Or does it mean that when people reach the 700 mark they think they know everything? Please explain more about your method as it sounds very interesting. Thanks.

 

[Stargazer]

Hi, Sane,

I can see some definite advantages to your plans. As you have stated, there are many ways to do this. Getting down to the nitty gritty...here are my thoughts.

It will most likely be the driving part that will be the challenge. I would take every trip slowly. Your baby will be happier (and so will you) if you take frequent breaks to allow her to get out of the carseat, run around, and explore a little. Make up games that can be played while you are driving (let's look for a cow, a red car, you get it). Maybe have some sort of video setup where she can watch short vids (Mickey Mouse? Sesame Street?). If I were to do this, I would seriously consider an RV, like a Class C, large enough to allow stops where she can get down and move around, have a meal together, be potty trained, etc., without having to get out if weather is inclement or it's dark or you're stopped some place where staying inside is wiser. It would also allow you to park somewhere with full hookups, if you ever need them.

Second, kids get sick a lot! I'm sure you've thought of that and will have a plan for how you will handle that.

Third, daycare. Personally, I would use day care centers versus an individual you do not know, for occasional needs. If there is a problem, you can go to someone in authority. This also goes to #2 above. She will get sick (kids are little germ factories). Colds, ear infections, pink eye. Nothing serious but may require attention.

With planning and patience on your part, I see this as very doable. Even if she doesn't remember seeing the Grand Canyon, it is an attitude she will learn that will last for her lifetime. Curiosity about the world around her, appreciation of our Earth, tolerance of others, willingness to try new things! Of course, she can learn these things in a stationary home, but a happy parent equals a happy child. And if this makes you happy...

And if it doesn't work for either of you, you can always go back to a less than mobile lifestyle.

Just my immediate thoughts. And yes, I reared two daughters as a single mom and am now learning to be Grammy. And yes, again, I hope to take each grandchild with me in future travels! What fun we will have.

Best wishes!

 

[owl]

Done, has nothing to do with the number of posts, but with content. Some folks have a very negative attitude which pervades everything they see and say. What I was advising, was to look at the overall nature of their posts and make a decision based on the tenor of the majority of them. A lot of people really want to be helpful, some not so much.

 

[Stargazer]

And may I add...

Whatever we all may have to say, your baby and you will figure out what works for you. Each child is different and so is each parent. What works for one may not (probably will not) work for another. You sound like an intelligent, thoughtful person. Do what seems right for the two of you.

 

[akrvbob]

In post number 19 the OP brought up homeschooling and it's her thread she can take it where she wants it to go.

But it is an important topic so I split the homeschooling posts off into their own thread.

Please put future comments on homeschooling there and leave this one on the topic of womens safety on the road.

Thanks!
Bob