Guest Blog post by an “LLP Mum”
From the moment I found out I was pregnant with our first child, Kamille, my partner and I knew that the traditional educational system was not for us. The idea of standing at the school gates, shuffling our children through the rain, and the morning rush of hurried dressing and rapid breakfasts just didn’t align with our vision of a happy, peaceful childhood. We felt that there had to be more to life than this routine. Schools, in our eyes, seemed like confined spaces where children are exposed to the same four walls day in and day out.
Both of us had always been passionate about traveling, and we wanted to instil that love in our children. When Kamille turned one, we realized that staying in our home country was not an option if we wanted to home educate her. The legal complications and lack of a home education community made it an uphill battle. So, we made a life-altering decision: we packed our bags and set out on a global adventure.
During our travels we visited England, where we spent a year and a half, coinciding with the Covid-19 pandemic. Unlike our home country, home education is quite popular in England. The pandemic forced us to stay put, but it also gave us an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the English culture and home education community. When the lockdowns lifted, home education groups and clubs started organizing activities again. Kamille, who was four at the time, together with Sam aged 2, joined in with them all, and it was a transformative experience. We visited museums, farm parks, and participated in group activities. The beauty of home education became evident; children of all ages mingled freely, breaking the age barriers often seen in traditional schools. The joy on Kamille’s and her younger brother Sam’s faces was priceless. For us, happiness is the ultimate goal in life, and we felt we were on the right path.
However, our journey didn’t stop in England. After a year and a half, we continued our global trek, visiting numerous countries. Kamille is now six, and Sam is four. The experiences they’ve gained are invaluable. They’ve learned to say ‘Thank you’ in multiple languages and have been exposed to various cultures, enhancing their world view at such a young age.
Recently, Kamille expressed a desire to be taught by “real teachers,” aiming to become smarter. This posed a challenge to our nomadic lifestyle. We reached out to private schools in various countries to inquire about short-term enrolment during our tourist visas, but we were met with rejection. Just when we were about to reconsider our choices, a solution presented itself: online schooling.
That’s when we discovered Learn Laugh Play, an online educational platform that seemed tailor-made for families like ours. The teachers on the platform have a unique approach that resonates with Kamille, making her feel proud of her daily learning achievements. Now, she can pursue her goal of becoming “cleverer” without compromising our love for travel.
The journey has been incredible so far. Our children are not just learning academic subjects; they are learning life skills that no classroom could ever teach. They are learning to adapt, to appreciate diversity, and to understand that the world is a much bigger place than they could have ever imagined. And as parents, we are learning too. We’re learning to be more patient, more creative in our teaching methods, and more appreciative of the little things that bring joy to our children. Their wishes guide us.
We’ve faced challenges, of course. Balancing travel, education, and the complexities of raising children is no small feat. But every hurdle has been a learning experience, making us more resilient and adaptable as a family. And the rewards have been immeasurable. The sparkle in our children’s eyes when they discover something new, the excitement in their voices when they share what they’ve learned with friends and family all over the globe, and the peace in knowing that we are giving them a childhood filled with rich experiences and endless possibilities.
In conclusion, our unconventional approach to education and life may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s perfect for us. We’ve managed to merge our love for travel with our commitment to providing a fulfilling education for our children. And as we continue this extraordinary journey, we’re excited to see where the road will take us next. For now, we’re content knowing that we’re nurturing two incredible human beings who will grow up with a broad perspective, a love for learning, and hearts full of happiness.
Yva
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE YOUR HOME EDUCATION STORY ON THE LLP BLOG TO INSPIRE OTHER FAMILIE, PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL AND WE WILL DISCUSS THIS WITH YOU.
PLEASE COMMENT BELOW IF YOU HAVE ENJOYED YVA’S BLOG!