We’ve moved 14 times in 15 years. All voluntarily. We aren’t running from the law. Jobs, graduate school, adventure, more jobs, more graduate school, overseas opportunities, etc. Even when we’re planted for a few years, we travel for every holiday. My kids are accustomed to moving and to embracing the unknown. My nine-year-old has the skills to navigate mass transit; I haven’t yet let her travel alone, but she could. They’ve learned how to make friends upon landing. Most sadness can be overcome with the promise of bubble wrap dancing. It’s a noisy outcome but it does cure the blues.
Over the holidays we took them on the road for 2 weeks to live out of 4 suitcases and see how we faired. My partner and I dream of travelling overseas for a semester, so we thought this would be a safe trial run. The trip was an absolute success. Here the girls are exploring Tom Sawyer’s island at Disney, plotting their next adventure:
When we returned home, Piper put down her suitcase, unpacked her beloved Pinky, and just to be sure she was ready for our next move asked, “So, we’re home, right? When do we have to check out of this place?” Poor nomadic children or well-adjusted little explorers? You decide.
piperism 
Explorers I say. One thing about always traveling somewhere for the Holidays. I dont think until recently my kids have had a christmas at home. I wonder what they will do with there kids???? Always travel on Holidays or set up a tree after Thanksgiving, and enjoy the Holidays at home.One thing for sure when you travel and move. Kids are much better at making freinds in a crowded room of strangers. To kids they are already freinds—-the just haven’t met yet!!!
You’re right, Gene. My kids rioted this year when we tried to spend Thanksgiving at home. They look forward to the adventure and want the lovely, noisy family gatherings. I don’t know what they’ll want when they’re older, but now seems a good time to travel with them. I also like getting away and spending the time together. We have such great concentrated family time when all the other distractions of the day to day melt away. Oops. I made a rhyme 🙂 Love you, bro!
When you can, you should totally come visit Korea (and other east Asian countries). My brother and I would gladly act as your tour guides haha
That’s tempting, Christine, especially if you throw in some babysitting on the side!