I’m excited to announce that a second little Hobo has arrived in our lives in the form of a Baby Girl. Juggling two is tough at times and I often draw from my experiences abroad to make it through the day. Here is why we’ll-travelled people make the best parents:

#1 – Sleep Deprivation. You know that feeling of arriving in a new city on the other side of the earth after 22 hours in transit with two layovers? Ya, that’s what it feels like to parent a newborn. Somehow you run on minimal sleep. Your years of adjusting to jet lag will come in handy!

#2 – Lack of Personal Hygiene: Traipsing through countries with a hot climate. Cheaping out on a hostel with only one shower for 20 people. Choosing to sightsee rather than bathe. Swimming in the ocean and justifying it as your shower. The ability to go a little less fresh than usual will come in handy as a new parent. Who’s got time for hygiene when there is sleep to be had!?

#3 – Language Barriers: We’ve all been there; frustrated beyond frustration trying to communicate with someone who doesn’t speak the same language. Hmmm, kind of sounds like a baby trying to tell you what they want. It’s fairly impossible to communicate. These situations need a lot of patience and persistence… but you already know that due to your experience with the Thai taxi driver.

#4 – Naps: The ability to nap anytime and anywhere is a glorious skill. Most often, travellers are great nappers. Whether it be a nap in transit or a quick snooze on the beach, you’ve probably mastered the art over the years. Use your napping powers to survive those first few months!

#5 Flexibility: The most seasoned of travellers have developed a go-with-the-flow attitude. They know they have zero control over airport delays, booking mistakes, language miscommunications, etc. They let go of control and adapt to current situations. I’ve concluded that parenting is really just one giant exercise in letting go of control. These tiny humans have minds of their own and they most definitely don’t always operate according to your plans. The more care free and flexible you can be as a parent, the more you will enjoy your journey. 🙂