So my travelling adventures have not been as exotic as usual. There is good reason for that. I have a mini hobo now! When I would sit and nurse for what felt like hours on end I often reminisced about past expeditions. Now that I’m truly in the groove of parenthood I know that many of the skills and attitudes that make me an awesome Mom can be attributed to my past adventures! Why are travellers the best Parents? I’ll fill you in:
Hygiene – Or lack thereof. It doesn’t seem to bother me that if need-be I can go days without a shower. Sure, who doesn’t love a quiet, hot, relaxing shower? But sadly, sometimes when on the road or trying to juggle a screaming infant for hours on end, personal hygiene takes a back seat.
Sleep – Having the ability to sleep anytime, anywhere truly is a fantastic quality to possess; as a traveller and also as a new parent! The first three months of parenthood basically feels the same as jet lag so the ability to get a catnap is key.
Carrying your Life on your Back – While backpacking one becomes accustomed to carrying everything they own on their back. This skill comes in handy when you have to pack up your diaper bag, bottles, your purse, toys, food, change of clothes, oh and your kids, in order to leave the house for more than 3 hours at a time. Being able to juggle all of your belongings while trying to reach a destination really is a talent in of itself.
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- Not a far stretch from this….
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- ….. to this.
Navigating Unfamiliar Territory – I can guarantee that even the most experienced travellers have been lost at some point. Completely turned around in a foreign country trying to communicate in a language they don’t speak. Being a new parent feels exactly the same. You have no idea what you are doing and your little one can’t tell you what they need. Your go-with-the-flow attitude acquired while gallivanting is going to make you a great parent.
It’s the Best Decision You’ll Ever Make! – ” I should have travelled less”… said NO ONE EVER! Just like travelling, parenting can be hard work with its ups and downs. In my opinion though, it will be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. My Hobo heart looks forward to the day where I get to share my love of travel with the little mini love in my life.
My Mini-Hobo
and attached floor gave Mini-Hobo a spot to crawl around without us having to worry about bugs, too much sun, or him eating fistfuls of sand and twigs.
baby will be exposed to a bit of sun. If it’s too hot to cover up the little bambino with clothes keep some sunscreen on hand. Also, a natural bug repellant to spray the high chair, stroller, or baby’s legs and arms can prevent a lot of itchy bites later.
know it can do double duty? When Mini-Hobo got overheated or needed a bath we would simply fill the bin up with water and stick him in it. He had a grand time splashing around!
The High Class Hobo 