Van Life With Kids Is ABUSIVE!

[@yamchayaku]

Wait till your kids start getting older. Space is going to be a HUGE problem now matter how big your van/bus is, and chances are your kids are going to be very unhappy about it. Just a warning. Also, I had a cousin grew up with a father who was constantly traveling all over the world and was home schooled. His academics were good but social development was severely stunted because he never stayed long enough to develop life long relationships. He also didn't have much of an opportunity to meet other kids because he was always traveling. In fact, he grew up socially awkward until he left for college. Even after leaving for college, there was still a LOT of things that the common adult should know and he doesn't have any close friends that he could rely on for help. Everyone he knows is an acquaintance at best, but never at a trusted level like the friends you'd make back in elementary-high school days.

[@IloveJesusChristNowandForever]

Yes, trauma bonding while in an incarceration can build life-long relationships. Not always. Sometimes. Children who primarily bond with family and make community connections based on common ground have more a realistic, healthy model for what to expect as an adult.

[@cicerofoscarini8890]

Thank you for sharing your experience here. I hope you understand that was his experience and that is it. Keep your warnings and your fears to yourself and deal with it. Therapy is nice for that. Try not to pass on your own fears. Enjoy!

[@yamchayaku]

@@cicerofoscarini8890 right... Because people like learning things the hard way. If your child doesn't grow up the way you wanted, it's most likely because you fucked up in the parenting process.

[@cicerofoscarini8890]

@@FirstnameLastnames You do not need to feel terrible for them. Maybe focus on yourself and to find out what you are afraid of. The concept of privacy is just a low self-esteem together with high level of fear. Different people live different lives, and it is ok. Please, do not take your life style as the right and the best way of living.

[@user-tb9mi8ml5y]

You say the people nice yes maybe but you should ask them why does it say in a book women got half a brain look after yourself and the kids on holiday

[@buntrockstudios]

I grew up as a kid with my parents taking me all over the world camping, a lot of time travelling across Europe, I am so appreciative of experiencing the world and adventures rather than being kept in a house most my childhood, I’m currently working on my own lwb van build and I have a 1 year old daughter who I can’t wait to share the childhood experiences that have stayed with me as an adult with my daughter ❤️

[@Touringwiththekids]

Ah amazing! Awesome to hear of your fond memories from your childhood, we hope our kids feel the same ❤️

[@FunnyThings420]

Your kids will have a lot of issues in 10 years! 😢 But who cares, you both can follow ur dreams. I guess that’s the most important thing.

[@BJM217]

I don’t have a problem with you enjoying yourselves however, using your children for content isn’t fair on the kids. They are not capable of consenting to you using their image on the internet. Just film yourselves. Like even giving your dog away if he can’t cope, doesn’t make you sound very family friendly. Maybe just enjoy it and get off youtube then you would be believable, well you did ask for opinions.

[@extrememinimalism]

it's interesting... because Gypsy travellers and nomads have existed for hundreds of years... like... it's not that new of a concept. if you as parents consider your kids needs, adapt when things aren't working, stop when kids complain, prioritise education, solid nutrition, alone time and such, you're doing a great job. better than people in big houses with all the toys and regular school ya know. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@gibbygoober2864]

Romani people travel by season depending on harvest and they stay in one place for years at times. Yt people think they know everything

[@dannystarbs]

If anything, I don't think this video is even necessary. You have no need to justify yourself to anyone. At the end of the day, if you know, you know. Being alive doesn't mean you are living. Keep doing what you are doing! We have just sold our house to do the same. Awesome content, keep up the great work. X

[@Touringwiththekids]

Love that. Good luck, you'll love full time van life!!! See you on the road one day maybe ✌️

[@acex222]

They'll have to justify their lifestyle to their kids, when they've grown up.

[@GennieceSledge]

100% agreed but I'm still greatfull for the explanation. I saw her video last week and I was sooooo irritated that I couldn't respond directly. And this is a beautiful and peaceful and living response❤

[@bobfg3130]

Yes. It's not that child protective services could get involved. Oh wait.

[@kenpickering9575]

The kids will get a far better education travelling, experiencing and learning real life than sat in a classroom being taught what the system wants you to know.

[@susansparanormalpennsylvan81]

i think its great you travel, ignore the negative people, people have lived in caves, wagons, tents, mud huts, under trees, t-pees, for thousands of years and they survived

[@paulharrison7968]

I agree with the last message, you don’t have to justify what you do. Home schooling is increasing more and more, and finally I’d not heard to the comment about 18 delicious summers with your children … make the most of it. Keep it up and best of luck with the truck conversion

[@robocatful]

I,m now approaching the age of 75 ,two daughters ,a son .6 grandkids and 2 great grandkids...my dad ( a lorry driver) ,died when I was 9 years old. he was badly wounded in 1939 , a tough man but survived the pain and hardship to give me a love of camping,he would have been astounded and totally envious of what you two are achieving as am I, I think it is a case of having the support and vision as a couple to give your babies their best start in life, I was always too busy working for a living to do it the right way round..instead of living to work ....Carry on as you are because You are doing it right

[@yush2989]

hey, quick question from curiosotiy: at what point do you go revert back to sedentary living, if ever? I'd imagine that you've put more thought into where this leads for your children then home/apartment dwellers (who have a relatively intuitive and linear path through growing up) who can just have their kids go to school and figure it out their job along the way. I dunno if its different from how it works in the states, but at least if a kid here doesn't start delving head-first into academics and traditional school by high-school (9-12) then they're more or less shut off from a lot of higher education and many voccations. Ever since I saw van-families on KZbin I've been at a loss at how their parents would deal with the realities of children growing physically and growing in terms of their needs. would be greatful if y'all could clear this up!

[@UKTrucker_Malc]

Hi 🙂 I’ve just discovered your channel. I watched your previous video to this one. I’m a Class 1 HGV driver from Cornwall. So Ric if you want to call it a Truck, feel free 😂 I refer to it as a Truck too 👍 Now on to what you guys have and are doing. I think it’s awesome! 😁 No way should you have to explain yourself for what you have chosen for your family. You’re making so many memories 😁 I’m sort of doing what you do, Monday-Friday/Saturday staying in my ‘Truck’ 😂 My work as a bulk tipper driver takes me to a lot of rural places eg Farms, golf course, grain mills etc as well as ports too, which I love and is possibly what keeps me in this specific job. I love being out there seeing fantastic locations I otherwise wouldn’t if not for what I do. Anyway, what I would like to say to you is well done for the lifestyle you’re currently living and all the best with the 7.5t conversion, I will be following the progress and you now have a new Subscriber 👍😁

[@fionnualaward3688]

They are actually 5 people living in a large walk in closet!!!;

[@zzainab6161]

The video isn't referring to parents like you. From what I've seen, your kids have ample bed spaces and they're still being schooled. In the other video they spoke about kids not getting taught anything. Your living spaces are quite big

[@Touringwiththekids]

Oh really. Our living spaces are smaller than some of those in the video! Not for long though 😉

[@zzainab6161]

@@Touringwiththekids good luck with your upgrades😁

[@waiheketranscend]

We've enjoyed our gorgeous kids for 30 and 32 summers & our biggest regret is that we DIDN'T do something like you're doing. We thought and talked alot but didn't actually DO. Instead, we worked worked worked to get enough to have a nice house, go on a holiday every year and have weekends with our kids. They could possibly have had much more interesting lives growing up if we'd been braver. Thanks for sharing your lives. It's a pleasure to watch your vlogs. 🙂

[@TheOffgridNomadUK]

5years fulltime offgrid from camper narrow boat to overland truck and my kids have loved life They hand chose and helped build our truck we spent months looking at everything big till they fell in love for 4x4 overlander trucks

[@frenchysvanlife]

I aspire to live this lifestyle. I feel drawn to live more freely and feel trapped in a life I don’t fully enjoy. I work long hours and have to stay away from home and get a little time on the weekends to spend with my daughter. I’m in the very slow process, due to work and seeing my daughter at the weekends of building my van. I’m getting close to it being finished now and hope to change the way. I live and explore the world and follow my dreams but it’s hard trying to figure out how to do this When I have to be back in the same town to see my daughter every weekend, but I’m determined to find a way to follow my dreams, but still be a good dad to my little girl. Fair play to you guys, I agree with all you said, I think the way you live in your life is much more nourishing to your kids than being stuck in a house with you both working long hours to pay the bills and not having the adventures you have.

[@winniechen943]

1. You can show your kids that you can follow your dreams without doing it irresponsibly. Stick to traveling in the summer and breaks or make it a temporary thing for 1 or 2 years max not permanent. You said it best when you said these are YOUR dreams and your children don't know what is best for them and don't really know what their dreams are yet. Your job as parents are to prioritize their future and dreams, not your own. Even if you asked them if they wanted to come, they are too young to understand the future impact and implications unless discussed with them. You may be doing kid friendly activities but in the long term, especially at older ages I do not see this as a sustainable lifestyle with children. If you are doing it for just a few months or a year and the kids are all fully on board after a long talk, then maybe but eventually the will need their own space. 2. You don't ask your children where you want to live, you make a choice on where to live based on best option for their safety, stability, and development. Privacy and space is required long-term for healthy development mentally. 3. Homeschool has gaps as does all education but homeschooling has no regulation. You do not need to have any educational qualification to teach so if your child is gifted or needs accommodation you will not be able to do it effectively. This is also how it becomes so easy for children to become indoctrinated, their parents control their life and education so they are exposed to only the views approved by parents. 4. The bed size is not the only problem, the bed size in comparison to the size of the PARENTS bed and amount of privacy given to parents is what makes this wrong. Going outside does not provide privacy. All your reasons are basically about you two and not your children or their future. WE don't want to get stuck in the system, WE don't want to wait until retirement to enjoy OURSELVES, WE want more time to spend with our kids, your kids are not the one who asked to spend full-time with you. You are both prioritizing your wants over their actual needs. This lifestyle can be fun because there is less responsibility so of course children will want this now even if in the long run it is not beneficial for them which they of course will have no idea of, since that is your job.

[@davidklyne5134]

I watched the funkyfrogbait video and actually found it quite amusing. I can't quite make up my mind whether it was tongue in cheek, difficult to work out with Americans as how they express themselves is often very different to our own way of doing things. I think your situation is different to the situations being highlighted in her video. Having watched some of your videos the kids seems to be having a wonderful time. Just a personal view, for what it's worth, I do worry about home schooling as there seems a lack of official scrutiny on progress being made. I suspect also, that as kids get older they need regular interaction with their peers which is difficult to achieve with a travelling life style. Not quite the same as what you are doing but in 1992 I had a six month sabbatical from work and we took our two boys, then 13 and 15 on a three month trip around Europe , with the schools permission I should add! They are now in their forties, how time flies! It's not up to me to give you advice but providing the educational needs of the kids are at the forefront of your decisions it should all work out well, so good luck.

[@Touringwiththekids]

Thanks for your comment. Always good to hear others opinions. We do follow national curriculum for both English and maths, but its great to have the freedom for the kids to lead their other subjects by their own interests and for us to teach them what we would like to. There's certain things in school that are sometimes a total waste of time. As well as lots of added unnecessary exam stress etc..

[@chatnoir9426]

I worry more about the amount of official scrutiny on progress being made. Who is the person doing the scrutinising and under what standards? The Education system is dead in the water and an entire generation of children are being let down in the name of bureaucracy. I worked in the system and I've taken my kids out of the system, their mental health is better than any of their friends in school. We can't keep believing the systems in place have our best interests in mind, they don't. Free range kids for the win ❤

[@EMTBOllie]

You guys do you. Forget what anyone else thinks! I think it's great what you are doing and I'm sure your kids will be proof in years to come that it was worth it 😊

[@Touringwiththekids]

Thanks so much, lovely comment!

[@trudy6353]

I'm in my 60's, and we bought our first van conversion 6 months ago and I've followed you since then. I've got to say I wasn't sure how I felt about bringing up kids in a van and out of a school and social environment, but I'm totally with you all the way. You are a solid family unit and your children are an absolute credit to you. I'm sure if I was brave enough all those (30+!) years ago I would have loved to have had the courage to do the same! Good luck to you....keep following those dreams!

[@Touringwiththekids]

Thanks Trudy!! xxx

[@polarissi]

You are great parents and your children have the best childhood ever. If not that I am single parent and a nurse working in hospital I would choose same lifestyle as you. Enjoy life and don't worry what people say.

[@terenceseymour-tf8rptassie725]

I have been watching Sailing Zatara an American family who have sailed the world twice in 8 years as their 4 children and all of them are well adjusted happy children.They are only now moving off the catamaran leaving their parents to continue their lifestyle.

[@Touringwiththekids]

We love watching their channel too! Awesome family 😊👍

[@pilgrimpeace7763]

I am 54 and my parents did a similar thing when I was 11. ( caravan and 4WD) Hands down, it the best time of my childhood. I look back on that time with so much love and affection and joy. My schooling was by correspondence and done as and when it fitted in with our travels. I rejoined the schooling system at 15. No issues other than missing the open spaces of the road. You don’t owe anyone any explanations, but I appreciate the work that went into your answers. Your children are eloquent, funny, caring and very well adjusted. They are learning beautiful life lessons. There will always be haters. Ignore them.

[@Touringwiththekids]

That's awesome, great to hear that perspective from someone who has been there and experienced it. Hopefully our kids will feel the same way x

[@allwaysway2392]

Love you guys don't charge anything. By a bus. Love you all. John

[@Touringwiththekids]

Thanks John!!! Some cool busses about but Lorry Life looks like it's a goer ✌️

[@katarzynaxx563]

She was totally right. You steal a proper education from your children, as well as friendships and privacy (extremely important thing).

[@helenarice8739]

Your talking utter rubbish this family have the best values ever and it’s all about their kids who are you to voice your utter rubbish amazing family so go and troll other people keep going loving your adventures too family top parents

[@dazives8340]

This comment is made by the epitome of socially constructed robots, firstly please explain what a proper education is? These children are getting the best education that can be given, they are learning every day. As for friendships, has your child got a phone and social media? Then I could argue as a parent you are encouraging loneliness and isolation. Open your mind a little, educate yourself a bit you might see there is a big world out there and more than one way to live.

[@mrlangdon2379]

It’s your lives, your choice but as a parent of now adult children, I couldn’t image how difficult it would have been to raise children living in my van and indeed home schooling (even though I’m a qualified teacher) however that said, I now live alone with four German Shepherds and may well go full time in the future and I have a Transit Jumbo XLWB. Your idea of a 7.5 truck is something I’ve considered as I already have the category on my licence as grandfather rights. I wish you all the best and like you rightly said, one life, live it!

[@Touringwiththekids]

It's definitely not always easy, but neither is living in a house with children 😂 we are usually blessed with lots of outdoor space for them to burn off all their energy

[@paulineprice7308]

Kids don’t care as long as they r happy and you r kind loving parents at least you don’t put them into baby minders from 7 in the morning till 6 in the evening, and other people rare your children

[@kimcarr6189]

You are fantastic parents. You are present, loving, and attentive. That's all they need xx

[@Touringwiththekids]

Thankyou!!

[@debradavis2369]

Your .life your kids. Don't listen to to people that don't matter

[@jayb429]

As an ex teacher I so wish I had been brave enough to do what you are doing. Now they have grown up, I am a full-time traveller and they also travel all over the world. There is so much to learn out there, much better than getting information from books in my opinion. Enjoy every second, I think your kids will really thank you x

[@leanneglass7105]

I watched the persons video and I agree with them but as multiple people have said if you are a smaller family and your kids learning isn’t affected and they have a good place to sleep I’m totally for it. The main family this person spoke out against was a family of twelve where some kids on the floor and one where they force the kids to beg in multiple large city’s on the streets.

[@Touringwiththekids]

That is true

[@twovansoneplan2020]

I've loved your concept since you first set off in the van full time and I think more families should do this but to be honest they are probably afraid to try. I don't have kids (just a fur baby who travels in the van with me full time) but if I did, you guys would be the role model YT channel for all your tips and tricks as a family in a van... Lucky lucky kids, is all I can say! See you on the road guys and keep paving your own path 😊

[@Touringwiththekids]

Thankyou. See you on the road one day 🚐

[@rickygreen3967]

I live on a narrow boat my kids come and stay on weekends however i would in a heartbeat have them here full time and boat school. People are stuck in the system of education ect because thats how they were brought up but its not the only way. Many kids benefit from not being in that environment and with the world today kids need to have hands on skills the experience you are providing although testing at times is one the kids will grow to cherish. Take care look forward to the lorry build 👍

[@Touringwiththekids]

Thanks very much. We loved the idea of a narrowboat too. Would also be such a great life 👍

[@rickygreen3967]

@@Touringwiththekids I was here before the hype. Prices now much like vans etc are through the roof. I'd love a camper to as boats are fairly limiting. We can dream 🤣🤣

[@pattyst2945]

I think they are deleting the bad coments... no way all coments are Good. I would hate my parents if they did this to me

[@Touringwiththekids]

We can honestly say we have never deleted a comment on any of our videos. Good or bad, everyone is entitled to their opinion.

[@mikazskibidi]

I’m just saying there not your parents and you never know if the kids think something else of it

[@GennieceSledge]

New here and I'm so happy to binge your channel❤

[@Nemesisthecreator]

As long as you have enough money and the kids are ok with their room/closet/cubby/bunkbed and they are ready for it you are some what justified

[@anthonywiseman174]

You doing great guys .your kids will remember the great times when they are older . Carry on having great adventures .

[@KC-kl6qc]

Sell your van and buy a proper house, do what's best for your kids. They need stability and privacy, you are helping no one by continuing this charade. You are depriving your children of a proper education, a stable social circle and community, denying them privacy (which is vital to every child's development) by featuring them in your videos like this, as products. You'll make it difficult for them to get jobs once they are older, which amongst many other things, makes your 'van life' an ideal breeding ground for potential abuse. It honestly sounds like you watched the first minute of Frog's video, got offended (because you know she's right) and decided to make this knee-jerk reaction video. It honestly sounds like you're trying to convince yourselves that this is a good idea, and to you it may be, but not for your kids.

[@deanstanden3386]

I’d love to live this lifestyle I think it’s great for kids. The western society is too fixed on materialism and there are common expectations the majority of people have in relation to how life should be lived, where you should live and that usually doesn’t lead to a fulfilling life. Most people who live within the normal way of life system think they have a happy life but when time runs out, they wonder where it all went…it went towards paying a mortgage, buying a flashy car to impress people who don’t care about you and as you mentioned piling up Christmas presents as high as the eye can see. Spending quality time with your family and friends is the best way to live life, exploring and learning along the way. There are parts of the system you can cherry pick to make money and get by, maybe invest in something. It’s good that you are finding your own path. Good luck to you it’s obviously working well.

[@Touringwiththekids]

Thanks for your lovely comment!

[@SMafam5]

I would guess for every van fam there are double or triple the amount of parents watching and wishing they could do the same and travel (longer term) with their kids. Often it comes down (IMHO) to values, personality &/or job/career &/or how people navigate those other variables within the spousal/family relationships. I am thrilled for you al! (…& amazed at how really young families might navigate laundry on the go - especially with possibly more frequent bedlinen changes.) My fav students are homeschooled. They are curious and engaged learners!

[@CindyPowers-nv3zl]

I believe in live and let live. People should be able to live their lives in whatever way that makes them happy and doesn't harm others. You are great parents and your children seem happy and healthy. I'm sure your kids will look back on your travel adventures fondly. Also, as a retired teacher, your children are learning more from your travel than they could ever learn in a classroom. Keep on doing what makes you happy and your kids will be happy too!

[@Touringwiththekids]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching x

[@tracylachs7215]

You are giving your kids a fantastic life, they are very lucky! Enjoy living your dream xx❤

[@Islasflowerydances]

Completely agree with you guys and your reasons really resonate with us - inspiring us to get back to our bus. Our only concern initially was that we have an only child, but she is quite literally the most social person I've ever met. She makes friends with people of alllll ages which I think is somewhat stiffled in traditional classrooms. We can't wait to pull her out and see her horizons expand. She is 5 and is also very passionate about traveling and exploring. We always said, when on her best days travelling she still wanted to quit would be the day we would pause until she had moved out.

[@Antmadmanda]

Go for it. We have one child, now an adult. The mistake we made was going with friends with kids. Previously he played and mixed with kids from all over. When we started going with friends with kids the same age he fell in with keeping them comfortable and stopped being as sociable as he had been. Their kids were more nervous and didn’t want to socialise.

[@Touringwiththekids]

It is great for the kids developing different social skills, with people of all ages and different cultures. A bit different to how it is at school

[@parrot340]

What do You guys do for money? How do u insure the van or have a bank account with no fixed abode? Thanks.

[@tomfoolery6681]

My husband and I both have not had to work much since 2020. You will be suprise how little funds you need with no debt, no credit cards, and hustling. You are free. ❤ live off the land with your own land, and solar lights. I think a lot of those "abusive van talk" are truly just curious.

[@Kerbaeus]

You guys are so brave for speaking out about this and I can't fault even one of your reasons. If I am ever blessed with kids, I would love to raise them the way you both do.

[@Touringwiththekids]

Such a lovely comment. Thankyou!!!

[@fusky3]

I grew up as a kid , using outdoors as an adventure playground. Nowadays, our kids don't value outside and ask " why go outside?, there's nothing there", so, just go for it.

[@Touringwiththekids]

So true. The outdoors is so rewarding!

[@denisecafferky2248]

I think it's an amazing life you are giving your children, and yourselves. They get to experience alot more of the world and spend time with you. Your kids seem to be happy and healthy, which at the end of the day is all anyone wishes for their children x

[@Touringwiththekids]

Thankyou. You are right, they are happy and healthy and enjoying life xx

[@Hershewed]

I’d like to point out that the video wasn’t calling out ALL van life parents, just the ones making their kids sleep in the equivalent of coffins for rooms.

[@Touringwiththekids]

Understood. We just wanted to share our perspective on things

[@tiffany02020]

Ugh tried to give you the benefit of the doubt and listen to your side but ur kids cannot meaningfully consent to being online like this. Tbh I’m more disturbed by that than small living quarters. Ur kids are still mostly little and sure they don’t mind piling in. But will they mind having thousands of hours of footage of them online forever?? Imagine going for a job interview and the potential boss can pull up your baby home footage, how would you feel? At least child actors are more protected. What money do these kids see? Do they get a percentage off of every video you force them to be in? Where’s there contract? Who is advocating for them? What about their PRIVACY? Couldn’t make it more than a minute through the jangly emotional music while watching innocent kids be taken advantage of by their parents. Sick.

[@rob20452]

Is the video American if so just ignore it , different people in my eyes.

[@Touringwiththekids]

It is an American one

[@rob20452]

@@Touringwiththekids the days of years gone we all lived the way you do especially when we founded the Americas. I love this way of living especially for me when cold as more cosy, . Americans unfortunately always have to much to say and don't really know alot , they will not no matter how much they try will get it right. 😂 ! ! !

[@jeanoliver3004]

Hi family of five, I'll stick my head on the line here regarding schools, sats and ofstead reports are only for the school NOT the kids. By the time my 4th got to the end of high school the friendship between myself and school had really ended 😂 life's a competition, you're setting your kids up to be confident individuals who won't be afraid to question the norm. If I could turn the clock back I really think I would, saying that I've now retired and got my own little campervan and can't wait to show my grandson some fun (even if it has to be in school hols) 🤔 it looks like you doing you is working out just fine. Good luck with the lorry build and if you decide later on dowb the line you need a house then so be it, no one can take away this time as its your time xx

[@Touringwiththekids]

Thats it, nothing ever has to be permanent does it. Just doing what is working for us now and as long as we enjoy it we will carry on 😚

[@jeanoliver3004]

@@Touringwiththekids follow your heart x

[@dazives8340]

Please consider this, schooling in the UK is built around a syllabus, this is set by government bodies to create good little workers that pay tax and buy into the “system”. People only follow and enforce this out of either ignorance or fear. You guys are teaching your kids to look further. My god that’s absolutely the best lesson anyone could get. My only regret is learning that at 40! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Kubaszakwillow]

We are building our family van now , 2 months untill we move out of our flat into the van lots of work to go and i keep getting very stressed about it but this makes me feel so much better. I started doubting myself and was panicking and reluctant ro build and thinking oh my all this work and i resent the van im so scared. But then every now and then i remember how im actually truely excited and its going ro be so worth it

[@wanrapea]

Hello from Texas! I think you are doing a wonderful job with your lifestyle & especially your children. Your kids are clearly flourishing, learning & growing. I don't think it would work for everyone. But it clearly works for all of you! God bless!

[@colinturner4158]

You could have a load of money and live in a big house but if you ain’t a good parent it makes no difference you are both excellent parents and a great family it’s your life no one else’s

[@Touringwiththekids]

Thankyou. That is so true!

[@StephenandSusan6557]

I think you are right, that having time to be with your children, doing things with them, is far more important than actual living conditions whether in a house, or van, or lorry.

[@Touringwiththekids]

Time is definitely the most important thing!

[@malcolmhutchison62]

You get one life and you have to live it the way you want, your points are valid and no one watching can really argue that 🥴 your spending most of your days with your kids where you can go onto any housing estate and there are kids just roaming around causing trouble and where are there parents?? Don’t change what and how your spending your days, it’s awesome what your doing for yourselves and your family, I’m sure they will thank you in time to come and also grow up knowing what family is about.

[@ccanavan1]

Just found your channel! You guys are living my dream!! Your kids are going to grow up to be amazing people! Dont listen to the haters their only jealous 😉 cant wait to live vicariously through ye! 😂

[@Touringwiththekids]

You are so kind xxx

[@johnbosson3484]

Hey guys, 100% behind you - what an awesome life to give your kids.

[@Touringwiththekids]

Thankyou John!

[@johnbosson3484]

Totally agree, wish we could have done the same

[@rayneparker7421]

I think what you’re doing is beautiful. Making your own life instead of accepting what people say your life should look like. Agree to the person above, she doesn’t even have children so a response to how you live your life in abundance with your children is your choice

[@steveroberts5850]

Great video guys! We are a family of 4 (mum, dad, two kids) and are planning a 12 month trip round Europe in a Roller Team t-line 740. Still in the planning stages so your videos are well received. As a child I remember craving this kind of adventure, and like yourself my dyslexia held me back in the formal education system. I would have hugely benefited from the diversified life experiences (and education) which comes from long term travel. I wouldn't concern yourself with the missinformed opinions of the person in the video. She has the look of a natural antagonist.

[@makinganarrowboatwithnannyandg]

Stuff em! or words something like that. You are doing the most amazing thing with your kids. When they are older they will be so grateful for having the time they have with both of you. Our grandchildren get to spend hardly anytime with their parents because of school, work etc. As we travelled around the world in our van we were constantly saying we wished we had done this with our kids. What a life you are giving them as well as yourselves. Make sure you add a lap of Australia to the list of places to travel. We met lots of families doing the lap and wow what an experience they were getting. Precious memories last forever. PS I learnt more in my time travelling in my 50's than i ever did at school. Keep going 👍

[@Touringwiththekids]

Hehe love that! And would absolutely LOVE to travel round Australia. Would be incredible. Maybe one day!

[@worstchannelever5232]

Never heard of this Viral video and I'm not going to waste a minute of my time on earth watching it. I'm more interested in your new Lorry upgrade . And don't you worry about the mpg aspect of a probably 7 litres engine maybe bigger engine. Are you thinking of a 4×4 time will tell. I like the expedition 4×4 truck campers . I'm made up you are doing something different and other people's opinions are irrelevant mine included if it feels great just do it. Namaste 🙏🏿

[@Touringwiththekids]

News on the lorry plans next week! It's all very exciting xx

[@dazives8340]

Agreed I won’t be looking at that viral video either ha ha

[@yurimorgan7460]

i feel for the kids

[@Touringwiththekids]

Kids are happy thankyou

[@tthsgun]

@@Touringwiththekids “They live amazingly!” said the slavers.

[@pierrecorucher3080]

I love your family as a unit you have thought this through as far as I'm concerned you carry on ❤ screw all the rest

[@susansparanormalpennsylvan81]

travel while your young if you can, my brother worked as a doctor his whole life and saved up alot alot of money, and now he had a knee replacement, had foot problems, came down with a rare thyroid disease which makes him tired alot, so he cant travel like he did when he was young. Many people have health problems and disability when they retire and cant walk around or barely can walk 1/2 mile etc..

[@victoriaholloway7050]

Couldn't agree more with every point you made, not that your decisions and life choices for your family is anybody else's business. You do you . If only all children could be so lucky.

[@Touringwiththekids]

Aww thankyou. Lovely comment

[@aliciamarieplus321]

I’m making this comment before even watching but I love your channel and I have a van and 5 children all grown except 3 and one of the 3 is in her last year of high school I so crave the day I can jump in my van and hit the road keep being an inspiration I love and admire your travels

[@Touringwiththekids]

AWW thankyou and good luck with your van dreams 🤩

[@minajosephine9603]

You don’t owe anyone an explanation on how you choose to live your lives unless they were paying your bills

[@carlymurray8250]

You guys are amazing 🤩 your kids are beautiful, happy, confident kids, you should be so proud. Your giving them the best life and the memories your making will last a lifetime 🙏🏻 Be true to yourselves.

[@Touringwiththekids]

Aww thankyou Carly ❤️

[@iancoffey3208]

It's amazing what you guys are doing ive done something similar but not a van or truck I've brought land in Portugal for my wee daughter it's the way forward see the world have fun 😊

[@Touringwiththekids]

Ah amazing. Land in Portugal seems very popular!

[@JazzFunkNobby1964]

What I want to know is how you fund your life style. Is it a matter of living on savings until you become successful as KZbinrs? As far as the kids go, if they are not going to school, there must be laws about that. Educating your own children should be allowed. I don't know, I'm not a parent. Be lucky.

[@JazzFunkNobby1964]

Okay so I've just read all the comments and no indication as to how you support your family financially. Maybe you explained that to your subscribers in a previous video. I feel it is important you share that with us or else it's just a dream.

[@bernedettekuteyi3843]

I prefer your life with your Children because they are learning about life while respecting other Cultures, so "YES" you are giving them the best life, while studying and learning at the same time. Some parents do not have time for their Children and themselves which later make the children loney with issues.

[@helennewman4218]

Brilliant video. I absolutely agree with you on so many points especially the school system, the more free way of life, and not needing so much ‘stuff’ ! We have a camper and do lots of trips. Full time would be amazing but 17,11,10 and 2 dogs is just too much for us. Maybe when they are older, me and hubby will take off on our own 😂

[@dazives8340]

Guys, you have inspired us to take our family travelling, thank you.

[@Touringwiththekids]

That's amazing!!! Where are you off to?

[@dazives8340]

We fancy the artic circle and also liked the route you covered in Q and A, Holland through Germany to start with, honestly thought about it for years but watching you guys gave us the push

[@edwardsmith4101]

Have only recently been following you, but have to say you look like great parents ( much better than some you read about ) and your children look, very healthy and happy, balls to anybody who dissagrees with your lifestyle you only get one life enjoy it, plus what other kids the same age as yours can say how many countries they have been to and how many fantastic experiences they have had. Good luck to you and enjoy 😊

[@trishahext1797]

I’ve loved watching all your adventures. It’s a wonderful opportunity for your children, to see the world from a different perspective. They will be fearless and confident in their own future travels. Not held back by the norms. I’m sure as they get older you will be able to adapt to their evolving needs. The joy is you can do whatever, go wherever and change whenever. They seem really happy confident children.

[@user-uy8lf7zt2w]

Such a good video. You guys are just the best. In my opinion, you are giving your kids the very best start in life. I wish I had thought of it years ago.. my kids are too old now, so are stuck in the system xx

[@Touringwiththekids]

Thankyou. All we're trying to do is our best xx

[@InitiallyYourss]

Your videos are SO inspiring, relatable, and exciting, hope you and your kids have an AMAZING rest of your van life❤❤❤

[@Touringwiththekids]

Thank you so much!!

[@mavisgetsabout]

What you're doing is amazing. We wish we'd have done it sooner, when our kids were young. Daves mum died young, before retirement age, and this is one of our reasons to do it now. We don't want to wait until retirement age. So, we're not spring chickens, but we've hopefully got plenty of time to fulfil our dream. Was great to meet you this weekend, and look forward to following you around( not literally, that would be a bit stalkerish!🤣).. but I'm sure we'll see you again🙂

[@Touringwiththekids]

Thanks Emily. Great to meet you too! Looking forward to seeing how you get on in Portugal x

[@bobfg3130]

Raising kids on the road loke this is a bad idea. It's better to have a truck than a van but overall it's still not a good idea.

[@RMarie62]

I don't see why you as parents have to justify your lives as long as the children have your time love thats import be happy be safe enjoy your journey

[@Touringwiththekids]

Thankyou xz

[@propsandcosplay]

Good luck to you and your family me and my wife run a travel review channel on KZbin I get to see lots of things and I love what I do I love being out of the rat race

[@Touringwiththekids]

We love getting to explore new places too.

[@Jenn11111]

I’d love to do this, but we have 4 children and 2 are teens and they have their own bedrooms. I couldn’t force them into a van. But if your children are very young I don’t see why this would be seen as abusive! You look like you have a great life and I agree with your views on the system. I homeschool my second eldest but I have made an effort to establish a social circle for her. My only concern is how do you make sure your children have a support system of other children?

[@Touringwiththekids]

They are starting to make some good friends travelling along the way, other UK families and also other children from different cultures.

[@Jenn11111]

@@Touringwiththekids well that’s that covered then! How awesome for them to get to know people all around the world! I do really envy you as I’d love to get out of the rat race and see the world! I wish you all the happiness in the world on your future endeavours ❤️ thanks for your response 🙂🙏

[@Austenadventures]

We think you guys are inspiring and hopefully one day we will beable to do what you guys do. Keep up the good work

[@Touringwiththekids]

Thankyou so much, fingers crossed you do 🤞

[@mailmytton5432]

You are both doing an awesome job bringing up your children and showing them the world. Wish we could have done it when our kids were young. Love your videos keep on with your adventures 😊

[@Touringwiththekids]

Thankyou so much, that's such a lovely thing to say! Just trying to do our best as parents x

[@cazwallett]

The only thing stopping me from doing the same thing is money. If I won the lottery, van life all the way. As it is I have to make do with weekends and school holidays.

[@colettenkids3949]

I love van life lol I wish I could get a van and just drive somewhere and have a cosy evening with my 3 kids it’ll be soo nice. I think it’s good. It helps the kids aswell with different cultures and how they live so it’s good for them to see that. Keep up your good work. When do we see the new van ?? I sooo cannot wait. Xxx

[@Touringwiththekids]

Hopefully very soon. Things are starting to move a bit quicker xx

[@colettenkids3949]

I so can’t wait. Have yas started building stuff yet in your new van. It will definitely feel like a mansion once u guys move it haha. So interesting how and where u would put stuff. Xxx

[@tinklemalama4091]

I love what you're doing. Keep it up. I live in Hawaii and when I see all the shootings in America with school children I would never put my child in the school system. I have a grown son and I regretted sending him to public school. I had the same problem with all the homework at a young age. With all the children that disrupt the class he learned to tune out. Just would find a way to Homeschool. Keep doing what you feel is best for your children and it will pay off in the end.

[@Touringwiththekids]

Thankyou. We have such a big input into what the kids learn now, it's nice to be so involved x

[@johnblyth9787]

I have just found your chanell a week or so back. I feel confident in saying you are great parents. If some one has negative thoughts of Van life, please show unbiased research and studies that show children raised this way has a negative impact. Make it 10,000 people over 30 or 40 years at least. I would much rather see loving caring parents, raise a child in van life, that negligent abusive parents raise a child in any environment. Be it home, a tent a van. To single out parents in van life is as narrow minded as it could get. Positives I see, children are with their parents 24 7. Would you rather a mum and dad who work and are gone with a new born in a kindy 12 hours a day 5 days a week. There is much less chance of child abuse by others. These children see so much, and do so much. Come on people open your minds. Look at the whole picture. Not one aspect. Imagine going to court, the judge handing down sentence, then saying oh you live in a van with your children. I will double the fine. That is what negative comments are to me. Plus have you ask the children involved their opinion. No you watch one video, get on your high horse, and start preaching, knowing nothing. That is my $500,000 on a million $ question

[@ginahughes5222]

Enjoy ur selfs its a lovely life xx

[@Touringwiththekids]

Thankyou!

[@lucy-id8mg]

You are doing amazing and every video I watch of yours makes me want to take my family around the world in a van. Mines are 12, 10 and 7 so wish we had done it when they were younger but didn't know about this way of life back then. Keep doing what you're doing ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Touringwiththekids]

Aww thankyou for your lovely comment! Wish you and your family well xxx

[@janetclasper2845]

You know you're doing the right thing otherwise you would have packed it in by now. Your kids appear happy, healthy and will grow up to be well adjusted adults with lots of memories from your adventures. Go and explore and let us enjoy the journey with you.

[@lisacooksey2584]

Oh my gosh! The more I watch you guys, the more I realise you guys are my kind of people! Keep doing what you're doing! You're amazing! 💙

[@Touringwiththekids]

Thanks Lisa ❤️❤️❤️

[@purposelydriven6566]

I love exploring with my family we all love the outdoors

[@gogglet72]

Great video im looking forward to the lorry conversion. You kids will learn in the school of life and will learn a lot more usable skills than a lot of housebound kids. And I'm sure the people you meet will all teach the kids something along the way it's not just you there learning from. New subscriber carnt wait for the next one.

[@kenroymckenzie7124]

Yes, living a simplified life😂 you're doing the best for your children and enjoying different scenery....watch them blosdom. I'm jealous. We've home schooled wish we had made the move, they're too old now although we mive tova rural setting. We wish you the very best.

[@jamiealbin1269]

I think you are living you're life kids need to have their parents there you are both stars keep it up LEGENDS and I'd love a mention love to you all keep going

[@rebeccawilliams8273]

Strange question but can you explain about how you travel with your dog and how you find what country's you can go to with your dog and documents and stuff xx thank you xx live your videos

[@Touringwiththekids]

Unfortunately Charlie's passed away a few months back 😪

[@gearlab734]

I feel like I recognise Dad from somewhere, like say a pub in Hampshire.

[@Touringwiththekids]

Hmmm think that must be a doppelganger

[@gearlab734]

Ah ok I see!@@Touringwiththekids

[@MonikaDDLC25516]

We've sold our house and we're planing on van lifeing but our van broke down 😢

[@Touringwiththekids]

Oh no, hope you get it fixed soon xx

[@SwaggMessiah69]

Seems like these van life families have parents that are inherently selfish, a lof of "we don't want to hold off doing what we want" "we don't want to wait until retirement", it's a bit of a mask off moment in comparison to the standard parents who sacrifice in order to place the needs of children at the very first. Everything else is honestly just a cop out, majority of families have experienced what you have but with the foundation and stability of a home, strong community, and support system. You are trying to achieve what nomads/gypsies with a single nuclear family without the strong outside community and support system. There seems to be an inherent lack of understanding of early childhood and psychological development. Well, it's definitely a good research point if you want your kids to be the first guinneapigs, well I can tell you now, as a person who has lived life in small towns, I have had many short lived classmates who lived on homeschooling/nomadic travel lifestyles, etc, and let me tell you it's not pretty, and quite depressing how much they envy something so simple as a proper bathroom and small private room in sleep overs. Is it abusive? Well, if your child wants to stay in a hotel for their birthday just to experience a home like that one van life family did then it's a pretty clear indicator isn't it.