Taking your child on a long-term sailing trip is not a decision to be taken lightly. It comes with its own set of challenges, and many people have strong opinions about it. Some believe children should be in a traditional school environment, while others cheer us on, recognizing the incredible value of learning through experience. Being in nature, adapting to changing environments, meeting new people, and traveling as a family are all priceless aspects of this journey. Yes, there are difficulties, but life in a house comes with its own set of challenges too.

The big questions we get asked

1. What about ‘Leerplicht’?

In the Netherlands, ‘Leerplicht’ (compulsory education) requires children from age five to attend a school building. While there are some exemptions, none applied to us, so we had to deregister from the Netherlands. If you travel for more than eight months, this step is mandatory anyway.

2. How do you handle schooling on board?

The answer depends on age. For our five-year-old daughter, Philou, her former school advised that at this stage, learning is mostly through play. Games, arts and crafts, and reading books form the foundation of her education. We integrate basic math, writing, and the alphabet into everyday activities: counting apples in the supermarket, identifying letters in restaurant names, and solving practical problems. We brought some exercise booklets, but the word “school” triggers resistance! Instead, she learns naturally, absorbing knowledge like a sponge. She asks endless questions, and sometimes we even consult a chatbot to provide her with complete answers.

Before setting off, we educated ourselves through Travelling the Young Ones (https://travellingtheyoungones.nl/), where Tessa provides valuable insights on preparing for a journey like ours. Looking ahead to September, when formal education (group 3) becomes more structured, we’re exploring more guidance to ensure Philou stays on track, but honestly, we’re not too worried.

3. How do you arrange activities on board?

This one’s easy! Life on board is full of activity, with something happening at every moment of the day. When there’s a dull moment, we encourage her to sit with stillness, a challenge in itself! Moreover we adapt to the program, if we are sailing, activities are more challenging, but less needed. Crafting is a big part of our routine, and Philou loves roleplaying with her dolls (or ‘sisters’ as she calls them), so we take them along. Dressing up is a must-have on board! We play board games, which also accompany us to restaurants, and she enjoys painting more than coloring.

Nature is our biggest playground: beaches, dinghy rides, hikes, and everyday exploring. She’s also fascinated by languages, attempting English and practicing through DuoLingo for kids. Additionally, she uses Squla, a Dutch educational platform, for extra learning.

4. Doesn’t she miss friends?

This is the hardest question. Yes, sometimes she does, and it tugs at our hearts. We expected to meet more kids on other boats, and while we do occasionally, we actively search for them through Kids4Sail (https://www.facebook.com/groups/Kids4Sail/) and Noforeignland. She keeps in touch with friends back home by making videos, which is easier than live calls. We also visit them when we return.

However, Philou makes new connections effortlessly. Age doesn’t matter: dancing, laughing, and creating together are what count. While she has brief moments of missing old friends, she’s never lonely; on the contrary, she’s thriving in this socially dynamic life, and making new contacts so easily.

Moreover we are just beginning the warmer season, so expect that we will encounter more likeminded kids around!

5. Any advice?

Educate yourself, observe your child’s unique needs, and recognize that resilience varies. Life on board is an ever-changing environment with its own challenges, so finding your family’s rhythm is key. Prioritize your own time too, kids can be demanding (this is my biggest challenge). Be playful, find joy in their discoveries, and most of all, see the world through their eyes, it’s even more beautiful that way!

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Traveling with kids isn’t for everyone, but if you’re considering it, know that it’s an extraordinary way to learn, grow, and experience life together. Challenges exist, but the rewards far outweigh them. Adventure is the best teacher, and we wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.