Raising Teens on the Road: Challenges and Joys

RV life isn’t just about beautiful destinations and freedom on the open road—it’s also about raising kids in close quarters and through ever-changing backdrops. In this Learn to RV: The Podcast mini-episode, Jennifer, Tasha, and Jenn dive into what it really looks like to raise kids on the road, from toddlers in bunkrooms to teens making decisions about college.

Launching with Teens vs. Littles

Every family’s RV journey looks a little different.

• Tasha’s Story: Her family hit the road with two teenagers, ages 16 and 19. They made the decision together as a family—everyone had to be on board before launching. That meant big conversations about timing, education, and whether they were truly ready to leave the traditional path.

• Jenn’s Story: She started with littles—ages 1, 3, 5, and 7. Fast forward, and those “littles” are now teens (or acting like it!). Hormones are real in a small space, but so are the memories and the bond that comes from growing up together on the road.

• Jennifer’s Story: With a wide age range of kids from toddlers to young adults, her family experienced both worlds. Some kids embraced RV life, while others said, “Love you, mean it, but no thanks” when it came time to squeeze into a 30-foot rig.

Family Decisions on the Road

RVing as a family isn’t just about where to go, it’s about how you make decisions together.

• Some families vote on destinations.

• Others give kids assignments, like writing about the top five things they want to see that year.

• Teens and older kids often weigh in on stops that match their interests—like ghost tours, historical sites, or even the quirky Lizzie Borden house.

RV life gives kids a say in shaping the journey, and that involvement can make all the difference in how connected they feel.

Work Camping with Kids

Jenn shared what it’s like to combine work camping with parenting. While some locations embraced her family, others drew clear lines between “guests” and “work campers.” That dynamic sometimes made it harder for her kids to connect with others their age.

Still, her family has found ways to make it work—choosing positions where kids can get involved and saying no to those that don’t fit their family values.

The Challenge of Teen Life in an RV

From late-night gaming sessions to disappearing on travel days when chores pile up, raising teens in an RV is full of challenges. But it’s also full of wins.

• Teens who grumble one minute will surprise you the next—like the day Jenn’s son hooked up the entire camper solo.

• RV teens may roll their eyes, but they’re also learning independence, responsibility, and problem-solving skills along the way.

• And sometimes, the biggest parenting lesson is simply stepping outside for a “date night under the stars” while the kids sort things out indoors.

Community Matters

If there’s one theme that rang clear in this episode, it’s that community is everything.

• Younger kids make friends quickly on playgrounds.

• Teens take more effort—but shared interests, intentional meetups, and memberships like Thousand Trails make connecting easier.

• For parents, traveling alongside other families (even for a season) creates lasting bonds and rhythms that balance family time with community time.

Why We Choose This Life

Not everyone understands why families choose the road. When critics question the lifestyle, our hosts remind them:

• “We get one shot with our kids—they grow up fast, and we want to be there for it.”

• “Memories mean more than things.”

• “Time on earth isn’t guaranteed, so why wait for retirement to chase adventure?”

The truth? RV life with kids isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re wrangling toddlers or navigating teenage moods, raising kids on the road is messy, magical, and unforgettable. With intentional conversations, flexibility, and a focus on community, this lifestyle gives families the gift of time together and a childhood full of adventure.

👉 Want to watch or listen to this episode? It is only available to our subscribers! Hop on over and explore our memberships on Patreon and get instant access to this mini-episode!