Worldschooling Mom Chooses Adventures Over Schedules

She Who Wanders

Jan 18

A convo with Nia from Born a Backpacker

Meet Nia. Wife and mom to three littles who loves to adventure outdoors and travel the world. A free-spirited nature lover, she refused to go with the status quo by only turning up the spontaneity and adventures when her kiddos came along. She shares all about her family’s experiences - offering trips, tricks + recommendations to empower and equip other families to get out there too. From homeschooling/world schooling her kids to bravely taking them all around the world, she’s not only giving her kids their greatest adventure, but living hers too.

Q: You are such a courageous and adventurous person. Where does your drive to keep chasing adventure come from? Did you grow up in the same kind of environment or is it something that has grown as you’ve had your own family?

Yes! My parents dragged me on backpacking trips and up mountains just like I’m doing with my kids! I did it begrudgingly back when I was little, but I’m so grateful for all those experiences and skills I gained from those trips now. As for international travel, I didn’t leave the country until I was 18, but the moment I did, I got that travel bug and it never wavered.

Q: The Great Wanderlust is all about moms stepping outside of the box and diving deeper in both travel and in life! The mission is to inspire mamas and families to feel fully alive through adventure and exploration! What is your great wanderlust? What most makes you come to life??

There are 2 things that make me feel euphoric: the first day camping, waking up outside, in the mountains, with the freshest air. It’s truly pure happiness. The other is the first day exploring a new country: taking in the smells, the colors, the language and just jumping right in. Nothing feels better!

Nia Chauvin @bornabackpacker mom hikes with kids

Q: What are some of the greatest challenges you encounter when traveling with your 3 kids? How do you overcome these to keep planning more adventures?

I think sometimes people think that when you travel, the hard parts about parenthood stop. No more sickness, no more tantrums, no more chaos. But traveling with kids is just that: traveling. It’s not a vacation 🙂. All the hard parts still happen, but you’re just in a cool place. So I think the most important thing is to keep expectations realistic.

hot air balloons cappadocia turkey nia chauvin @bornabackpacker

Q: What are the top characteristics/qualities you hope to see or have already seen your kids develop as a result of homeschooling?

I created 3 pillars of education for homeschooling my kids: emotional intelligence and kindness towards others, a hunger and curiosity to learn and the skills to do so, and an openness and understanding of the world around them.

Q: What would you say to someone who sees the benefits to homeschooling + traveling, but is worried about their kids having enough socialization with other kids?

There is a whole community of worldschoolers out there! It’s been so nice to connect with other families from all over the world who live similar lifestyles and value the same things. We’ve also enrolled our kids in school in other countries for socialization.

nia chauvin @bornabackpacker family sits outside tent

Q: Name your top three favorite U.S. destinations you’ve visited with your family and why you loved them!

I absolutely love the Sawtooths in Idaho. What a magical place! I also love the southwest, especially Joshua Tree. And as a New Englander, I have to say the White Mountains in NH has my heart forever. It’s beautiful there during any season.

Q: What advice would you give to a family who wants to start going on more adventures outdoors with their kids, but doesn’t know where/how to start?

Start small and then figure out what works for your family. Try a short hike close to home or a one night camping trip close by. You’re never going to have it all completely figured out, so just go for it, be safe, and try to go with the flow. I am one that does not stress about schedules and that’s one big reason we’re able to adventure so much, so I always have to suggest being lenient with schedules when adventuring.