Making friends at the USS Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Recently J.D. Lewis wrote “12 Reasons to Take Your Kids Around the World” and I am officially inspired. We haven’t had a chance to take our son around the world yet (he’s three), but he really enjoys getting to know the Hawaiian culture, seeing volcanoes and waterfalls, and trying new food (even if he still prefers fries). For now, that’s enough, but my husband and I look forward to exploring the world with him, like Lewis did with his boys.
Here’s an excerpt from the article:
We are the first family in history to have traveled to all seven continents in one year, specifically to do humanitarian work. My passion now includes speaking to children and adults, alike, on the subject of travel and “volun-tourism.
Lava Hike on Hawaii’s Big Island
Trying chopsticks and sushi
Lewis brings up great reasons for travel: learning history, eating new foods, and gaining a sense of adventure. My two favorite reasons for travel that Lewis suggests is “Teaching Compassion” and “Cultural Differences.” I can’t wait for my son to meet other kids his age that live completely different lives than he does.
Hiking to Waimea Falls with Aunt Lindsey
Hawaiian Dancing for Preschool May Day Program
We can tell kids to be polite and not stare at someone who looks different, but without giving a complete understanding of other cultures, they will always wonder “WHY?!” True understanding of cultural differences – putting faces to people that are different, playing with kids that don’t look like them, but laugh the same – that is a great foundation for global compassion.
If you don’t think you have the $$$ to travel the world, I think there are many ways to travel around your own community and gain some of the same experiences. Overseas travel can also be accomplished on a budget. Lewis says, “And for the naysayers: I am not a man of great means. In fact, I live pretty simply. But I have a passion to show my sons the world and try to make a difference.”
Check out the full article for all “12 Reasons to Take Your Kids Around the World!”
Hi Jamie.
I like this layout visually. I especially like the first picture with you son and his new friend. Hawaii’s nature is such a luscious reservoir of amazement. It deserves to be appreciated and protected for sure. Beautiful post!
Your son will remember his experiences vividly I expect. So lucky to travel so young.
Rhea
I think one mistake people make is equating “travel” with that which can only be done internationally, and that costs thousands of dollars. Clearly there are times in our lives when that simply isn’t possible – often for multiple reasons. I agree with you wholeheartedly, though, in that travel doesn’t have to take weeks on end and break the bank; regardless of where you live, there are places closely that are interesting – which can be introductions to kids’ travel adventures (national parks, historic sites, etc.) – plus you’ll meet other travelers.
I really do think this is a mindset; it doesn’t matter how you travel, or where, as long as you do it. I also think that it’s a state of mind; if you hadn’t grown up traveling it mightn’t actually occur to you to do so – curiosity sometimes has to be taught.