6. Embrace Hand-Me-Downs
When the nearest Target is a three-hour drive – in one direction – you can’t pick up a new pair of jeans when one gets a rip in the fanny. Kids go through clothes much more quickly than adults, so when they outgrow an item, save it. You can hand them down to future children, and even if your family finishes growing, someone else will appreciate your donation.
7. Let Them Get Dirty
Off-grid living lets you dig in the good earth – please don’t deny your children that fun. Most folks eat their fair share of dirt, and while you don’t want to encourage the behaviour, chances are your kids won’t die from downing a raspberry with filthy fingers.
Leave the need for spotless floors behind with the rest of the big-city headaches.
8. Stay Aware of Danger
Off-grid living does make some activities more dangerous. Cooking a meal might require propane – but remember, many suburbanites have such grills on their patios. Coyotes pose little threat to most adults, but wild animals often target the young and helpless. You might not need to worry about stranger danger or drunk drivers as much, but you still need to stay aware of risks.
9. Make Use of Every Nook
If you went the tiny-home route, you don’t have a lick of space to spare. Convert the under-stair area into a kitchenette complete with a pantry. Use basket hangers to keep your kids’ toys off the floor and away from errant feet.
10. Choose Quality Over Low Price
Off-grid living can make a trip to the home improvement store an all-day trek.
When selecting items like composting toilets and solar panels, opt for quality over the lowest price.
The hassle you’ll save yourself from not having to make another journey with the gang in tow makes the extra expenditure well worth it.
Follow These 10 Tips if You Want to Live Off the Grid With Kids
Living off-grid with kids does require some extra considerations. However, by following these 10 tips, you can leave the hustle and bustle of civilisation behind.
Jane Marsh is the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co where she shares practical tips on how to live a greener life.
