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“They Are So Delusional”: Teen Who Grew Up With RV Influencer Parents Shares Her Side
Around 1 million Americans live in RVs (recreational vehicles) full-time. It allows people to have freedom, change locations and travel whenever they want, and save money on rent and bills. However, some aspects of constantly living on wheels are far from enjoyable, which this Reddit user exposed in her recent post.
The teenager writes that for the past eleven years she’s been a nomad, wandering through the US without a proper bed, education, friends, or opportunities for jobs. Such a decision was made early for her by her parents, whom she is now starting to resent. Looking to vent her frustrations and share the gruelling RV life, she turned to people online for guidance.
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A lot of people choose to live in RV to travel freely and save some money
Image credits: Roadpass / unsplash (not the actual photo)
However, it has its own gruelling disadvantages too, which this teenager shared just recently
Image credits: Darina Belonogova / pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: BLACKDAY / envato (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Educational-Army-915
More than 77% of RVers aged 35-44 travel with children
A growing number of companies implementing remote work policies have opened up new opportunities for people who wish to travel and work on the road. With RV purchases already on the rise, restricted travel during the pandemic has encouraged purchases of such homes even more, increasing the number of Americans constantly living on wheels to 1 million.
The insurance company Progressive surveyed 501 Americans who live either full- or part-time in RVs and found that half of them are aged 18-44, and only 18% are 65 or older, showing a shift in the traditional nomad lifestyle. RVing no longer seems to be reserved for older couples who like to use their free time to cruise and travel the country.
Younger people have embraced such a life for a number of reasons, but the main ones are to explore the country and have adventures while working.
Surprisingly, more than 77% of RVers aged 35-44 travel with children. Since there’s more school options available than ever before, many families embrace such a challenge despite it being quite daunting. In the Progressive survey, it was found that most kids (49%) living in RVs take virtual classes, while about 31% stay close to home base so their children can attend school in person. Only 19% of children report being homeschooled.
Education for kids doesn’t seem to be a problem for most families. According to parents, kids have plenty of opportunities to learn while RVing. “There are opportunities for education everywhere when you live in an RV full time. Everywhere you look, there’s something to learn from geography and history to math, science, and reading. Every stop is a chance to have fun learning something,” writes Kay, aka The Mom Trotter, on her travel blog.
37% are unhappy with the lack of personal and storage space homes on wheels offer
Image credits: Hanson Lu / unsplash (not the actual photo)
On the other hand, the biggest concern families face while living on the road is finding good campground reservations, with most being booked a few months in advance. Driving, maneuvering and filling it up with gas are some other things RVers find challenging. Meanwhile, 37% are unhappy with the lack of personal and storage space homes on wheels offer.
Disconnection from family and friends can also make a nomad lifestyle more difficult. Not being able to rely on the people that are close to you can definitely take a toll on a person’s mental health.
“When you start a full-time adventure, you trade the familiar in for the unfamiliar, and many full-time RVers express frustration with the superficial interactions between RVers that are common in this lifestyle. You may actually get to know some other RVers, and you may even choose to travel with a group, but sooner or later the rally will break up, and either you or they will be onto another destination,” says author, writer, and full-time RVer Peggy Dent.
Of course, keeping in touch with family and friends can help, but it’s not really the same as face-to-face communication. Plus, holidays, family celebrations and small visits to grandparents are no longer part of a routine and being homesick may be a bigger issue than aspiring RVers may realize.
Traveling in an RV full-time may be a dream for many. However, it’s important to remember that such a decision doesn’t mean a person is taking a long life vacation, but making a choice that can have an imensive affect on adults and kids who are taken from their stable routine and thrown into the unknown of living on the road.
Readers felt for the author and even suggested ways to escape the RV life
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What do you think ?
Jennifer Smith 4 months ago
I would love to travel the US in an RV but right now my kids need a stable life so it has to wait until they are grown.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 4 months ago
That one sentence makes you a great mom. Imagine, meeting your children's needs before indulging in your wants!
Load More Replies...
Tempest 4 months ago
We’re going to hear so many more stories like this in the future, aren’t we? I see many “Internet parents” doing this type of lifestyle now, selling their homes, removing the kids from school, and travelling the world full time. It’s simply a trend for many. Of course I’ve been amazed at how the families get the opportunity to travel and see so much of the world, something we all dream of but are shackled down unable to because of finances or work. But I’ve always wondered how these kids get a proper education (long term online can only do so much as a theory only education) and how they have a social life when they’ve never had the opportunity to build long term relationships. I feel so bad for this lady and all the other young kids who are currently being paraded around on the Internet in the same manner without understanding the consequences or being able to object to the circumstances. People can switch to doing this for only a few months a year and get the best of both worlds.
Kare Deter 4 months ago
I liked the idea to join the military; that would solve most of her problems. It would remove her from the hateful situation, provide her shelter, income, and training so she can start building the future she wants for herself.
arthbach 4 months ago
Kare Deter, the USA's Coastguards are actively recruiting, and have a huge range of jobs available, from First Responders, to Law Enforcement, and of course search and rescue. There would be accommodation, training, and pay. This would be an excellent way to free herself from the mobile prison her parents have made for her.
Load More Replies...
LonelyLittleLeafSheep 4 months ago
I love RV life but I would have NEVER subjected my kids to it. They needed stability to learn not just school subjects, but personal care, how to cook and clean for themselves, and most importantly social skills with their peer group. Full-time RV living can be challenging and is best for singles, child-free couples, and empty nesters. Poor kid.
MotherRobinson 4 months ago
I agree. I see so many of these on YouTube and I always thought this should only be for child free, singles and retired empty nesters. I wouldnt dream of doing this with kids in tow.
Load More Replies...
Tabitha 4 months ago (edited)
Now that the children of “influencers” are getting to be grown up, we’re seeing the effects of that lifestyle on the people who never asked to live it. The kids who are simply dragged into it by delusional parents. Just like the kids of anti-vaxxers who run to the clinic to get fully vaccinated the second they hit 18 and their parents can’t do anything about it. Seems the children are turning out to be way smarter than their delulu parents. This kind of evidence should influence (pun intended) legislators to reel in the activity and enforce strict guidelines for filming/including anyone in the family who is underage and/or hasn’t consented to be filmed/included. Start treating it like the film industry, require tutoring of any children involved, have people on set to look after the children and the pets, have areas similar to dressing rooms for actors where family members can go for privacy and no cameras are ever allowed—-and totally shut down any influencers who break the rules, banning them from ever appearing online again. Something to put an end to this abuse of vulnerable family members by the very people who are supposed to protect them from being mistreated.
MotherRobinson 4 months ago
That's a great idea to have some laws and restrictions on some these online content involving kids
Load More Replies... Nimitz 4 months ago
18 years old means she has a right to deny consent to be part of the mom's videos. And she has a legal right to part of the revenue generated. I feel so sorry for her having to go through 11 years of abuse. Hopefully she can use her experience to sell the story and use it to fund a lawyer to recoup some of what her parasitic parents earned off her life. Then use it to fund college/university and start a life so she can go NC as those a******s deserve.
xolitaire 4 months ago (edited)
I can totally understand that OP doesn't just leave - without money, contacts or suitable education it's a disaster waiting to happen. But like some of the commenters mentioned: there are helplines that can get you started. First step: if you are not classified as an adult where you are, get emancipated ASAP
weatherwitch 3 months ago
We moved a shed load during my childhood to late teens. I had no friends until I started work and they were colleagues not friends. My dad would say to me that I could make friends anywhere, but you can't. A lone woman walks into a pub, especially in the 80s and the patrons just think you're there to get laid. If you don't drink and can't abide loud music, there's nowhere in your late teens to make friends. And if you're not into or not aware of pop culture, it's really isolating. I really hope that they get away and have a wonderful life ❤️
mousegoessqueak17 3 months ago
check out AmeriCorps, it's kind of like a US based Peace Corps. They partner with places like Habitat for Humanity and take on high school graduates and those looking to get into careers but not necessarily college. They house you, train you and give you a small stipend to live off of. It's a great way to get your foot in the door of a career, even if you decide to move on after its good for your resume.
Wendy Herman 4 months ago
Kids are only kids for a relatively short time. They get Summer & Winter vacation time from school for whatever travel their parents can afford. To ROB them of nearly every experience that prepares them for successful independence as adults IS child abuse. These "parents" are *beyond* selfish. I hope this poor kid manages to somehow escape. When these subpar parents someday become grandparents who *don't* enjoy many opportunities to get to know their grandkids, they'll have *only themselves* to blame. Please, DON'T have kids if your own needs will *continually* trump theirs. That's a terribly harmful & unfair way to raise kids. They deserve far better.
P.L. Packer 3 months ago (edited)
It's hard to get into college with no references, money and being behind in education. The military is not really a bad idea and can at least set her up for a career and/or education. It will get her away from her parents' influence and help her become a socially functioning adult. Not to mention her parents' collective heads will explode once they find out.
Kari Panda 3 months ago
The really sad thing is even if she escapes, it will be a long time before she can have a normal life. If you grew up without friends or even any other form of community except for your parents, you lack so many social skills. You can’t just make up for that easily.
Marcine Lohman 3 months ago
Don't forget about trade schools as well. You can make a lot of money being a plumber or electrician, etc. I'd say the first thing to do is figure out what she wants to do for the rest of her life. Nothing is worst than being in a job you don't enjoy! Then decide where she wants to put down roots. I really like the military suggestion because after she gets out, they will pay for college on the GI Bill. Also, she can save up some money to fall back on if needed before she finds a job. My friend's brother joined the military and he has decided to live in Germany rather than the U.S.
Carley Augustine 3 months ago
She can move into my spare room and go to college, get a part time job and make friends. That is absolute garbage.
AR 4 months ago
My husband got the chance to work in Germany for 3 years (as a military civilian), and it took a lot of discussion to make sure it would be okay for our son, who was 8 at the time. We decided to do it in the end (he had the ability to go to an American base school so no worry about that), but we always focused on making sure he was okay. If it would’ve impacted him too greatly, we wouldn’t have done it.
thehouseplumber 4 months ago
Lol, most kids don't like their parents at her age, but I see her point.
itsjustme 4 months ago
They have chosen a lifestyle that doesn't work for you. Now that you are 18, you get to decide how you want to live. If it's college, reach out to a few. With your unique upbringing, maybe there's an opportunity for financial assistance. Find a remote job and save up for when you've figured your next steps. You can't undo the life you've had but you get to decide what comes next.
Jennifer Smith 4 months ago
I would love to travel the US in an RV but right now my kids need a stable life so it has to wait until they are grown.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 4 months ago
That one sentence makes you a great mom. Imagine, meeting your children's needs before indulging in your wants!
Load More Replies... Tempest 4 months ago
We’re going to hear so many more stories like this in the future, aren’t we? I see many “Internet parents” doing this type of lifestyle now, selling their homes, removing the kids from school, and travelling the world full time. It’s simply a trend for many. Of course I’ve been amazed at how the families get the opportunity to travel and see so much of the world, something we all dream of but are shackled down unable to because of finances or work. But I’ve always wondered how these kids get a proper education (long term online can only do so much as a theory only education) and how they have a social life when they’ve never had the opportunity to build long term relationships. I feel so bad for this lady and all the other young kids who are currently being paraded around on the Internet in the same manner without understanding the consequences or being able to object to the circumstances. People can switch to doing this for only a few months a year and get the best of both worlds.
Kare Deter 4 months ago
I liked the idea to join the military; that would solve most of her problems. It would remove her from the hateful situation, provide her shelter, income, and training so she can start building the future she wants for herself.
arthbach 4 months ago
Kare Deter, the USA's Coastguards are actively recruiting, and have a huge range of jobs available, from First Responders, to Law Enforcement, and of course search and rescue. There would be accommodation, training, and pay. This would be an excellent way to free herself from the mobile prison her parents have made for her.
Load More Replies... LonelyLittleLeafSheep 4 months ago
I love RV life but I would have NEVER subjected my kids to it. They needed stability to learn not just school subjects, but personal care, how to cook and clean for themselves, and most importantly social skills with their peer group. Full-time RV living can be challenging and is best for singles, child-free couples, and empty nesters. Poor kid.
MotherRobinson 4 months ago
I agree. I see so many of these on YouTube and I always thought this should only be for child free, singles and retired empty nesters. I wouldnt dream of doing this with kids in tow.
Load More Replies... Tabitha 4 months ago (edited)
Now that the children of “influencers” are getting to be grown up, we’re seeing the effects of that lifestyle on the people who never asked to live it. The kids who are simply dragged into it by delusional parents. Just like the kids of anti-vaxxers who run to the clinic to get fully vaccinated the second they hit 18 and their parents can’t do anything about it. Seems the children are turning out to be way smarter than their delulu parents. This kind of evidence should influence (pun intended) legislators to reel in the activity and enforce strict guidelines for filming/including anyone in the family who is underage and/or hasn’t consented to be filmed/included. Start treating it like the film industry, require tutoring of any children involved, have people on set to look after the children and the pets, have areas similar to dressing rooms for actors where family members can go for privacy and no cameras are ever allowed—-and totally shut down any influencers who break the rules, banning them from ever appearing online again. Something to put an end to this abuse of vulnerable family members by the very people who are supposed to protect them from being mistreated.
MotherRobinson 4 months ago
That's a great idea to have some laws and restrictions on some these online content involving kids
Load More Replies... Nimitz 4 months ago
18 years old means she has a right to deny consent to be part of the mom's videos. And she has a legal right to part of the revenue generated. I feel so sorry for her having to go through 11 years of abuse. Hopefully she can use her experience to sell the story and use it to fund a lawyer to recoup some of what her parasitic parents earned off her life. Then use it to fund college/university and start a life so she can go NC as those a******s deserve.
xolitaire 4 months ago (edited)
I can totally understand that OP doesn't just leave - without money, contacts or suitable education it's a disaster waiting to happen. But like some of the commenters mentioned: there are helplines that can get you started. First step: if you are not classified as an adult where you are, get emancipated ASAP
weatherwitch 3 months ago
We moved a shed load during my childhood to late teens. I had no friends until I started work and they were colleagues not friends. My dad would say to me that I could make friends anywhere, but you can't. A lone woman walks into a pub, especially in the 80s and the patrons just think you're there to get laid. If you don't drink and can't abide loud music, there's nowhere in your late teens to make friends. And if you're not into or not aware of pop culture, it's really isolating. I really hope that they get away and have a wonderful life ❤️
mousegoessqueak17 3 months ago
check out AmeriCorps, it's kind of like a US based Peace Corps. They partner with places like Habitat for Humanity and take on high school graduates and those looking to get into careers but not necessarily college. They house you, train you and give you a small stipend to live off of. It's a great way to get your foot in the door of a career, even if you decide to move on after its good for your resume.
Wendy Herman 4 months ago
Kids are only kids for a relatively short time. They get Summer & Winter vacation time from school for whatever travel their parents can afford. To ROB them of nearly every experience that prepares them for successful independence as adults IS child abuse. These "parents" are *beyond* selfish. I hope this poor kid manages to somehow escape. When these subpar parents someday become grandparents who *don't* enjoy many opportunities to get to know their grandkids, they'll have *only themselves* to blame. Please, DON'T have kids if your own needs will *continually* trump theirs. That's a terribly harmful & unfair way to raise kids. They deserve far better.
P.L. Packer 3 months ago (edited)
It's hard to get into college with no references, money and being behind in education. The military is not really a bad idea and can at least set her up for a career and/or education. It will get her away from her parents' influence and help her become a socially functioning adult. Not to mention her parents' collective heads will explode once they find out.
Kari Panda 3 months ago
The really sad thing is even if she escapes, it will be a long time before she can have a normal life. If you grew up without friends or even any other form of community except for your parents, you lack so many social skills. You can’t just make up for that easily.
Marcine Lohman 3 months ago
Don't forget about trade schools as well. You can make a lot of money being a plumber or electrician, etc. I'd say the first thing to do is figure out what she wants to do for the rest of her life. Nothing is worst than being in a job you don't enjoy! Then decide where she wants to put down roots. I really like the military suggestion because after she gets out, they will pay for college on the GI Bill. Also, she can save up some money to fall back on if needed before she finds a job. My friend's brother joined the military and he has decided to live in Germany rather than the U.S.
Carley Augustine 3 months ago
She can move into my spare room and go to college, get a part time job and make friends. That is absolute garbage.
AR 4 months ago
My husband got the chance to work in Germany for 3 years (as a military civilian), and it took a lot of discussion to make sure it would be okay for our son, who was 8 at the time. We decided to do it in the end (he had the ability to go to an American base school so no worry about that), but we always focused on making sure he was okay. If it would’ve impacted him too greatly, we wouldn’t have done it.
thehouseplumber 4 months ago
Lol, most kids don't like their parents at her age, but I see her point.
itsjustme 4 months ago
They have chosen a lifestyle that doesn't work for you. Now that you are 18, you get to decide how you want to live. If it's college, reach out to a few. With your unique upbringing, maybe there's an opportunity for financial assistance. Find a remote job and save up for when you've figured your next steps. You can't undo the life you've had but you get to decide what comes next.
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