So I suppose it’s about time I update this post about being new parents off grid. I know we’re almost 3 years into being parents with Bellamy, but I still feel totally new at everything! And now with her younger sister Inara, we get to experience all those fear and wonder inducing things a second time around.

Since we spent last year in the lower 48 (read why here) we got to experience being parents in the city for the year. And let me tell you:

Toddler life in the city is a whole lot different than off grid!

First of all, there were a lot more baths in the city, for everyone! We have our shower out here, but that requires hauling water from the creek. Mostly we use wet wipes to clean up the kidlet at home, and go to town for the whole head to toe shower experience once a week or so. Being able to just throw her in the bath any time she got mud on her was a luxury, and something Bellamy loved! Also, instant snacks any time she wanted with access to a fridge and microwave? She was in heaven! We recently purchased a fridge to store formula, but everyone has loved it. We can actually have left overs in summer now.

Another difference was easy access to things to do. While yes, mud and rocks make perfectly good kid entertainment, taking her to experience different things was wonderful. Fairs, kid museums, concerts. We crammed a lot of different adventures into short amounts of time simply due to proximity. Our off grid lives are a certain kind of adventure, but not one specifically geared towards kids.

And I’m really glad Bellamy got to spend so much time with our families. Especially her cousins!

Now that we’ve been back about 6 months, I can honestly say I feel I’m a better parent off grid.

I have fewer distractions and more time geared specifically to spending with the girls. Of course, now my time is split between the two of them! But not having a regular 9-5 job means more time spent with family, while also still getting time to myself. And that means things like starting home schooling for Bellamy this year, rather than waiting until she’s 5. I figure why wait when we have the time to do it, and she’s interested. She even picked out a few games and workbooks (Amazon links) for herself. Bellamy also gets included in all kinds of things, from stacking wood to fixing boats!

Also, there is a lot less screen time living out here. Not particularly because I’m against Bellamy watching shows or playing games; more because I want to use my phone so I won’t give it up! She does have a Leapfrog Leappad Ultimate (Amazon) with lots of learning games, and when she does watch shows we try to stick to educational programming like Octonauts or Super Why! Can you feel a little parental guilt coming through here? I’m sure that’s something that parents off grid and in town have in common!

Of course, there are still challenges living off grid with a toddler and infant.

This year I had to learn how to ride the 4 wheeler with both kids. Baby wearing Inara while Bellamy rides behind me has worked so far. I prefer both kids in front, but my arms are too short!

There are other issues too, like mosquitoes. They’ve been absolutely horrible this year, and find Bellamy and I extra tasty. Doing anything outside has meant setting up a mosquito net to lay Inara under, and covering up and using Deet (nothing else worked quite as well!).

Still, even with mosquito bites, dirt and windswept hair from riding the 4 wheeler, it’s easy to see Bellamy is happy and healthy growing up out here. That shows me that being parents off grid was the right choice for us.

I hope Inara is happy growing up out here too ❤️