Raising a traveller

We just got back from our spring break trip to Indonesia and Singapore. I thought about it when we touched down and realized that our two year old daughter has been to 12 countries.


To have Ava visit 12 countries hasn't been a goal by any means, but I am taken aback by how much her upbringing will be different than both Lisa and mine. It hasn't been easy either. Taking diapers, formula, a portable crib, her things and ours to Europe last summer was a challenge. Visiting places in the tropics here that are known for their tropical diseases is a little awkward too, but then, kids grow up there all the time. Don't they?

I've been told by some parents that they "would never do a trip like that". They are accustomed to the routines of their toddlers day like snacks, nap time, and don't deviate from it until they are 6 or 7. Although I do understand that prerogative, I think it's great to offer as many different experiences to a child when they're young. Get them rolling around in dirt, saying "hello" in as many languages as possible, and let them get sand between their toes and washing it out by a toss in the surf.
Above is Ava's friend "Mika" who is the daughter of the owner of the resort we stayed at last week. She was a little older than ours but she got along great. While we were out diving, we left Ava with a local lady who has done some baby sitting for guests in the past. While in the airport in Singapore, I bumped into an acquaintance of mine who was also a scuba diver. He inquired what we did with the munchkin while we were out diving and after I told him, he said "my wife would never leave our daughter with a complete stranger."

Are these fears overblown or are we too negligent in our daughter's safety? Coming from a country that has disclaimers for everything and lawsuits that are as frequent as speeding tickets, I'm inclined to think the later. However, after living in Asia for ten years now, we're having a change of heart. We've officially committed to take a year sabbatical when Ava is in the fourth grade and are saving up for it. I wonder what that experience will be like for her?

I guess the only thing we can do it prepare her for it now. One trip at a time.