Hippie Festivals, Body Positivity, and Child Stimulation

Episode 7

This week, we've got a whirlwind of exciting topics to chat about. What started off as a conversation about how much stimulation kids really need ended up being a delightful journey through our recent escapades at the hippie festival, Urkult, and a heartfelt discussion about body positivity.

We recorded this episode from our cozy home on wheels, currently parked up in the northern parts of Sweden, fresh from our unforgettable time at Urkult Festival. So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let’s dive in!

How Much Stimulation Do Kids Really Need?

We kicked things off discussing child stimulation. As parents, we often receive tons of opinions and advice on what our kids need to thrive. It's a hot topic in parenting circles, and there's a lot of pressure to ensure our children are constantly entertained and stimulated. But is it necessary?

From our experience and research, children don’t need as much structured stimulation as society often suggests. Up to the age of three, kids get plenty of stimulation simply from being with their parents and engaging in everyday activities. It’s all about finding that balance and not overthinking it.

Our Hippie Festival Adventure at Urkult

Next, we shared about our recent adventure at the Urkult Festival - a quintessential hippie festival up here in Sweden. It was absolutely amazing! The vibe at Urkult is something else. From the eclectic music to the diverse crowd, it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression.

We drove 800 kilometers north from Norrköping to attend and were blown away by the beautiful scenery of the high coast area. It’s moments like these that make living life on the road so special and enriching.

One of the highlights was witnessing the incredible sense of community at the festival. Everyone, from babies to grandparents, was having a blast. It’s a testament to the idea that such environments can be fundamentally positive for kids. The child stimulation they get from just being surrounded by so much creativity and joy is invaluable.

Body Positivity: Embracing Our Bodies’ Stories

Our conversation then naturally flowed into a topic close to our hearts: body positivity. Malin shared her personal experience living with a permanent colostomy and how important it is to embrace our bodies for what they are – life-saving and wonderful.

Living with a visible difference can be tough, especially in today's image-focused society. But it’s essential to love ourselves and show our kids that every scar and every difference is a chapter of our unique stories. This conversation about body positivity is not just important for adults but is crucial for instilling self-love in our children from a young age.

The Power of Connection and Community

On the way back from Urkult, we met a wonderful family who are about to embark on their own van life adventure with their five kids. It was incredibly inspiring to see their excitement and readiness to take on this unconventional lifestyle. Sharing stories and experiences over a barbecue in their garden was a powerful reminder of the beauty of human connection and community.

It’s these moments that make the journey so meaningful. Whether it’s through our video podcast or face-to-face interactions, fostering connections can uplift and inspire us all.

Give Us a Lift: Uplifting Moments

In our "Give Us a Lift" segment, we share something that has inspired or uplifted us recently, be it from our Instagram feed, a personal experience, or an uplifting story we heard.

Malin shared an inspiring encounter we had recently. While parked at a beach, we met a woman who was preparing to move into a van with her five children. Within hours, they had invited us over for a barbecue. Their excitement was palpable, and it revived our own passion for this lifestyle. Malin was particularly moved by their openness and willingness to connect and share their journey with us.

Tom’s inspiration came from closer to home. He found himself deeply moved by an Instagram post from Malin on body positivity. Malin’s courage to share her journey with a permanent colostomy and her commitment to embracing her body resonated profoundly. Her message of self-love and acceptance serves as a crucial reminder, not just for us but for our children as well.

Wrapping Up

We wrapped up this week's episode feeling grateful for the wonderful experiences and meaningful conversations we've had recently. From discussing child stimulation to dancing at a hippie festival, and advocating for body positivity – it’s been a rich and fulfilling talk.

Don't forget to check out our video podcast for more in-depth discussions and visuals from our travels. We hope our stories from the Urkult festival inspire you to seek out those magical moments in life and embrace every adventure with open arms.

Stay tuned for more updates from our life on wheels, and until next time, spread love, kindness, and stay positive!

Love from Malin and Tom x