Prepping for RV Life: The Family Meeting

The Family Meeting

So the family is excited about the idea of hitting the road and embracing RV Life?

Are you sure about that? One of the most frustrating things for the "planner" of the family is to send a great deal of time researching and planning, working hard to make it a great adventure, and then someone in the family shares they don't want to go, or visit, or participate in a specific experience. This can really burst an emotional bubble!

To avoid wasting time and emotional energy creating a plan you "think" everyone will enjoy, take the initiative to plan and hold family meetings before your initial trip, and then periodically to see how things are going and get input on new and upcoming adventure.

Set the stage for your family meeting by letting everyone know how important it is to hear what they think about and want from this new stage of family life. Share the agenda and a few ground rules.

Briefly explain the importance of hearing from everyone to make sure each member of the family will have a successful time on the road. This allows for any potential conflicts or concerns that should be dealt with early in the process.

Remind everyone that each person gets to share in their own way. We want to "hear" their "heart" as well as their "words," and that requires the family members to respect what the other is saying. Family members should be coached to think about what others are sharing and ask for clarity rather than criticize or negate their ideas or wants.

Explain that the meeting is to hear from everyone, however, promises are not being made at this time.

II. The Family Meeting Agenda [SAMPLE]

Begin by clarifying who will be traveling and, if applicable, what roles they will be assuming:

Bob – Driver & RV Maintenance

Robin – Navigator, Cook, Reservation Manager, Channel Editor

Jim – Photographer, Researcher, Channel Contributor

Isabella – Resident baby, cuddle bunny, security alert system

Why do you want to RV? What do you think it will look like, feel like, and do for you?

What do you want your RV Life to look like? Paint a picture with words of what you think will make the adventure successful for you.

Where do you want to travel? What do you want to see, what do you want to do when you get there, or experience in specific areas?

When do you want to travel? (Ask this question only if it is a negotiable option.)

Full-time

Part-time

Seasonally

Only to specific areas, events, for a purpose, or reason.

How do you see yourself traveling?

While in motion – (this depends on the type of RV you will be traveling with), front seat, at the table, in the back seat, on the couch or lounge chair, so you can sleep on the way

Hours per day? Do you want to stop along the way to visit sites or get where you're going fast?

Non-Negotiables vs. Negotiables

Non-Negotiables: Identify rules or boundaries that are essential and not open to compromise (e.g., safety rules, respecting each other's space, cleaning up after yourself, no outhouses for Robin)

Negotiables: Discuss areas where flexibility is possible, allowing family members to have input and make choices (e.g., daily routines, destinations, stops or breaks along the way, personal space arrangements)

Wants & Wishes

Invite each family member to share their hopes, desires, and what they would love to experience or have while living in an RV (favorite destinations, activities, personal comforts)

Fears and Limits

Create a safe space for everyone to express concerns, anxieties, or boundaries about RV life (e.g., missing friends, privacy, motion sickness, internet access)

Discuss how the family can support each other and address these fears together.

III. Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

When a concern or issue arises, and it will, suggest the family think through options and set a time to meet as a family and work collaboratively to find solutions for that specific issue. Continue thinking of options and working as a family towards a win-win until an idea is agreed upon by all. Not everyone has to be 100% enthusiastic about every idea, but it may be in their best interest to compromise when they can to ensure their desires and wishes will also be achievable.

Once agreed upon, it's a done deal unless the whole family agrees to change the plan.

IV. Setting Goals and Next Steps

Summarize agreements on non-negotiables, negotiables, and shared goals. Share an electronic folder and give everyone copies of the agreements for them to become familiar with before hitting the road.

Find out who is most excited about a specific area of planning for your RV future and assign action items or research tasks (e.g., looking up RV models, planning routes, downsizing belongings).

Decide on a follow-up meeting to revisit plans and check in on progress, both before and during your RV adventures.

V. Closing the Meeting

End on a positive note with a family chant, group hug, or shared treat.

Remind everyone that this is an ongoing conversation and that feelings and needs may evolve as the journey progresses.

"Meeting as a family is a great way to strengthen your relationships. Not only does it help you connect, but it reminds you that you are a part of a bigger team.