From the moment Laura Helen became a mum, she knew she wanted something different for her children. She didn’t want them growing up feeling pressured to follow a path that wasn’t theirs
"I wanted them to explore, grow, and discover who they truly were meant to be. But life had its challenges.
In a whirlwind two months, we went from having no children to two. It was a huge change, and while it was filled with love, it also came with its own set of trials.
Our daughter came into our lives through an incredibly tough legal battle. She had been in a very bad place, and we knew we couldn’t just sit back and let her suffer.
We fought to save her, to give her a safe and loving home, but the process was anything but easy. The legal fees alone left us with huge debts, and we suddenly found ourselves going from two great jobs to just one. The security we once had was gone, and the weight of what lay ahead was almost unbearable. There were days when it felt like we were drowning under the pressure of it all.
Despite everything, we didn’t give up.
Focussing on Our Family
We made the decision to focus on what mattered most—our family. And that’s when our journey into worldschooling truly began. It wasn’t just about giving our children the freedom to learn through life experiences, it was about finding freedom for ourselves too.
We had to strip away the things that didn’t matter—the house, the stuff, the expectations—and focus on the experiences, the connections, and the life we wanted to create for our children.
But it wasn’t instant. It took us three years to pay off the debts from the legal battle. Three years of carefully navigating our way through life, using whatever resources we could find.
One of the biggest blessings during this time was house sitting. It allowed us to travel the world and give our children incredible experiences, even though we were rebuilding our finances.
We lived in Spain for 18 months, staying rent-free in the mountains of Murcia, surrounded by nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It was during this time that I realised just how rich life could be, even when we had very little.
Adventurous Parenting
We’ve travelled to over 16 countries since then, and each adventure has been a lesson not just for our children, but for us as well. We’ve learned that life is about more than security - it’s about freedom, love, and connection.
We’ve ridden camels around the pyramids in Egypt, zoomed across the desert on quad bikes, and plunged deep to swim with sharks. My children have kayaked down rivers, driven boats, and hiked up mountains.
They’ve splashed into cold rivers and stood on the edge of the Grand Canyon, taking in views that are impossible to describe.
Lessons from Life
Every step of this journey has taught us that the greatest lessons don’t come from classrooms—they come from life itself. Whether we’re camping under the stars, taking care of donkeys, chickens, and snakes, or feeding giraffes, my children are constantly learning about the world around them and the importance of being connected to it.
But it hasn’t all been easy. There were moments when I doubted whether we could keep going. Paying off our debts while travelling the world felt like an impossible task at times. We had no safety net, no cushion to fall back on if things went wrong.
Yet, somehow, through determination, careful planning, and a lot of faith, we made it work. We got through it, not just surviving, but thriving.
Starting the Day Right
Our days are now filled with purpose. Every morning, we start with gratitude—reflecting on what we’re thankful for, reading together, and getting our bodies moving at the gym. It’s a simple routine, but it grounds us and keeps us focused on what really matters.
We’ve shared incredible experiences together, like dancing at the Notting Hill Carnival, learning flamenco in Spain, and riding gondolas in Venice. My children have thrown axes, tried archery, and conquered high ropes courses. They’ve even had rides in monster trucks and learned to handle snakes. Every experience has added another layer to their learning, helping them grow into confident, curious individuals.
Watching them blossom into their true selves is the most rewarding part of this journey. They talk to people of all ages and backgrounds - from farmers in Spain to shopkeepers in French markets - with ease and empathy. They see people for who they are, and that’s a lesson that can’t be taught in any textbook.
Mistakes are Part of the Learning Process
We’ve visited space centres and learned about science and history by walking in the footsteps of explorers and pioneers. Our children know that mistakes aren’t something to fear—they’re part of the process of learning and growing.
Each failure brings them one step closer to success, and I couldn’t be prouder of how they’ve embraced that mindset.
Worldschooling has allowed us to break free from the expectations we once felt trapped by. It’s given our children the chance to discover who they are and what they’re passionate about, without the pressure to fit into someone else’s idea of success.
They’ve learned that life is about experiences, not possessions, and that there’s always something new to discover.
It wasn’t an easy road to get here, but I wouldn’t trade a single step. The struggles we faced, the debts we paid off, the uncertainty we lived through—it all led us to this incredible life we now live. A life where my children are free to learn, explore, and become the amazing people they’re meant to be.
Parenting with purpose, for me, means giving my children the space to grow, the freedom to explore, and the love and support they need to find their own path. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has been worth every moment.
And as I watch them now - confident, compassionate, and full of adventure - I know that choosing this path was the best decision we ever made."
Laura Helen is a CEO and creative coach, leading a world-traveling family who embrace a nomadic lifestyle. She empowers individuals to discover their purpose and unlock true happiness through coaching, books, and creative adventures. The whole family are authors, sharing their unique journey to inspire others to live life on their own terms.
Find them foreverfamilyforeverfree.com and
@foreverfamilyforeverfree
