In the words of the 2-year-old Sanchez daughter, “The mountains are my home.” That is how the Sanchez family is living their lives. Today we chat with Rachel Sanchez about part-time life in a van-home, to ditching the carriers, to hiking while pregnant. KWE is proud to see a family that is allowing nature to help raise their kids! 
 
The Sanchez Family, is a multicultural family based in Utah, USA. They have three little girls and a little boy on the way. They love being outdoors as a family and feel it is the best way to experience life and all that the earth has to offer. They use the outdoors as their favorite parenting tool to teach many of life's important lessons from strength and courage, to kindness and gentleness. Inclusion and diversity in the outdoors is important for Rachel, and her husband, to show her daughters! 
 
How They Make Their Van-Home Feel Like Home: 
Allow each girl to have a drawer in the van that is their own 
Let them bring their favourite items from home 
Her girls are most comfortable in the van in close proximity, especially sleeping 

 
How They Ditch the Child Carriers: 
They decide the carrier isn’t their go-to, and they never tell their kids to get in the carrier 
They expect that the kids will hike [They’ve seen it benefit them so much and foster independence!]  
Carrier has never been a punishment or a necessity, even if they are “going too slow” 
They let them get in and out, as much as they want!  
They choose shorter hikes when they need to 

 
Advice for Hiking While Pregnant: 
Listen to your body and how far you want to go 
Trust yourself 
If pregnant with carrier, wear your pack properly with waist strap buckled, and belly band 
Close to end of pregnancy, maybe avoid using the carrier/hiking pack 
Bring someone along to carry kids 

 
Book Recommendation: Wild Vet Adventures: Saving Animals Around the World with Dr. Gabby Wild 
 
Follow the Sanchez Family on IG: @beboldlittleones 
 
Thank you to Morrison Outdoors for supporting today’s podcast! Find more at: www.morrisonoutdoors.com 
 
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.