Everyone needs a passport, including your children.  A passport is your golden ticket to the world (Willy Wonka reference).  It’s a good form of identification and you can’t travel many places internationally without one.  It is also better to get one sooner rather than later, as passport fees could increase at any time.  It is impossible to be a spontaneous international traveler without a passport, because you will be spending your time anxiously awaiting its arrival.  If your country ever had a major crisis like a war or major viral outbreak, you would be in a better position to seek asylum with a passport.  Currently United States citizens can use their passport to enter 172 countries without a visa or be granted a temporary travel visa upon arrival.  A passport is also your proof of citizenship, which if you get in a pinch will allow you to get embassy help.  Many travelers don’t realize that laws at destinations can be much different from what they are accustomed to at home.  This leads many travelers to unwittingly commit minor crimes or infractions.  While it is always good practice to brush up on the laws of anywhere you are traveling, a passport gives citizens proper identification and resources if the unthinkable happens.