Oh, I’m looking forward to taking my kids there someday! But not until they are much older! They aren’t going to remember it anyways!”
I remember the first time I had a conversation with a parent about going someplace big and exciting that went this way. It was then that I realized parents seem to be on one side of the fence on this subject or the other. I am definitely on the side where it doesn’t matter how old they are, I want to experience lots of things with my kids.
I’ll also preface this by saying there is no right or wrong. I simply want to share why I feel the way I do.
I will always remember talking to my husband about going to the Newport Aquarium when our oldest was 1. I really wanted to take her and show her the fish. He didn’t think it was a good idea for a number of reasons. But we talked about it and decided to go. She had such a great time and we both agreed we were glad we went. Then we went to Disney World when our oldest two girls were 2 and 3. Lots of people told us they would wait until their kids were older for that trip. But at that age, it was truly magical.
Here’s the thing – I understand our small children will not remember a thing about these adventures we take. But that is not why I want to go.
I want to go because seeing my 1-year-old touch a starfish and smile in delight brings me joy. I want to go because seeing my 2-year-old hug Cinderella and get dizzy on the teacups makes my heart happy. I want to go because seeing our 3-year-old explore a real-life train is a rare experience for both of us. And it’s why I say I actually enjoy road trips with my little ones. It’s why we took a 2-year-old on a beach vacation.
I know they won’t remember. But I will. These memories and stories are a part of our family, and I am thankful for each and every one of them!
