Many moms see me frequently sharing photos of my kid’s outings and give me likes, but only “likes” — because many moms are the type to “like others’ posts,” not to “get liked themselves!”
The reasons are “simple” and also “convincing”:
Some moms say, “I already find taking care of my kid exhausting — I definitely don’t want to take them out.”
Some moms say, “Taking kids out is such a hassle. They either need to be carried or held the whole time, refusing to walk even one step.”
Some moms say, “When we go out, my kid wants everything they see. If I don’t buy it, they throw a tantrum. It’s so annoying.”
Some moms say, “My child is timid and always hides behind me, crying at everything they see. It’s frustrating — there’s no mood to enjoy anything.”
Yes, moms fear exhaustion, moms dread inconvenience, kids want to be carried, kids demand random things, kids cry out of fear — these things can instantly ruin the joy of going out. So, they keep their kids cooped up at home all day, staying in together. This way, you avoid a lot of trouble and unpleasantness, and can coexist peacefully with your child.
But none of these are valid reasons to refuse taking your child out traveling. There’s only one reason: you. Because you’re lazy.
If you frequently travel with your child, you’ll surely plan the route, timing, and activities reasonably, ensuring your child has “the time of their life.” Why would they still need to be carried or held?
If you often travel with your child, exposing them to the world and broadening their horizons, how could they still find everything novel and demand to have it all?
If you regularly travel with your child, introducing them to different people and experiences, how could they remain timid and hide behind others?
Some moms say, “Kids are too young. They won’t remember where they’ve been or what they’ve seen. It’s just wasted money. Wait until they’re older to travel — it’ll be more meaningful.”
I want to say, can you remember every single thing you did each day? Can you recall every place you’ve ever been? Must every place you visit be remembered forever? Do you think you have a “photographic memory”?
I want to say, childhood happens only once. A two-year-old loves riding rocking horses and sliding down slides. If you wait until they’re older to let them do that, will they still fit? A three-year-old loves playing in play zones. If you wait until they’re older to take them, do you think they won’t be seen as a “freak”? A four-year-old loves getting close to animals, feeding them. If you wait until they’re older to go to the zoo, and they’re the ones holding branches to feed giraffes or cheering because they discover peacocks love peanuts — do you think that scene is adorable? Will those moments still make you overjoyed?
Some moms say, “Public places are full of germs — they’re unhygienic.”