Traveling with Children--The Travel Buddy

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

We like to spend our weekends traveling around the state visiting area attractions. This, of course, requires spending time in the car and recently we've had an extra passenger on-board. My two-year-old daughter has become attached to a "travel buddy." That's what I call it, anyway. It's actually a medium-sized stuffed mouse whose primary role is to act as a companion in the car.

This all transpired very innocently. One day as we were getting ready to leave the house Taylor asked if "Mousie" could come along. "Sure," I replied. So, with mouse in hand Taylor made her way to the car and into her carseat. And that is exactly where "Mousie" stays. Whereas, I figured she would want "Mousie" to join us when we reached our destination, I was wrong. Apparently, "Mousie" is a car-only companion. He keeps her seat warm while she is away and is there to greet her when she returns. I have asked her on numerous occasions if she would like to bring "Mousie" to see the other animals at the zoo or to go down the slide with her at the park, but I always get the same response: "No, Mousie stay car." And it's not like she forgets about him while she is enjoying activities outside of the car. Often she'll remind me that he is in the car and is more than excited to see him through the window waiting for her. Their reunions are sweet and usually end with a warm embrace.

I wanted to share this experience of my daughter's "travel buddy" with parents out there who struggle to get their kids out of the house and into the car. I wish I could take credit for the idea, but really it was Taylor who introduced the "Mousie factor" into our travel repertoire. And what a difference he has made. On days when I too struggle with motivating Taylor to leave her toys behind and get into the car, having "Mousie" really helps. Perhaps, this blog will encourage you to introduce a "travel buddy" to your child.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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