Mini Van Mama

Have you ever noticed the amount of minivans in the suburbs? My children go to a preschool where the parking lot in the morning is about 75% minivans, 20% SUVs and 5% cars. The same is true when we visit the soccer or baseball fields. Have today's moms gone minivan crazy?

Most of us weren't born with the innate desire to drive a minivan. In fact, when I was a little girl vans were mostly used by plumbers, not the typical American family. Instead, we had the ever-so-popular station wagon! It even had the seat in the "way back" that faced the rear of the car. Would I be caught driving one of those today? Heck no! And I said the same thing about minivans...until I had children.

When I had my first child, I owned a Saturn coup with the third door. It was sleek, black and had a sunroof. In hindsight, it was a real young person's car. It didn't take me long to realize that babies come with a lot of "stuff." The paraphernalia that accompanied even the simplest outing, required much more space than my coup could offer. I considered buying a bigger car, like the sensible Ford Taurus, but it wasn't for me. I wanted an SUV, but it wasn't economical for us. The compromise was my very first minivan, a used Ford Windstar!!!

I thought that I would be embarrased to be seen driving a minivan. I thought that it would make me feel old. As it turned out, I loved it!!! It had the room that I need, the comfort that I didn't expect and the feeling of safety that I desired! It was perfect! I wasn't embarrased, and I didn't feel old. In fact, I finally felt like a Mom that others could relate to. I felt like I had finally become a member of the club.

When it was time to trade in my van, I had two children to consider. We opted for another minivan. This time it was a brand new Chrysler Town and Country. We were determined to have bucket seats in the second row and a factory installed DVD player. Both things were designed to make my life, as a mom of two boys, easier! You just can't get those kind of options with standard cars. I have loved it since the day I bought it. We have driven from NC to VT and OH with the boys in the back, and it has served us well.

Will I always drive a minivan? Probably not...but I will as long as I need to. I think about the day when I will no longer need a minivan, and it saddens me. It will be the end of an era, so to speak, and I am not looking forward to it. So for now- I proudly drive a minivan and encourage other moms (who haven't done so already) to make the leap! You won't regret it!