Can’t we just stay home?

What can you do if your child is a devoted homebody? You’d probably have to trick him by saying you’re going to a picnic for a couple of hours after having secretly packed a huge bag of his favorite toys. In the middle of the trip, you’d reveal your nefarious plan of taking him to another city 250 km away for a few days. Then, you’d have to face the consequences of your wicked ways and wipe away your child’s tears. At least, that’s the way it happens in my family.

This time my husband chose a 60 m2 suite in a nice 5-star hotel. And what was our son’s reaction to the hotel? “Well, I certainly liked the sauna and the pool, but you shouldn’t have spent the money on it! It’s much better to be home. And in our amusement park!”

Anyway, it was nice seeing him helping himself at the breakfast buffet. He was allowed to take any small pastries but to my surprise, he was moderate and preferred to enjoy watermelon.

During our city tour our son told us he wanted to go home because that’s where his beloved robots and delicious food are. By food he meant sweets, but then my husband asked him to please me by saying which of mom’s dishes are his favorite. Our son enthusiastically named several dishes which was really nice.

At the age of five, our son found museums quite entertaining. Now that he has other interests, he says: “I wonder why people build museums. You just walk around and get tired!”

At home, while we were discussing our trip my husband and I finally understood why we are no longer able to travel for longer distances. Because our son really hates it! “I don't understand why we would go to a hotel and spend money — it’s such a waste!” I think he is really stingy. “It’s better to stay home, play robots and save money.” Apparently, for robots.

When we told him that before he was born we used to travel abroad by plane and even stayed far from home for three weeks he was shocked. Why would anybody do that?! We laughed a lot and told him as a joke that other parents don't even bother asking their children if they want to go with them and take them… like a suitcase. Because the parents have the right to do so. He said: “Well, maybe when I’m sixteen we will go somewhere far away, too.” Hmm, it seems that it’s not going to happen any sooner!