Maybe it is not for you… but look…
The other day I was at a local park with the kids. I was walking to the parking lot when I noticed the above sight. That would be seven minivans in a row folks. My own little beauty is in that collection. I was standing there with another mom and she says, “The damn van… aren’t they great?” I then grabbed my phone and snapped this picture.
For too many years the minivan has gotten a bad wrap.
I too swore up and down that I would never drive one. I don’t really know why I was so turned off to the good old minivan but I was. I realized space was an issue after having 2 kids, 2 rear facing car seats, a double stroller and diaper bags. My small SUV was just not cutting it and I needed something bigger.
I too was thinking all typical anti-minivan thoughts:
“A van is just not cool.”
“It just screams mom.”
“It is like driving a boat.”
“Ugh, it is a minivan… I can’t do it.. I can’t drive one.”
Well, my friends, I pushed those inner thoughts aside and I did it. I got a van. I became enlightened to the bliss that is the minivan. I love the damn thing. I don’t know why people still cringe at the thought of driving one. We are all “momming” and dealing with the same shenanigans.
Here is the deal…
Most of us reading this post are in our late 20’s/early 30’s. We are all handling at least 2 kids who are messy, squirmy, joyful, active little humans. So who cares what you drive? So what if your car screams “mom.” Reality check, you are a Mom.
First, let’s talk about those sliding doors. There are so many reasons why this is best invention ever. You especially need them the to help wrangle a 2-year-old who decided to have an epic tantrum in Target. There is nothing more helpful than automatic sliding doors while you have your kid in a football hold as you march towards your car. Trust me, once you see those doors opening on their own, it is like angels singing.
I need to mention the ample cupholders.
I mean I really enjoy having 4 cup holders that are within arms reach (there are even more in the back). Yup, I do need all of them. I need them for my coffee which I took 4 sips and rewarmed 3 times. In fact, I really don’t know why I brought the coffee with me in the car… I guess just for moral support.
Then I have a Diet Coke on call for the 3 p.m. caffeine jolt for the Kroger run. I have a sippy cup and an extra water just for fun. Why all of this? Because I can…I HAVE 4 CUP HOLDERS.
Oooh…. trunk space… (happy face emoji)
I can actually fit double strollers, pack n play, a portable potty (you never know when you need it) and have a changing station. All of which fit in my van. I don’t enjoy changing pee accidents in a public bathroom. My minivan has that all covered. I see you over there in your “large” SUV eyeing my trunk space. Not much room in there with that third row up? Get your own van.
I say put aside the stereotype and join the minivan fan club. You don’t have to have it forever. You don’t have to plaster it in typical mom paraphernalia (I’m talking honor roll bumper stickers and such). Also, take it to a carwash once in awhile. Rock your minivan like you would a BMW 5 series (so pretty). Just own it.
The minivan has it all figured out. The only thing missing is a button with a screen that pops up behind the driver seat. That would be so nice to block out the sounds of kids screaming the ABC’s for the 100th time.
Overall the minivan is great. They are so easy to drive, easy to move people, and easy to maintain.
But then again if you don’t enjoy easy….
Then maybe the minivan is not for you.
