This is a “momma” type post, so if this isn’t your jam, run for the hills. I try not to talk about my kids too much, but sometimes I just have to share my adventures in mommy land. Plus, this rant is kind of “travel and points” related.
So, I’ve mentioned how my daughter is a total mini-me. It’s scary because she displays the same character traits, humor and sass. Just look at the photo of her holding new baby brother 5 years ago:
No, she doesn’t like to compete for attention. There is definitely some narcissism going on there, as is the case with yours truly. She also displays the same quirky personality and sense of humor. Not too long ago, I got a note from a teacher who was very upset with my daughter. Apparently, one of the boys in class wasn’t there for two days. So, my girl went around telling kids: “I bet he is dead.” Yeah, that’s a Russian side of her coming out.
But the thing that makes me downright giddy is that she is crazy about travel! She loves everything about it: The wonder of new discoveries, strange food, unusual architecture, meeting new people. She literally can’t get enough of it. She also absolutely loves hotels, and her guess on our accommodations goes like this: “I bet it’s a Holiday Inn.” Well, she is not wrong 90% of the time. I’m a little nervous about our upcoming stay at Hyatt resort. Oh my! She’ll be totally soured on IHG afterwards, I’m sure.
I try to point out various countries on a map and tell her about my plans to take her there one day. I was doing this a few days ago and showed where Spain is located in relation to Florida. Her comment: “Florida looks like a boy’s private part.” Say what? I didn’t know if I should laugh or be disturbed by that comment.
For those unfamiliar with geography, this should explain it.
Seriously, how does a 7-year old come up with that?
She is also keenly interested in The Hobby. The other day, I was telling her I booked a certain hotel with points. She asked me: “Can I see points? What do they look like?” I guess she is thinking they are like dollar bills or coins, something you can touch.
Recently she asked me to buy her a set of bunk beds. I told her we are low on savings at the moment. Her comeback was: “But mommy, don’t you have a LOT of points?” Umm, no, Walmart will not accept AAdvantage miles as payment for furniture.
But you know what? I ended up buying her that darn bunk bed. I’ve coveted those as a kid, and I just want my children to have things my parents weren’t able to afford. Of course, travel is one of those things, and miles and points make it possible. You may not be able to touch them, but the rewards are very real indeed.
Readers, are you raising a future hobbyist?
Click here to view various credit cards and available sign-up bonuses
Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
We started homeschooling our kids this year. In place of my usual blog link is a math exercise I created for our oldest son about points and miles. [And yes, I know I botched the name of the Intercontinental group, I was sleepy when I wrote it up. 🙂 ]
@Nick I’m always sleepy when I write stuff! That’s why I always tell people with families to think twice when starting a blog. You and I are gluttons for punishment, no?
I have a lot of respect for you and your wife. Homeschooling is no joke, way harder than blogging! Hats off to you, sir.
Yes, they start asking questions at around 7. That’s my experience. I mean, not only miles and points questions, if you get my point. Anyway, I still haven’t explained our hobby to my daughter, I want to turn it into some teachable moment, like a math lesson. Tell you daughter that using points traveling is much better than using them to buy furniture. The experience versus stuff thing.
Oh my goodness! The questions… Yes, I know exactly what you mean. I would love to share some of these disturbing questions (as well as my husband’s overly frank answers), but the blog is probably not the appropriate place for that. 🙂 I look at this photo and miss the little girl who had no clue about any of that stuff. I dread the time when she gets into the teenage years. I told my husband I’m moving out, he can deal with it!
As far as the hobby goes, I went into it some with my daughter. I definitely try to stress the importance of experiences over possessions. Materialism is a big issue in this country. I really don’t want her to take travel for granted. We spend a good chunk of money on it, and hope that it helps shape my kids into well-rounded individuals.