I Drive a Minivan

A friend recently had status messages on Twitter that read something like this:

Getting my SUV appraised. Am I really just one child away from the minivan? Stay tuned.

Depressed at the thought of driving a minivan. The alternative is for Firstborn Child to climb in through the trunk when the baby arrives. 

On our way the car dealership. Husband is ready to haggle.

I am a new Odyssey owner. The deed is done. Guess I can’t deny my journey into being that suburban soccer mom anymore.

Amused, I followed the responses of her friends.  There were two distinct camps:  the first told her not to cave in!  Remain strong!  Do not get a minivan!  You can fit three kids in this or that car!  It’s so not cool! Minivans are boring!

The other camp cheered her on!  Singing the praises of their minivans!  How they *love* their minivans!  The ease of hauling multiple children and other cargo around!  The fuel efficiency!  The handling!  Minivans really are cool!

I chuckled as I sensed my friend’s resignation to becoming a minivan owner, and the strong opinions offered on them.  I can remember when I, too, fought the idea of purchasing one.  It was not that long ago!  Now, I am glad I have one.  Is the minivan my dream car?  No way man!  Do I like it anyway?  Yes, I truly do.  Oh sure, the car I had in my 20s is still my favorite of all time—a sports car that was fun to drive!  But let’s face it.  The Crew and all the clutter that accompanies them would never fit into that car.  I wouldn’t trade my progeny just to drive a sporty automobile!  (Well, maybe on the days they are being pills.)  The minivan can easily seat my kids, my best friend's kids, all our stuff, and then some.  It gets better mileage than other SUVs that can do all that, plus it's a comfortable drive to boot!

So the minivan is the right vehicle for this period of my life; it works for me and my family.  For now, I embrace the advantages and convenience minivans offer…advantages that make my life as a mom of three young children a little easier.  I don’t know how long I’ll drive a minivan, but it won't be forever...unless I morph into my mother-in-law, who still chooses to drive minivans even though the need for them has passed.  No, no!  That will not be me!  

I saw my friend the other day with her new minivan.  I asked her how she likes it, and she whispered conspiratorially, "You know, I really really like it!"  I kind of thought she would once she'd driven it for awhile!

For the record:  driving a minivan doesn't make me cool one way or the other.  I’m okay with that

Original DC Metro Moms post

Michelle writes about her minivan and other stuff at Wife and Mommy.