We don’t have a DVD player in our car. (I know, I know. I’m sure we’ll be one of the last people to get one.)
Matt and I decided not to get one installed when we bought our car. We thought the boys may become “addicted” and take on the who-cares-about-talking-to-mom-and-dad mentality when Cars/Free Willy/Little Einstein is on.
I just remember being a child and going on vacations with my family. All 4 kids in the family Dodge Caravan (with one of those varnished wood strips around the outside, of course).
No DVD.
No iPod.
No cell phones.
No portable games.
Just us kids. Having fun.
Sure, we would have the occasional fights. Mostly if someone was “on my side” of an imaginary line… but that was it.
We laughed. We sang (OK, it was mostly Jane and I putting on concerts while our brothers rolled their eyes and/or buried their heads under their pillows).
We played games. You know, like trying to see if you can get the alphabet on license plates. Or how many states can we find on different license plates. Or the how long do you think it will take to get there game?
Believe me, I don’t think car DVD players are a bad thing. We actually bring a portable one with us when we go on long trips to Pittsburgh or D.C. Or anywhere else.
But there’s something about talking with the boys. Singing the alphabet. Counting to 10. Playing the “I Spy” game.
There’s something special about that.
And we’re usually good for a pretty long period of time.
Well, until William touches Alex’s blanket. Or Alex takes William’s sippy cup.
And then it’s, “OK boys, who wants to watch a video!?”
– Audrey
Pinks & Blues Girls Blog 