When my kids express their desire to visit Disney World, I can’t help but roll my eyes. First off, I’m not a fan of the corporate giant that is Mickey Mouse. Secondly, after checking vacation prices, I felt the need to sit down with a calming drink. A week-long trip for a family of four can easily top $3,485—around $871 per person. To put that in perspective, my honeymoon in Italy (the real one, not Georgia) cost less. Even our spontaneous two-week trip to Ireland was cheaper (tent camping and farmer’s market meals included). Honestly, I could probably fly my kids to Italy for some delicious pasta for that amount—if only I had the money, which I don’t. My husband is a public school teacher, and we’re barely getting by as it is.
So, no Disney for us. And guess what? My kids will be just fine. Just like my 5-year-old can survive without the extravagant pink Indominus Rex toy he desires. A less expensive dinosaur will suffice. He may not realize it now, but with all the other gifts he’s receiving, a budget-friendly dino will do just as well. The same goes for my 7-year-old; when we compared the price of a high-end Lego set (over $130 for a few minifigures and a vehicle) to several Star Wars sets, he opted for the more affordable option without any prompting. The absence of the giant Lego set won’t ruin his day, nor will missing out on the pricey Darth Vader or Millennium Falcon.
These toys and extravagant trips aren’t what truly define a happy childhood. Think back to your own childhood. Remember that sought-after Cabbage Patch doll or Furby? Did it really shape your life? Disney was fun when I went as a child, but I wouldn’t describe it as magical. When the trip was over, I returned to my everyday life.
What I truly craved as a child were caring adults. I wanted someone to listen to me, take me to the library, and share simple moments like playing games together. I didn’t need expensive toys or fancy art supplies to create memories. My fondest recollections involve baking with my grandmother, making tiny nut rolls, or painting pictures that she proudly displayed on the fridge. I remember long walks with my grandparents and the freedom of riding my bike for hours.
This is the kind of rich experience I strive to create for my children. Right now, they adore working with clay. I invest in quality materials and join them at the table to create pinch pots, engaging in conversation while we craft. My husband enjoys cooking with them, and they eagerly compete for the chance to chop vegetables, not for the food itself, but for the moments spent together.
What kids truly want is connection. They need someone who doesn’t react harshly when they’re frustrated with technology, but calmly guides them through their emotions. They long for adults who take genuine interest in their lives, asking about their day in detail and reading to them, whether from an extensive home library or borrowed books from the local library.
Children will play with whatever figures you provide—dinosaurs, Star Wars characters, or Legos—and having more doesn’t significantly enhance their play. In fact, it can just lead to more clutter in your home.
You can keep the Disney experience. I don’t have vivid memories of it beyond purchasing a Cheshire Cat plushie with my First Communion money, and it certainly didn’t make me feel more cherished. While my kids may enjoy the play structure we bought them for their birthday, I doubt it adds substantial value to their childhood. My goal is for them to remember our home as a warm, loving environment—a dream that doesn’t hinge on the number of toys they possess.
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In summary, parents should not feel pressured to spend exorbitant amounts on vacations or toys. The memories that truly matter are created through time spent together, love, and support, which can be cultivated without breaking the bank.