Don’t be afraid of taking your kids on trips, they’ll be happy you did

#TeenEssay

During the second to third week of September, I was fortunate enough to board a plane to Paris and spend six days walking around some of the most iconic places in the world.

This was my second visit to The City of Love, only this time I was old enough to fully absorb my surroundings and appreciate the differences between Paris’ culture and Beaverton/Portland’s culture.

I was eight on my first trip, an age that today I don’t remember well at all, and people often asked why in the world would my mother take me at such a young age. I said because she knew it would be formative. Yes, I do not remember every little detail of the days I spent in Paris back in 2015, but I still think it was worth it. I think taking kids on any trip is worth it. And not just trips to somewhere as grand as Paris. Maybe a trip to family on the other side of the country and choosing to block out time to explore museums or attractions.

Being exposed to these things helped me form ideas about the world and grow in my curiosity. I found my love of history through audio guides in museums and still hold a deep passion for the subject.

Of course, I understand that travel is a luxury many are not able to have, and for my privilege I am deeply thankful. But even trips to OMSI when a cool exhibit was open or drives to Seattle impacted me. It is not a waste, in the slightest sense, to take your kids places. Even if you’ve been there a thousand times, or think they’ll just forget, they won’t—not in the larger scale of things.

I encourage all families to make memories and not be afraid of traveling with the youngest family members. Take it from my own experience, it will be impactful one day. Thanks for reading!

Elisabeth Dellit is a 10th Grader at Jesuit High School. She enjoys reading, writing creative stories, baking/cooking and participating in her school’s drama program.