Know you know what a staycation is, the benefits, and the risks, where do you start? Here is some advice to help make your staycation enjoyable for the kids — and sane for you:
Plan ahead.Maintaining a list of all the interesting places and activities in and around our neighborhood. The following article I have listed several options to consider. Check out your local Chamber of Commerce for more ideas. Have a master list of options for destinations and activities.
Use local resources to find timely events. Download the Macaroni Kid App is a great start to having our event calendar at your fingertips!
Don’t go it alone. Pair up with another family, if you can. By jamming into one car, you’ll save on gas and the kids can entertain each other, rather than pester each other and annoy you with endless “are we there yet?’ questions. Plus, you’ll have a grown-up to converse with.
Set a budget. It makes sense to figure out what your total budget for the week’s outings and activities should be ahead of time. Or set a daily limit. Or simply check out admission costs before you leave the house so you don’t get any nasty surprises.
Check the weather before you head out. Nothing worse that getting rained on when you don’t expect it! Make sure there are some indoor activities on your list, just in case there are unexpected showers.
Say yes. As a Mom, I say no to my kids A LOT. During staycation, try to delight them by saying yes as much as possible, within reason. (Enjoy it while it lasts, kids!)
Ice cream. On a daily basis. It’s summer, it’s vacation so why not? When we vacation, we build ice cream into every day! Also works as a great motivation for good behavior.
Mix up the routine. I am a big believer in routine but staycation is the perfect time to throw routine out the window. Past bedtime? No worries. breakfast for dinner? Yes please. Watch a movie while eating dinner? Sure. Wear PJs until lunchtime? Yup!
Be silly. This applies to adults and kids. Kids are always delighted when silliness prevails!
Reward yourself. It’s hard work and patience-testing planning for, entertaining, driving and catering to your kids non-stop during a staycation. So go ahead, pour yourself a large glass of wine at the end of the day. Plan some much-deserved alone time once staycation is over. Meet a friend for lunch. Grab a mani/pedi.
Have a happy staycation.
