If you haven’t heard of a “staycation”, perhaps you’ve heard of a “stoliday” or “holistay”. What is it? Its a stay at home holiday! I love this concept and I think the idea is a great one for both parents and kids. Its the ultimate slow down and spend time together. Make the ordinary extraordinary – in your own neighborhood!
So often we get caught up in what we should be doing at home, but by embracing the staycation you are saying “no” to the vacuum cleaner and “stay away mop”. Don’t even get me started on the lawn mower! Swap the suitcase for your slippers I say!
To get your staycation happening consider the following tips;
1. plan how long you will be on your ‘staycation’ and stick to it.
2. organise a list of activities for each day
3. plan ahead if you need to buy anything beforehand
4. try and include something everyone will enjoy
5. include ‘special’ trips you don’t make often
6. make sure the whole family is on board – its not relaxing for you if someone starts cleaning out a cupboard!
7. stick to a schedule – try and be up and out of the house as you would on holiday
8. spend a day at home ‘playing’ – we parents may not take the time to really ‘play’ when we’re faced with the inevitable jobs around the house. Spend a day dressing Barbie, throwing the ball, building the best train track ever!
9. try and have a routine – just as the ‘maid’ would come in and make the beds in a motel – have everyone make their own, but must be done by, say, 9am! Do your other chores early and then forget them.
10. do your normal holiday things – take photos, send postcards, eat holiday food. Make your own at home!