Many favorite summer activities, such as vacations, have already been postponed until next year. Families may need to look closer to home for a refreshing change of pace after long periods of chores and homework at home. Planning a staycation together can introduce fun into the family routine. Check out our tips for families who want to introduce something new to staying at home.
- Spend time together making plans for special activities for each day of the staycation. Develop some guidelines for these conversations, such as giving everyone a chance to speak once before someone can speak again. Write them down for everyone to remember.
- Have everyone suggest an activity that the family can do together, then discuss the pros and cons and choose the best ideas. Make sure each person selects a favorite activity to do alone each day as well.
- Create a vacation-like day plan with morning, afternoon, and evening events. Add little surprises and try new things (breakfast for dinner, crazy outfit day).
- Adults avoid work if they can.
- Agree to one or more days of “no phone/no social media” and then talk about how it felt.
- Take notes for each family member:I am grateful because…
- Create and play a mythical story together.
- Go on an online museum or animal tour.
- Look for collage materials outside and make a display on cardboard.
- Create cards to cheer up residents in a nursing home.
With a little imagination and a willingness to try new things, a staycation in 2020 can be a fun, relaxing and new family time.
