Planning your family's STAYcation?

With all the moaning about the economy, many families have decided to cut out the summer vacation with the kids. And I'm here to tell you that this is not a tragedy that will scar your child for life. Children (and parents too) don't NEED vacations. They're nice to do, but not a necessity of life. So if you've got to go without for a year, you'll be fine.

So what's a family to do if they're staying home a'la a "STAYcation"??? There is plenty to do, and it starts first with enjoying your time with your children and significant other. One of the big drawbacks to a vacation is that some families plan so many activities that they never get to really enjoy one another's company. (And no, I'm not being sarcastic here.) Did you ever stop to think that your child might value some quiet one-on-one time with you?

If you're staying home, I recommend a good, old-fashioned fry-out with the kids. Some burgers with all the fixings, some ice cold beverages, and some backyard games to go along with it. If you've got some home repairs to do, why not make it a family project? Fixing or cleaning things might not be as fun as visiting with Mickey Mouse, but the family can still have fun doing something together.