The pandemic has hit our stress levels and our pockets. It’s been hard work. And it also looks like we’re not going to be able to let off steam abroad either, with foreign travel still yet unconfirmed.
However, with that said, we live in a beautiful country. And with holiday lets skyrocketing in price as remaining supply dwindles, people are wondering if it’s possible to enjoy a staycation with pre-school age kids at home? We’ve come up with a few ideas…
- Ensure you actually get a break
This is a first things first point. If you’re not technically going away, then your work colleagues need to know that you’re still planning on it being a proper break. So set the rules in advance. Let them know you’re not to be contacted. And don’t, whatever you do, check your emails.
- Go device free for a week
Seriously. Imagine how free you’ll feel if you can disconnect from the internet, social media, perhaps even your phone. The great thing with nursery age kids is that they can find delight in everything around them. Electronic entertainment is simply not a must. Take a lead from their example, and switch off.
- Plan a local sightseeing tour
Think you know where you live… inside out? Nah, there will still be things you don’t even realise are there. Make it a quest to discover some of these hidden gems and go on a hunt. Grab the kids’ hands, go explore, and promise all of you a special treat for every new delight you discover.
- Go ALL out on a sumptuous picnic
Treat the family. If you’re not paying for accommodation this year, raid the shops or internet for a plush picnic hamper and make it an event. Plan the food with the kiddies. Get them involved. And let them have a few special goodies that aren’t as healthy as the lunch boxes you’d normally put together. Then go find your favourite spot, spread out a beautiful picnic blanket, relax, and enjoy.
- Plan a food world tour
Every day/evening of the staycation, pick a country and choose a meal. The youngsters will get the chance to experiment with new ideas, and you can all have fun preparing the food. Make it a family event, and just for once the cooking doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Who knows, you might even get them to be more adventurous with their eating in the future.
- Work out an entirely locally grown meal
Whilst we’re on the theme of food, why not investigate all the local farms and food producers in your area? Plan a meal entirely stocked from their shops. We bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you can find. Honey, beer, chutneys, chickens, cheese, veggies, breads, and pick-your-own fruits. You can even make it part of your local sightseeing tour and get the kids to help you choose what to buy!
- Discuss your plans
Kiddies love to know what’s happening, and they love to be involved. Generate a bit of excitement for your plans in advance and get them looking forward to things. This is the time to remind them about stuff like social distancing, of course, but it’s also the time to build a bit of anticipation for a few fun family days. What appears to be old hat and boring to adults, can still be new and stimulating when seen through the eyes of the young. Quality time with you is what they want. There’s no reason why this summer can’t provide that. So go enjoy!