Make the Most of a Family Staycation

The economy is bad, and it’s affected your family. First your mom stopped buying disposable water bottles because they were “draining your savings.” Then she decided that although there's a gaping hole in the crotch, your jeans are still totally wearable. The next thing you knew, she was stealing toilet paper from Starbucks bathrooms. The latest: she canceled your yearly summer trip to Florida, Hilton Head, or wherever your preppy pants with crabs on them are not just acceptable, but awesome. Instead, your mom is declaring this upcoming weekend a staycation, which is basically a lot like grounding your entire family. How can you make your staycation enjoyable? Here are some ideas.

1. Games: When’s the last time your family played a game that wasn’t called something like, “Let’s See Whose Messy Room Will Piss Mom Off the Most?” Maybe getting a little friendly family rivalry going will strengthen the bond. If it’s a gorgeous sunny day, play Marco Polo in the pool. If that sounds a little too Brady Bunchy, bust out “Trouble” or “Sorry” and try to dominate your dad. Most old-fashioned games are fun (although “Pin the Tail on the Mommy” won't be too big of a hit).

2. Food Network Fun: Sick of your ma’s meatloaf? During your staycation, why don’t you make something delicious, perhaps something you saw Paula Deen whip up on TV? (She used to be agoraphobic, which makes her the perfect person to emulate during your staycation.) After eating a family dinner fat enough to clog your arteries, walk the dogs together to burn it off.

3. Home Movies: Remember when your family went to Disney World? What about that petting zoo in Wisconsin? Since you guys were so young and adorable (this was before you started saying things like “you suck!”), your parents recorded every little thing you did. Make a bag of popcorn and watch your family actually get along during a road trip to Florida. Marvel how little you look in your yellow bathing suit and floaties. Laugh when you see the tiny version of yourself build a sandcastle and then ask, in all seriousness, “Can you eat seashells?” Notice that your dad still has all his hair, and that your mom is rocking leggings and an oversized men’s t-shirt AND a scrunchy.

4. Camping: Try camping in your very own backyard. Roast marshmallows and hot dogs, and have your dad play his guitar from college. End the night around the campfire with ghost stories. If they aren’t scary enough, just start telling stories about your family. Remember when Dad got stung by a bee in the armpit at your soccer game and started crying? How about that time Mom got in a little car accident and blamed it on you for singing to Kid Rock on the radio? What about that time when Timmy peed his pants in the balls at Chucky Cheese? These special moments will really keep you warm around the fire.

Is your family staycationing this summer?

Related post: Surviving Your Family Vacation