... continued from Cover enjoy. If you’re longing for some time in a backyard with a pool, a movie night with a giant TV, or to cook in a kitchen big enough for the whole family to participate, you might find all this and more right in your own neighborhood. These rental homes are often cheaper than hotel rooms, especially during the off-season. If you think it’s been far too long since you’ve seen that lovably crazy aunt or uncle or if your kids are starting to forget what their cousins look like, there’s nothing like a family reunion to bring everyone together. Plus, if you take the initiative to organize the event yourself, all your family can come to you! Rent a space at your local park and aim for activities that everyone will enjoy. Generate friendly competition with sports and games, get creative with arts and crafts, and eat your fill at a potluck full of mouth- watering family recipes. Reunions highlight the miles your loved ones are willing to travel to be together, so you and your kids Plan a Family Reunion
will also feel like you’re on a trip to see family, even if you never leave your own city.
your kids into the car, and drive away from the city so you can all gaze up at a sky full of stars. It’ll be the most out-of-this-world staycation you could possibly hope for. Vacationing isn’t about spending crazy amounts of money or traveling hundreds of miles from home. It’s about stepping away from your hectic life to carve out time with your family and make new memories. With low stress and practically no travel, planning a staycation also means there will be that much more time for your family to have fun and grow closer.
Explore the Night
This one might be tricky if your kids are on a strict sleeping schedule, but if you’re brave enough to switch things up, take them on a nighttime excursion. Planetariums and observatories are great for exploring the night sky with a more educational perspective. If you’re not close to one, brush up on identifying constellations and tracking phases of the moon instead. Then, pack some blankets and hot chocolate, pile
THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON TAKING
Consider This Before Gifting a Pet
and clean its tank, giving them the fun of pet ownership without the hassle. Keep in mind that different fish have different needs, so do some research before making the commitment. If pet ownership is not viable right now, you can interact with animals outside the home in plenty of ways. Volunteer at an animal shelter, enroll in horseback riding lessons at a local stable, or buy season tickets to the zoo. Pets can bring immense joy to your life when you’re prepared but immense stress and hardship when you’re not. Make the right choice to prevent your pet from becoming another sad statistic.
If you do decide you’re ready for a pet, recognize you will be financially responsible for it over the course of its entire life, which can be up to 14-plus years depending on the type. Are you equipped to handle routine veterinary costs in addition to food, supplies, and the occasional toy or treat? Do you have a plan in place for when you go on vacation or in the event of an emergency? If not, it’s best to plan those things sooner rather than later. In addition to the financial responsibility of pet ownership, some pets require regular exercise, special diets, and even social interaction. So, if your family is always on the go, consider a low-maintenance pet fish instead. Your children can help feed the fish
It’s a stereotypical picture of love and joy: A child opens their presents on Christmas morning only to be disappointed they didn’t get what they wanted. Suddenly, Dad brings out one more box, and a little whimper escapes the cardboard. The child’s face lights up! Their dream has come true. Inside the box, of course, is a new furry best friend. While many holiday films lean into this magical bond between people and animals, the reality of pet care isn’t so romantic. Adopting a pet comes with serious responsibility, and statistics show a staggering number of families return these pets after reality sets in. According to RSPCA, three pets are abandoned every hour during the holiday season.
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