Sometimes, being "outside" can be just as lit (if not more) when you're literally 30 minutes to an hour from home. And if you're not too keen on being around crowds, spending your last on (very) high flight tickets, or having to get yet another COVID test after a week-long stay in Jamaica, a staycation might be just what you need for some fun, relaxation, or a change of scenery.
Try one of these four fun staycation ideas for your next girls' trip, family get-together, or that solo getaway you've been putting off:
Spa Weekend... But Make It Black-Owned
GiphyWhether it's booking a Black mobile spa service, getting private services from Black manicurists, or booking a room at a local Black-owned B&B and using products by Black-owned brands, make this weekend one where your girls celebrate each other and support the boss tribe. (And for finding Black spa professionals, Instagram or Facebook are your best bets.)
To host the weekend, there are several Black-owned boutique hotels and bed-and-breakfast spots around the country that might be right in your backyard. Try Akwaaba Mansion which has locations in Brooklyn, N.Y., Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania's Poconos; Houston's La Maison In Midtown; The Oak Bluffs Inn in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts; Salamander Resort And Spa in Middleburg, Va.; Maison Dupuy in New Orleans; or Sonesta Silicon Valley in Milpitas, Calif.
Glamping
GiphyThis is one you could hire someone to sit upright in the comfort of your own yard or patio or go the DIY route and cop a spot at a local park or campsite. With glamping, it's all about cultivating an experience you'll enjoy, with food, music, and activities that reflect your mood and tastes. You can get a four-person tent for less than $100, add your favorite patio chairs or even a blow-up mattress with nice sheets and linens, set up a film screen or portable music player, spark up the portable grill and have a good ole' time.
If you're not into doing all that prep, Airbnb offers a diverse array of glamping experiences, from the rustic to the all-out luxe, that is definitely worth checking out, like this yurt on Lookout Mountain in Georgia that includes Wifi, a king-sized bed, a full kitchen and a deck with a view of the Chattanooga Valley, or this adults-only "disco dome" that comes with an outdoor rain shower, a private pool, and views on a beautiful homestead among in the Texas Hill Country.
Global Eats Bar or Restaurant Hop
GiphyThere's no better way to feel like you're in another country than to explore flavors via food. There have to be at least four different locals you could at least feel like you're visiting via local restaurants, and you don't even have to book a hotel to do this. Take some time to plan out what restaurants or bars you'll hit and be sure to add at least one that's a bit out of your usual comfort zone in terms of tastes, vibes, or palette.
Cities like Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago are known for their enclaves and neighborhoods that offer delish food and drink options from around the world but don't sleep on off-the-beaten-path locales that have hidden gems or pockets of amazing eateries like the Irish Channel in New Orleans, the Filipino food dining scene of Virginia Beach, Va., the craft beer breweries in or near Charlotte, N.C., or the bourgeoning hot spots offering a diverse mix of restaurants in Cincinnati including Lebanese and Japanese infusions.
Drive The Boat
GiphyIf you want to go a bit bougie (on a bit of a budget) book a weekend stay on a houseboat (or charter a yacht for one day out to sea (or lake) while you stay at home or at a local hotel.) Sites like Vrbo, Airbnb, or Expedia are a good place to start to find a houseboat or yacht that matches your tastes and budget, and you can go big, small, or anything in between.
And while this is technically not a staycation, you can take the idea a bit further by booking a short cruise that, though some cross borders, doesn't have the same price, time, or distance commitment that a 5-dayer to the Bahamas or Aruba might entail. Royal Caribbean, for example, offers a 3-day cruise from Los Angeles, California to Ensenada, Mexico, which is a little more than 200 miles (or a 4-hour drive) away. If you live in the New England area, Celebrity Cruises offers convenient itineraries that start in cities like Maine and Boston and travel to major cities in Canada, or those that start in Seattle and venture to Alaska. American Cruise Lines has a voyage that goes up the East Coast, from Baltimore, Md., to Amelia Island, Fl.
Whatever you choose, get creative and explore the communities near you, whether a walk or drive away. You can safely fulfill your wanderlust desire while giving yourself a bit more time to feel comfy getting back to the normal pack-and-fly routine you were used to pre-pandemic.
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The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:Â Â
​Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
​Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
​Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
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Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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