The last time I had annual leave, we celebrated the first day by doing something I’ve never, ever done in my life: not leave the house for 24 hours.

Now, I’ve experienced the joy of holidaying without the kids – but this was almost as good.

It was so rejuvenating. To have just one day when we didn’t have to be anywhere. Where we allowed ourselves to binge Netflix for hours, not shower until after lunch, order Uber Eats for three meals… it was one of the best ‘holidays’ I’ve ever had.

I resolved that the next time I had leave, at least some of it would be used as a ‘home staycation’.

Because any parent who’s taken their kid on holiday can relate to this: at times, no matter how far away from home you are, how amazing the place, and how much bloody money you’ve spent to get there, there will be a point when you think:

Same kids, different place.

Whereas with a staycation, there’s no travel. There’s no expense. And there’s absolutely no obligation of having to be anywhere, at any time. And that eliminates most of the exhaustion and stress.

But, I hear you ask, won’t the kids go nuts being at home all the time?

Not if you really embrace my suggestions. I’ve put together a list of some of the things we did on our 24-hour staycation, and some of the things we plan to do on the next one.

But.

Before you can even contemplate a staycation, there’s ONE THING YOU MUST DO FIRST.

My kid 'waxing' my eyebrow at his 'spa'. Source: Supplied.

You can't nail a staycation with the kids if you maintain your standards.

You need to give yourself a break from being a mum - even if just for 24 hours - for a staycation to be a success. Otherwise you won't be able to do any of the home holidaying properly.

You have to let yourself have a vacay mentality, even if you don't go past your driveway. All the things we nag our kids about - brushing teeth, bed time, eating more of their dinner, screen time - just give it a rest for a day at least. You will feel so liberated... and literally no one will die.

The first rule of a staycation is that there. Are. No. Rules.

Ok, so once you're preparedlet it go, as Elsa would say, how do you staycation without leaving the house? Here are my ideas:

And if you need some "Me Time" after all this engagement? That's when you declare a game of Hide and Seek.

Enjoy.

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