The company of grandchildren, nieces and nephews is hard to resist.
Summer vacation bursts with opportunities for long visits.
Before you start giving out invitations, think long about the realities of sharing your space with a child for more than one night. Next, plan your time together with activities for low stress and high fun. Kathy Charley, owner of the Creative Counseling Center in Nashville, Tenn., says by age 7, children are ready to spend up to two weeks away from home. If you want to invite younger children, aim for a weekend visit. Let your little guest know about the visit weeks in advance, says Gina Flowers, director of Children's World Learning Center in Nashville, Tenn. Call them and talk about their trip, write letters and ask them what they want to do.