Liz Atwood discusses finding appropriate vacation spots for her boys in this week's Tween Tuesday:

My sons are almost five years apart in age and when we’re talking about kids that can be a big difference. The older brother has always been a step ahead in his interests and privileges, and the younger is often trying to emulate and play catch up. These days they enjoy playing basketball and video games together, and as they grow older I’m sure they’ll find even more common interests.

But recently this age difference has played a big part in a disagreement over where to go on the family vacation. The 9-year-old, who loves watching TV programs on the Nickelodeon channel, is lobbying to go to Orlando and stay in the Nickelodeon Hotel. His dream vacation is to splash in a water park, play video games in the hotel room, and get green slime poured on his head.

The 14-year-old, meanwhile, wants to go to Los Angeles and see Beverly Hills, check out the homes of his favorite movie stars, visit museums and eat in fine (and expensive) restaurants.

I’ve been trying to forge a compromise. I suppose we could split the country down the middle and take a vacation in, say, Kansas, but I’m not sure that will satisfy anyone. I’ve suggested we visit Orlando this year and Los Angeles next, but then I hear I’m playing favorites.  I’ve urged them to come up with a place we all could enjoy, but so far, we’re at an impasse that makes the Democratic and Republican budget negotiations seem easy.

Any suggestions?