Good Parenting

Parenting is both, one of the most rewarding and demanding undertakings of all times, and living in tough economic times can certainly make parenting more challenging.

Up until recently, it was common for many families to eat out a few times per week, go to the movies or a bowling alley, pay a visit to Shamu or even spend a weekend at The Magic Kingdom. But as times get tough, the money crunch is inevitably forcing many families to tighten their belts, and some of those familiar activities may not be possible any longer -at least for the time being.

While the financial meltdown is definitely a concern for many, there is also a good side to it and parenting during tough economic times can be done successfully despite this situation. This may be the perfect time to reassess our life priorities and rediscover family life from a whole different perspective. Let me explain…

Can you think of a time when you felt truly happy as a child? Most likely you’ll discover that it was not about the cars, the homes, the gadgets or trinkets but about families getting together and having fun. And these cherished moments are the memories that last a lifetime.

We are lucky to live in one of the nicest places in the whole world. Having fun in San Diego doesn’t require a lot of money, so parenting during tough economic times may not be as hard as it appears to be. There are plenty of activities and events that we can attend in San Diego for free. Here are a few ideas…

• Seaport Village offers free entertainment on most weekends. Choose a nice spot on a grassy area, enjoy the show and gaze at passing ships and yachts.

• Enjoy a free pipe organ Sunday concert at the Spreckles Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, a San Diego landmark since 1914.

• Join the many families that gather to launch a colorful kite in Tecolote Shores at Mission Bay Park.

• Visit the historic buildings in Old Town, including the blacksmith shop, Seeley Stables, Stewart House, Robinson-Rose House and Mason Street School, the first public school house in San Diego.

• Bike along the many trails available all over the county.

• Go stargazing on the first Wednesday of every month as the San Diego Astronomy Association sets up huge telescopes right outside of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.

• Get a free tour of the U.S. Olympic Training Center and the Otay Lake Reservoir in Chula Vista.

• Grab your picnic basket and go bird watching at the Torrey Pines State Reserve.

• Visit the Cabrillo National Monument and explore the tide pools in Point Loma while you gaze at the great ocean and feel at the top of the world.

• Do you like museums? The Sheriff’s Museum, the San Diego Union Museum and the First San Diego Courthouse are amongst the several museums that offer free admission.

• Visit the International Cottages at Balboa Park, and learn about the more than two dozen countries, their cultures and traditions. Between March and October, the countries take turns presenting a free show with native music and dancing on the central lawn.

All of us want to be the best parent we can be, and we sometimes doubt whether we are doing what’s best for our children. Good parenting skills include spending quality time with our kids. The present economic situation offers us the opportunity to go back to basics, to do more things together as a family.

I invite you to get the board games out, take a long walk on the beach, and go hiking with your children. It is not how much you spend, but how many memories you gather. Laughter and good feelings don’t have a price tag. When your kids grow up, they won’t remember you for the things you bought them, but for the quality moments they spent with you.

Once you start actively participating in different activities, you will realize that parenting during tough economic times can be a blessing in disguise, as you are “forced” to think “outside the box” to create and plan activities that you’ll truly enjoy with your kids!