Parenting is one of the most rewarding and demanding tasks of all time, and living in tough economic times can certainly make parenting more challenging.
Until recently, it was common for many families to go out to eat a few times a week, go to the movies or bowling, visit Shamu, or even spend a weekend at The Magic Kingdom. But as times get tough, money shortages inevitably force many families to tighten their belts, and some of those family activities may no longer be possible, at least for the time being.
While the financial crisis is definitely a concern for many, it also has a silver lining and parenting during tough economic times can be done successfully despite this situation. This may be the perfect time to reevaluate our life priorities and rediscover family life from a completely different perspective. Let me explain…
Can you think of a time when you felt truly happy as a child? You’ll most likely find that it wasn’t about the cars, houses, gadgets, or trinkets, but about families getting together and having fun. And these precious moments are the memories that last a lifetime.
We are lucky to live in one of the best places in the world. Having fun in San Diego doesn’t require a lot of money, so parenting during tough economic times may not be as difficult as it seems. There are plenty of activities and events that we can attend in San Diego for free. Here are some ideas…
o Seaport Village offers free entertainment most weekends. Pick a nice spot in a grassy area, enjoy the show and watch the passing boats and yachts.
o Enjoy a free Sunday pipe organ concert at the Spreckles Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, a San Diego landmark since 1914.
o Join the many families who come together to launch a colorful kite at Tecolote Shores in Mission Bay Park.
o Visit historic buildings in Old Town, including the Blacksmith Shop, Seeley Stables, Stewart House, Robinson-Rose House, and Mason Street School, the first public school in San Diego.
o Bike the many trails available throughout the county.
o Go stargazing on the first Wednesday of every month as the San Diego Astronomy Association sets up huge telescopes right outside the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.
o Get a free tour of the US Olympic Training Center and Lake Otay Reservoir in Chula Vista.
o Grab your picnic basket and go bird watching at Torrey Pines State Reserve.
o Visit Cabrillo National Monument and explore the tide pools at Point Loma while looking out over the great ocean and feeling on top of the world.
o Do you like museums? The Sheriff’s Museum, the San Diego Union Museum, and the First San Diego Courthouse are among the several museums that offer free admission.
o Visit International Cottages in Balboa Park and learn about 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.
We all want to be the best parents we can be and sometimes we doubt if we are doing what is best for our children. Good parenting skills include spending quality time with our children. The current economic situation offers us the opportunity to go back to basics, to do more things together as a family.
I invite you to get out the board games, take a long walk on the beach and go on an outing with your children. It’s not how much you spend, but how many memories you accumulate. The laughter and good feelings are priceless. When your children grow up, they will not remember you for the things you bought them, but for the quality moments they spent with you.
Once you begin to be actively involved 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 will really enjoy. Your children!
