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Watch Dr. Kanner discuss this segment live on Monday, May 18th @ 8:20am on San Diego 6 News In The Morning.
Background:
With summer right round the corner, parents are busy finding camps and
activities for their children to participate in so their summer is both
enjoyable and productive. I have always emphasized the notion of a
"balanced summer", whereby children are both engaged in structured
activities building various skills from sports, arts, music, academics,
and just plain fun time with their friends. But, in addition, the
importance of "family time" is essential. Children need to spend time
with their parents and families irrespective of age. Despite the
adolescents wanting "space" and "independence", as a normal and natural
developmental achievement, they still need to be with their parents in
order to feel loved, admired, and guided when necessary.
One of the basic problems with "family time", has been finding
something for everyone to enjoy. This element is key if the time is
going to be one that flows well and builds relationships, rather than
strain them. Your Family Matters has historically focused on optimal
vacations and outings for the entire family as I have tested various
venues with my own children over the years and reported my experiences
here at San Diego 6 News and on my blog. For past stories, please
visit my blog at sandiego6.com under Dr. Kanner's Recommendations.
In the past, I have reported on family cruises, various resorts, and
other local and non-local venues and have found some terrific places
and events for the entire family. The emphasis here is that the choice
of vacation or outing has to be agreed upon by the entire family and is
filled with activities for all to enjoy. It is important to discuss
this as far in advance as possible in order to both firm up
reservations and also give the kids something to look forward to as we
go through the present state of "Spring Fever".
Last month, I discussed a weekend outing with my 3 kids and we decided
on Universal Studios. We had never been there and both my 3 and myself
had different interests in visiting the venue. My friends at the
Sheraton Universal set us up in a beautiful room and arranged for us to
visit the park. Although we did not do the VIP tour, the regular
events were wonderful and all of my children had a blast and I had fun
also. I will have various pictures up on our Blog here at San Diego 6
in the next few days, but the main point here was that we all planned
the trip ahead of time together and because everyone felt included, the
trip was a success.
Parents always ask me about bringing friends on vacations and I always
respond with it depends. If you feels as though your child will have a
much better time if they bring a friend, then it might not be a bad
idea. However, if your choice of a venue has enough for everyone, you
may not need to bring a friend for your child to enjoy the activities.
Speaking of activities, aside from picking a place with lots to do,
parents also need to bring their own "bag of tricks" with them for
those moments of "down time" or between activities. I always keep
games, toys, art supplies, extra clothes in my car, just in case they
are needed to uplift some spirits or help my kids feel invested in
something fun or creative, as this is when children are the most
content, especially when they feel as though their parents understand
them and their needs. So, plan those family outings with your kids,
and enjoy learning and laughing together.
Key Points:
1. Don't forget family time over the summer.
2. Plan such events with your kids and get their input.
3. Family time has to have something for everyone in order to be successful.
4. Consider letting them bring friends if necessary.
5. Don't forget that "bag of tricks" for the down times.
 Dr. Keith Kanner/ Morning Show Host
Your Family Matters
XETV Bay City Television
San Diego 6 News
San Diego Living Show
8253 Ronson Road, San Diego 92111
ph (619) 261-2346/ (858) 756-3050
drkanner@sandiego6.com
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About drkanner
Dr. Kanner is a Licensed Clinical Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychologist and Psychoanalyst with a full time private practice in Rancho Santa Fe, California. He is also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry in the School of Medicine at U.C. San Diego and a Clinical Instructor and Supervisor at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. Recently, he has become the Director of Clinical Counseling for La Jolla Country Day School and has been named to the National Board of Directors for KidsKorps, USA. He continues as a Consultant for many public and private schools in San Diego and has also received distinguished teaching awards over the past seven years. He is a published author and a sought after speaker on topics pertaining to childhood, adolescence, and parenthood. He is also presently writing a book for Fox based on his show, Your Family Matters.
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