Me and my wife were called to my hometown last week. We were told that my sister(my only sibling) had died in a car accident. Her child wasn't in the car at the time when it happen. Anyways they want me to adopt the little girl. My wife says yes but travel with her with the extra money we make. How do you raise a child on a RV?
Dwelling with a kid?
- Thread starter Clyson
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Home school!Clyson said:
Your travels can be incorporated as part--a major part probably--of the education.
I haven't checked, I understand many states have home school programs. When I did it with my two, the state mailed materials to our locations. We mailed completed lessons back to the state--they paid the postage--and a teacher graded the work.
At the time, we had to keep moving to stay in the program, or return home, where we could stay in. If we settled out of state they would stop.
If you want, I'll give you the name of the absolute best math program I EVER came across. (I used to teach 2nd graders). Not used in many schools and takes a bit of teacher learning and trust--it is the best ever, hands down.
One Awesome Inch
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One word of caution re homeschooling on the road is that the child will lose the social aspect of school. This is critical for child development. If one were homeschooling in one location they could still get peer interaction with sports teams, boy scouts etc. Not so on the road.
They say that the ability to get along with others and be social is more important for employment than intelligence.
They say that the ability to get along with others and be social is more important for employment than intelligence.
I'm an advocate of the mobile life to everyone I meet. Except people with kids. I just don't think that's fair to them to be brought up that way without a choice. I've often said to friends that the only time I could imagine giving up this life is the day I have kids.
Of course, the other side of the coin is that this may be better for her than foster care etc.
If you are going to consider this, then give her a choice. Have a conversation with her and explain both options. People give kids far too little credit in terms of talking down to them and making decisions for them. And she'll learn a sense of ownership from her decision without being able to fault anyone else.
That's assuming she's old enough to have a conversation of any sort.
Of course, the other side of the coin is that this may be better for her than foster care etc.
If you are going to consider this, then give her a choice. Have a conversation with her and explain both options. People give kids far too little credit in terms of talking down to them and making decisions for them. And she'll learn a sense of ownership from her decision without being able to fault anyone else.
That's assuming she's old enough to have a conversation of any sort.
That may be true of some, but not all.
google success of homeschooling here's one link
http://www.brighthubeducation.com/h...at-do-the-statistics-say-about-homeschooling/
Both of my girls went into non traditional careers. The older got a 5 year scholarship for books, fees, tuition to a US school of her choice. Her school of choice changed their program for her. She also got a couple of other scholarships that helped with her other needs--food & clothing. She graduated with 2 degrees, with honors, had jobs after her first semester, and did community service/outreach while a student. She got her masters degree a couple of years later.
The second one was in the first class that was coed in her school. She also graduated with two degrees, and recently completed her masters degree.
They did well, and are doing well.
As we were traveling, granted not for a l-o-n-g time, my kids totally enjoyed it. They would rather have continued on the road, but we did settle in a place.
google success of homeschooling here's one link
http://www.brighthubeducation.com/h...at-do-the-statistics-say-about-homeschooling/
Both of my girls went into non traditional careers. The older got a 5 year scholarship for books, fees, tuition to a US school of her choice. Her school of choice changed their program for her. She also got a couple of other scholarships that helped with her other needs--food & clothing. She graduated with 2 degrees, with honors, had jobs after her first semester, and did community service/outreach while a student. She got her masters degree a couple of years later.
The second one was in the first class that was coed in her school. She also graduated with two degrees, and recently completed her masters degree.
They did well, and are doing well.
As we were traveling, granted not for a l-o-n-g time, my kids totally enjoyed it. They would rather have continued on the road, but we did settle in a place.
I will have a talk with her later this weekend. I'll make sure I don't influence her choice. I just don't want her to be raised in a orphanage and foster homes for the rest of her child and teenage years. Many foster parents do it for the extra money. Of course I would love for my nephew to be adopted to a loving and caring family, but at the same time I want her to experience something new. We must make a choice by the 23 of October.TMG51 said:
I started home schooling mine when they would have started school BECAUSE of what they would have faced in the schools. I didn't want them facing that at that age.
As far as socializing with other children their age, opportunities will possibly be available at various venues, via kids programs. Of course they are not on-going, but that's not a problem at that age. If you decide to stay in one place for more than a few weeks, enroll her, if you want, in a child care program. Home schoolers here have/had a Friday meeting at the local park for age appropriate sports and games, arts, other socializing.
It was not a problem for my kids, and I would bet other HS parents would agree.
As far as socializing with other children their age, opportunities will possibly be available at various venues, via kids programs. Of course they are not on-going, but that's not a problem at that age. If you decide to stay in one place for more than a few weeks, enroll her, if you want, in a child care program. Home schoolers here have/had a Friday meeting at the local park for age appropriate sports and games, arts, other socializing.
It was not a problem for my kids, and I would bet other HS parents would agree.
Not a program, that was an incorrect word. Two books, one for pre-school and kindergarden
and one for 1&2
It is not a book for the child. It's a teacher's manual, remember. The child doesn't have a book in this program. You use the book to guide the child through activities requiring manipulatives and recording sheets. Through using this book, the kids understand and learn by doing, later writing it down.
My students saw it as playing, when in fact they were hard at learning the whys.
Mathematics Their Way: An Activity-Centered Mathematics Program for Early Childhood Education Spiral-bound – 1995 by Mary Baratta-Lorton
http://www.amazon.com/Mathematics-T...jVAfJgL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR125,160_
Mathematics... A Way of Thinking
http://www.amazon.com/dp/020104322X...qmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_3okxd5fqke_e
Do read all the reviews.
It requires adult preparation: read the lesson and follow it--it guides you through. Most of the manipulatives we used were free, or very inexpensive and easy to get. One thing I did get from a store was mis-cut keys from the hardware store.
My 2nd graders LOVED math with this way of learning. I loved it.
I can't say enough for it. I will say again, the adult reads the manual and follows it pretty closely/exactly. It is astounding.
off my soap box now...
and one for 1&2
It is not a book for the child. It's a teacher's manual, remember. The child doesn't have a book in this program. You use the book to guide the child through activities requiring manipulatives and recording sheets. Through using this book, the kids understand and learn by doing, later writing it down.
My students saw it as playing, when in fact they were hard at learning the whys.
Mathematics Their Way: An Activity-Centered Mathematics Program for Early Childhood Education Spiral-bound – 1995 by Mary Baratta-Lorton
http://www.amazon.com/Mathematics-T...jVAfJgL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR125,160_
Mathematics... A Way of Thinking
http://www.amazon.com/dp/020104322X...qmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_3okxd5fqke_e
Do read all the reviews.
It requires adult preparation: read the lesson and follow it--it guides you through. Most of the manipulatives we used were free, or very inexpensive and easy to get. One thing I did get from a store was mis-cut keys from the hardware store.
My 2nd graders LOVED math with this way of learning. I loved it.
I can't say enough for it. I will say again, the adult reads the manual and follows it pretty closely/exactly. It is astounding.
off my soap box now...
Phantom Blooper
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Sorry for the loss of your sister! Also I have not read how old your niece is. This will also make in impact on how "she" will adjust to a life on the road.
Her world has also changed. It is doable...but there are allot of variables to consider when going on the road...unless she has it and can deal with it as a lifestyle and not a two week vacation.
Best of luck!
Her world has also changed. It is doable...but there are allot of variables to consider when going on the road...unless she has it and can deal with it as a lifestyle and not a two week vacation.
Best of luck!
cyndi
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If you're a facebook member there's a group that can help
https://www.facebook.com/groups/roadschool/
These groups have some pretty good resources
http://www.familiesontheroad.com/index.html
http://fulltimefamilies.com/
Having followed a lot of blogs, over the years, I know there are lots of full timing families out there. They even meet out on the road and the kids make friends and network just as we adults do.Some of the kids write their own blogs and appear to love the life, too.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/roadschool/
These groups have some pretty good resources
http://www.familiesontheroad.com/index.html
http://fulltimefamilies.com/
Having followed a lot of blogs, over the years, I know there are lots of full timing families out there. They even meet out on the road and the kids make friends and network just as we adults do.Some of the kids write their own blogs and appear to love the life, too.
At thirteen, she may (or not) know the basics. If she's faltering on any of them, this book-Math, A Way of Thinking--could make it easier for her--but it's still a teacher manual, not a student book.
The book covers procedures she may have already been introduced to and that she'll be learning over the next years.
Here, at http://www.center.edu/MathWayThinking.shtml is a table of contents with links to the chapters. Note the teacher dialogue is scripted, as is potential student response. The instructor simply follows (reads aloud) the dialogue.
Even though she's 13, it may be of great value for you all. For instance, a chapter on division is at
http://www.center.edu/MaWTh-book/06-Beginning-Division.pdf
The book covers procedures she may have already been introduced to and that she'll be learning over the next years.
Here, at http://www.center.edu/MathWayThinking.shtml is a table of contents with links to the chapters. Note the teacher dialogue is scripted, as is potential student response. The instructor simply follows (reads aloud) the dialogue.
Even though she's 13, it may be of great value for you all. For instance, a chapter on division is at
http://www.center.edu/MaWTh-book/06-Beginning-Division.pdf
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Actually for many people RVing is very social, many make more good friends than they ever had in their life. The problem for you is they are all adults and mostly older.
If she were younger you would be fine, you could places for children to play. If she were a boy, I also think it would be fine, you could make up for the loss in other ways.
I only had sons so I can't speak from experience, but a 13 year old girl is in her prime social age, it might not work.
I think your pan to discuss it with here is the best option. Being on the road may not be ideal for her, but it would have to be better than foster care. If she were able to keep a good attitude( hard for all teenagers and especially after going through such a loss) it could be a wonderful thing for her.
Right now she needs love, connection and security. Only you can give her that and that's much more important than anything else.
Bob
If she were younger you would be fine, you could places for children to play. If she were a boy, I also think it would be fine, you could make up for the loss in other ways.
I only had sons so I can't speak from experience, but a 13 year old girl is in her prime social age, it might not work.
I think your pan to discuss it with here is the best option. Being on the road may not be ideal for her, but it would have to be better than foster care. If she were able to keep a good attitude( hard for all teenagers and especially after going through such a loss) it could be a wonderful thing for her.
Right now she needs love, connection and security. Only you can give her that and that's much more important than anything else.
Bob
Phantom Blooper
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We have three girls (adults) and now a 13 year old granddaughter.
All the kids went "camping" when younger and enjoyed it.
As adults they all were taken "camping"....along with SIL's.
Our granddaughter was taken "camping".....
We had to make sure there was kid activities available because of the boredom,travel and downtime.
With most kids today in the computer age and the way full time families adapt to homeschooling on the road
it may work.
But in my opine....a trial run would only be a vacation since she is used to a sticks and bricks...public school social atmosphere.
If the accommodations are right....privacy for you and your wife and privacy for your niece....and you can get accredited for homeschooling....go for it.
Although with the trauma of losing her mother...and then having a different lifestyle can be traumatic for her.
I would keep her out of the foster system...then again I would personally consult the "professionals" and seek and opine on what is best for her and your wife and you on the road.
Again best of luck!
All the kids went "camping" when younger and enjoyed it.
As adults they all were taken "camping"....along with SIL's.
Our granddaughter was taken "camping".....
We had to make sure there was kid activities available because of the boredom,travel and downtime.
With most kids today in the computer age and the way full time families adapt to homeschooling on the road
it may work.
But in my opine....a trial run would only be a vacation since she is used to a sticks and bricks...public school social atmosphere.
If the accommodations are right....privacy for you and your wife and privacy for your niece....and you can get accredited for homeschooling....go for it.
Although with the trauma of losing her mother...and then having a different lifestyle can be traumatic for her.
I would keep her out of the foster system...then again I would personally consult the "professionals" and seek and opine on what is best for her and your wife and you on the road.
Again best of luck!
Phantom Blooper
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I realize this subject is a personal family matter. However I am wondering if you are willing to update....has this come to an
amicable resolution for all involved?
amicable resolution for all involved?
I have thought about this post since I first read it. When I full-time, I will have an adult son with Down syndrome with me. Some of what I have thought through and experienced when I homeschooled him might apply.
Hopefully, no one opposes what one is going to do because that can be an issue. In my case, I know that I might have to deal with someone reporting what they think isn't right about what I am doing to Adult Protective Services. In my case, I don't have to worry about family members which is definitely a plus. When we did full-time years ago, there were people that wanted to give us advice on what we should be doing. I just smiled through it and thanked them. I have experienced a false report going into Adult Protective Services and that isn't fun. I never had to deal with Child Protective Services.
In my case, I have determined that the best thing for my son would be what my plans include. I am strong and determined enough to deal with adversaries. It isn't anything to be terrified of but to definitely take into consideration.
We homeschooled under the radar when in a state that was overly regulated and stayed "attached" to a state that was very generous in what they allowed. I was an advocate of "un-schooling" and it worked in the case of my son.
So, just a thought I wanted to share. If the child is willing I would do it in a second.
Hopefully, no one opposes what one is going to do because that can be an issue. In my case, I know that I might have to deal with someone reporting what they think isn't right about what I am doing to Adult Protective Services. In my case, I don't have to worry about family members which is definitely a plus. When we did full-time years ago, there were people that wanted to give us advice on what we should be doing. I just smiled through it and thanked them. I have experienced a false report going into Adult Protective Services and that isn't fun. I never had to deal with Child Protective Services.
In my case, I have determined that the best thing for my son would be what my plans include. I am strong and determined enough to deal with adversaries. It isn't anything to be terrified of but to definitely take into consideration.
We homeschooled under the radar when in a state that was overly regulated and stayed "attached" to a state that was very generous in what they allowed. I was an advocate of "un-schooling" and it worked in the case of my son.
So, just a thought I wanted to share. If the child is willing I would do it in a second.
Patrick46
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here's a question that I haven't seen addressed on this subject yet...
are you a VanDweller, or will you all be living in a Motorhome??
At 13 years old, a girl is going to need some privacy and a space to call her own. When we had our motorhome, all 3 kids staked claim to certain places for themselves, and that worked out really well.
Seeing that your niece has just gone through a very dramatic loss, I think she'd feel comforted knowing that she was welcome to be with you...even if it's out on the road. (kids are very resilient, you know. She'll come through this.)
As for the 'home schooling', my wife and her siblings were ALL home schooled (all 14 of 'em ) and there are now 2 doctors, a guy who oversees the operations of 13 gas stations in downtown Chicago, and the CEO of an international shipping & exchange corp, to name a few. Don't let anyone tell you that home schooled kids can't keep up!
Bless you on this journey you're about to undertake. With hard work, and ALOT of compassion, your niece will make it through.
GodSpeed
are you a VanDweller, or will you all be living in a Motorhome??
At 13 years old, a girl is going to need some privacy and a space to call her own. When we had our motorhome, all 3 kids staked claim to certain places for themselves, and that worked out really well.
Seeing that your niece has just gone through a very dramatic loss, I think she'd feel comforted knowing that she was welcome to be with you...even if it's out on the road. (kids are very resilient, you know. She'll come through this.)
As for the 'home schooling', my wife and her siblings were ALL home schooled (all 14 of 'em
) and there are now 2 doctors, a guy who oversees the operations of 13 gas stations in downtown Chicago, and the CEO of an international shipping & exchange corp, to name a few. Don't let anyone tell you that home schooled kids can't keep up!Bless you on this journey you're about to undertake. With hard work, and ALOT of compassion, your niece will make it through.
GodSpeed
