Home     Contact Us    
Main Board Job Seeker's Board Job Wanted Board Resume Bank Company Board Word Help Medquist New MTs Classifieds Offshore Concerns VR/Speech Recognition Tech Help Coding/Medical Billing
Gab Board Politics Comedy Stop Health Issues
ADVERTISEMENT




Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

Poll for parents with school aged kids at home...sm

Posted By: Poll time on 2008-02-18
In Reply to:

1.  What ages are your kids?


2.  Do they have their own cell phone?


3.  Do they have their own TV and or computer in their room?  If so, are there set hours they're allowed to use these:


4. Do they receive an allowance?  If so, are they required to do chores to receive this?


As for our house, here's the answers.  Kids are 15 and 8.  15-year-old has a cell phone and pays her bill.  15-year-old has a TV.  The kids share 1 PC that is where we can see what they're doing on it, and they're limited to no more than an hour a day on it if it's a school day.  We do have parental controls in place.  They don't receive an allowance but they are aware of a special chores list that they can choose to do extra things around the house to make money.  They are required to keep their rooms and bathrooms cleaned, as well as alternate cleaning up the kitchen after dinner.




Complete Discussion Below: marks the location of current message within thread

The messages you are viewing are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select the boards given in left menu


Other related messages found in our database

3 kids, but 2 school aged

1.  What ages are your kids? 16yo DS and 18yo DD  (and 21yo DS)



2.  Do they have their own cell phone? Yes, 16yo has a tracfone and 18 yo DD has a Go phone



3.  Do they have their own TV and or computer in their room?  If so, are there set hours they're allowed to use these:  No.  We have 1 good computer we all 5 used to share, but that is mostly DD's now that DH and I each got lap tops and oldest DS built a desk top for youngest DS for Christmas.  Oldest DS also has a lap top that he bought himself.  Nobody has a TV in their room, not even the grown ups.  No time limits on use at their ages, but they don't spend near as much time on the 'puters as they did when they were younger.


4. Do they receive an allowance?  If so, are they required to do chores to receive this?  They all have jobs, but the youngest 2 get $5 a week for bringing in wood for the wood stove and burning the trash.  Plus youngest DS gets extra here and there for all the help he gives his dad and grandfather on the farms.  Their room are their own business at this point.  I just put the laundry on the bed and keep the doors closed. 


Sounds like my kids...on a school day "we just got home from school!" on a vacation day....sm
But this is our vacation! My husband takes vacation days and leaves town without us...lol! He would never dream of taking a day off to work around the house!
Help! Pushy parents think I work from home and can drive their kids etc

I am constantly being asked to watch people's kids because I work from home.  The latest is a friend of my son attending the same camp in another town.  The friend I will call Scotty.  Scotty has two parents.  His father works from home as a computer consultant.  My friends and I have called Scotty's dad to work on our computers and he never even returns the call or shows up.  Scotty's mom recently asked me if I could drive her son home from them because the dad gets busy and doesn't like to leave clients.  I told her that I too am working from home and have to minimize my time in the car.  Scotty does not live close to us.  I feel like a big meanie but they have pushed me before.  Last year our kids were not even in the same camp but the mom called and asked if I would drive and pick up her son every day because i live in the same town as the camp.  I was like ??? no way.


They used to drop Scotty off at my house on school holidays.  They would drop him off at 7 AM and then once the mom called me at 5 PM and said she wanted to get an oil change and asked me if I could keep scotty until 7:30 PM.  I said NO and then she came to pick him up earlier but stayed at my house uninvited until 9:30 when I just said I HAVE TO GO TAKE A SHOWER.


Anyone have clever ways to handle these situations?


Also thought about being a home chef. Poll your area first. See
s
For those people with school aged children when do vacations start to dwindle and you start getting
ready for school.  I usually take a vacation when things slow down at the end of Summer and I am just wondering when in August most people start getting into school things and less vacations are taken. 
Well I figure I can make my own hours & be home when the kids are home (sm)
I worked PT in an office for a while but spent most of my money on childcare in the summer. Full-time in an office was just a nightmare and I felt like I missed a whole year of my children's lives. I want to be in control of my schedule so that's why I'm looking into the cleaning thing. Never thought I would want to do that but live and learn! Some of the most intelligent people alive work as carpenters and similar things because they have learned what's really important in life. Whew....off my soapbox now :-) Good luck to you!
Not educational. This is something that should be the parents job to teach, not the school. sm
Besides, why should school children have a field trip to ANY wedding? What would people say if someone had a field trip to a church service? These are things that parents need to be able to teach their children when the time is right.
If they watch TV and go on line and go to school, parents can't do squat these days.
Sad but true.
I still think it should be the parents who teach the child these things, not the school's place.
Each child goes to school to learn facts. They learn their social skills, values, etc.at home and from friends that their parents allow them to associate with. The school is a public entity full of many INDIVIDUALS who all have different values and opinions. Teachers should not be teaching children their own personal values and should leave that to the parents.
They are both the kids parents - they should both help (nm)
x
It certainly is sad for the kids and their parents but -
I would much prefer to hear about an 11-year-old or 13-year-old being abandoned under the Safe Haven laws rather than hearing about their mother or father deciding the only way out of a desperate situation was to kill their children and themselves.

The children are old enough that they have probably had numerous conversations with their parent(s) about why they are being left and how to find them later (at least I hope so.)
Dr/kids/parents

Need some advice.  My 12 year old son has been ill on and off since October of last year.  My hubby and I have had him to the dr. several times since October.  In January a new care provider diagnosed him with Mono.  He had missed 12 days of school with that and we were told it would take a great amount of time to get him over this, as he probably (according to the new doc) had mono at that time and was never properly diagnosed.  After sending him back to school the 3rd week in January he comes home and relates to us that he hurts and is sooooo tired.  This resulted in another dr. visit.  This time we were told that he was still fighting whatever infection and this was normal.  He missed  a week of school with that episode.


This morning he wakes up and is complaining of an earache and running  a slight fever.  I am very concerned and have run out of ideas on what to do next?  I just want to make sure he is properly cared for and there is not some underlying process going on that they are not able to diagnose. 


Can anyone offer some advice to this worry wart of a mother.!!!!!!!!!!


Well duh....kids do need two parents BUT - sm
that is not always the case. Some moms and dad are just plain bad parents. In this woman's case she is trying to do the best she can, being mom and dad, and kid is trying to push it to the limits. Maybe the dad was the feared one in the house, certainly sounds that way, so the son now thinks with dad gone mom will let him do whatever he wants. Maybe that is what has happened with his friends. It is a lot of work to be a single parent. I have two friends that are single parents. #1--She left/divorced her DH when their only child was only a year or so old. He is $14K behind in child support but she is afraid of him so will not take him to court for the money. Luckily she has a very good job, and has now moved back in with her widowed dad to help take care of him. Her daughter is now a very well-adjusted 14-y/o who never sees her dad because he just won't make any effort. My friend has bent over backwards to try to get him to be an active father, he is just a total aaaasssss though. #2- Her kids actually begged her to divorce their dad. He was very verbally abusive and controlling. My friend had to hide money to have any. She would buy stuff at the store then return it for cash in order to save up money to leave him. The kids were quite happy with the divorce and hated to go to their dad's on the visitation weekends. Her daughter did it for about 2 years then refused to go--he of course took my friend to court on that, but luckily for the daughter she was not forced to go back to visitation. Now her son, 16, just told dad he does not want to visit with him anymore either. My friend is waiting for the court documents to come now...hopefully he won't take her back to court again. The dad puts strings on everything and they are not allowed to do anything over there, no friends, no TV, no electronics. Either clean the house, read, or stare at the walls basically, and be yelled at most of the time as well. He never takes them anywhere (to cheap), and spends most of his time tinkering with his truck or one of his motorcycles. He used to hold the child support hostage on my friend, would not give it to her if she ticked him off or until she would do something he wanted her to do, she finally got tired of that crap and went to the state and now gets it through the state/family courts. Only 2 years left on the one and 1 on the other so almost done with that. Then she can basically cut all ties with her ex, she will probably have a big party when the younger child turns 18. ----So in both their cases the dad's stink. #1's ex is AWOL basically, and #2's is a controlling jerk, it is his way or not at all basically. ----some men/women do step up to the plate and become better parents but I believe that they are the exception to the rule. ---I am sure counseling would help the entire family come to grips with the changes they are going through , and children need to be given firm boundries, etc. so they knows what is expected of they.
parents are suppose to be there for their kids, but he needs to get his s**t together
What kind of man lives on mommy? I am sure you don't want your son on this path.... I feel bad for you too! People go into the reserves so they can also have another job or go to college.... this sounds like a case for Dr. Phil... in fact I have seen this on there and he told the mothers to give them an ultimatum of either help out or GET OUT!!!
I'm 40 and took Home Ec in school s/m
It was a requirement in Jr. High - wish it was offered more in high school though as I think that more would retain the information as they are getting ready to head out on their own. I never did catch on to the sewing machine but I've hand sewn lots of things which takes quite a while. I thank my grandmother though for teaching me to cook/bake and even to crochet. As a matter of fact, one of my new years resolutions was to do more things for me. As a result, I'm crocheting 2 blankets right now for my hubby and son and getting along pretty well with both. I hope to have them both completed for Valentine's Day. The one thing I have wanted to learn for years is how to can. We are starting a good sized garden this year and learning how to can will be a priority!

Depression/Recession will be bad as far as paying off credit cards but honestly, I think it will bring more family time and I will enjoy that.
Some kids think this is funny, their parents laugh
and I for one totally agree with the school system. My daughter and her friends years ago thought that was cute to pass gas and belch out loud. She was called down on it every time I was around and thank goodness, she is now 33 and has finally learned how to behave herself and act like she has some sense. I think parents overlook their responsibility for not calling down kids on doing this. It is not fun for grownups and should be attended to promptly. Unless medical concern, it really shows lack of manners and upbringing.
lazy parents don't monitor their kids or keep them on the right
nm
Parents DO NOT owe kids college education.
When DD started college we paid,,,, at first. But she did NOTHING to help herself.  From her part time job, all her money went to nails, clothes, meals out with friends, etc. She did nothing about getting scholarships. After 1st year, I said I wouldnt pay anything else. DH continued to help her. She did apply for scholarship thru DH work and got $2000. Of that money, she ended up dropping a class paid for with that money, cause it was too early (8:00am). Bottom line, she did nothing towards finishing school, in fact, quit going, did not increase work hours. I stopped giving her ANY money at that point.  She ended up marrying Marine boyfriend and is now working at Dollar Store. These were HER choices, instead of completing her teaching degree, of which she only had 2 years to go.  I told her why should I spend my hard earned money on her when she was doing absolutely nothing to help herself.  She knew if she was making an effort to her future I would help her, but not if she wasnt doing anything for herself. 
I think in this day and age parents should plan a way for their kids to attend college (sm)
$1000 a month is nothing compared to what it actually takes to raise two kids.
She made her choice but parents at least owe their kids a chance (sm)
She was given that chance and blew it - some would blow it and some would not. But I still think that with the way our country works today if you do not at least try to help your kids get through college you have not finished your job as a parent.
home school project.
I did this with my Cub Scouts and it went like gangbusters. LOL. First of all, get a big plastic drop cloth, you will need it for clean up. Then get a bulk sized box of Rice Krispy treats or something similar and decorations like sprinkles, colored sugar, nonpareils, etc. and some vanilla or chocolate frosting either in tubes or tubs or maybe some colored frosting tubes, and let them decorate to their little hearts content. You have just killed two birds with one stone. LOL. A project and a snack. My scouts thought it was the most fun they had ever had.
I rushed home from school every day just to see
American Bandstand. I just checked to see where Paul Anka would be touring this year. Planning a trip to Vegas but he will be there in May and the price for 1 seat is $269.00! When I told hubby the price he laughed but I would definitely go if I was going to be there in May. He never comes south, wish he would. I guess with those charges no wonder his tour is only listed through June, only has to work 1/2 year. Saw Sal Mineo in person 1 time when he was in our town, pretty thing! That was prior to Rebel. I had such a crush on James Dean!!! I was able to see lots of the musical stars back then, saw Sam Cooke just prior to his death in concert, Jackie Wilson (my absolute fav of all times), visited Graceland when Elvis was living there right after his first movie- you used to be able to walk right up to the door and drive up on his driveway. I am really, really old but gosh, loved it all.
It burns me up when parents support their bratty kids' actions
This kid is going to get some bumps and bruises from the School of Hard Knocks, otherwise known as LIFE.
My kid's school sends us home a note - sm
when 1 kid gets lice. It is sent to the parent's whose kids are in the same class and on the same bus; that is it, and I am fine with that. At least I am aware there is a problem and can be on the lookout. A friend told me that these critters don't like dirty hair and to put hair mousse in the hair as it deters the lice. Figure it cannot hurt, so I did it this last "outbreak" 2 weeks ago and we have avoided it again (3 outbreaks this year to date-1 was in my daughter's class, ick). I just hope I never have to go through it, one with the pain in the butt aspect, and 2 my DH will go totally nuts/ballistic if it ever happens.
I suppose you home school your children?
qq
There are a lot of options for at-home high school (sm)
There are many online high schools used for homeschooling. Some community colleges and 4-year colleges and universities have high school homeschooling options to check into. You may also have the option of her taking some college classes, but watch out...they may be run by gays and lesbians. What is wrong, again, with a gay and lesbian club?
My daughter came home from school with yet another letter...sm
saying that a classmate has lice. This is the same little girl over and over. She had lice the entire year last year in kindergarten and has now had it all of this year so far. Why should she be allowed to come to school and infest everyone? I understand if this is a random thing and it is taken care of, but when it is a constant problem she should not be allowed to attend school. Last year she infested most of her kindergarten class and when I treated my daughter with the shampoo she ended up with an allergic reaction and a flaming red scalp!!! People have even take free products and left them on their porch so mom could use them. She is just to darn lazy to do it. Why should lice be treated any different than when a child has chickenpox?? I am having a meeting with the principal today and then if nothing is done I am going to the school board of education. These kids are crammed 24 in a room and are expected to share computer headphones. I know some people are going to say jeez its only lice, but ya know what it is nasty little bugs and we shouldnt have to get them or suffer with flaming heads because people cannot be clean and get rid of them. I say this kind of infestation should require the child to stay at home and no school. She has so many bugs you can actually stand by her and see all of them crawling!!!! Sorry to be so angry, but this is so frustrating. I have three daughters all with long hair and I have thick, long hair also. Last year it cost me a fortune and took forever to get everything out of everyones hair. It is just nasty and disgusting. The nurse even said they called the health department and got no help on this. Unbelievable!!!
I have a 16yo son. On school nights, he has to be home by 9p. SM

On weekends, midnight.  However, he is not allowed to be gone every night during the week.  It helps that his girlfriend's parents and I are on the same page and when they are together on a school night, they are at her hourse or my house and that makes it easier to enforce the rules.  Plus they do their homework together which is nice.  My son when from failing classes last year to make all As and Bs this year.  So I try to give him a little more freedom because of the effort he's been giving.


I am 31 and they didn't teach home ec in school...
We had college prep courses...Believe me, I wish I could sew as well...doesn't mean I can't learn now but no, I was never taught in school...
Our school send notices home when they - sm
are doing eye tests, hearing tests, etc. Permission is not needed. Obviously they expect the parent here to advise them of any issues in advance.
Allowance Poll: Do you give your kids an allowance?

Just wondering how many out there give their kids a regular allowance. My daughter, who will be 7 next month, has been begging me for chores to do around the house so she can earn a little money. We agreed to try it out and made her a chore list stuck on the fridge for her to check off as she completes each chore. It's not very much to begin with but we will add on more later. My husband and I haven't really decided on how much to give her each week. I thought $2 or $3 a week would be appropriate for her age. We're really just trying to teach her about responsibility, not make her rich!


For others giving allowance, how much do you give and what responsibilities do you give to your kids? Thanks for your input!


Does anyone with a learning disabled child home school them? sm

If so, how did you go about figuring out how to teach them? 


Our daughter was in public school but we moved her to a private school at the first of the year because she was very behind in the public school and they refused to give her extra services.  Since moving her to the private school we have found out that she does have learning disabilities, which means that she would need to return to the public school since the private school doesn't have special education services available.  She has learned a lot while in the private school because of the small class size and a teacher that spends a lot of time with her and we know that she has learned much more than she would have if she had stayed in the public school.


Now the public school is wanting her to repeat the grade when she returns there in the fall.  Yes, the very same public school that refused to help us before and actually blew off my questioning if she had learning disabilities now only has a "repeat the grade" attitude.  The problem I have with that is that she has proven on testing done at Sylvan learning center that she is academically half way into her current grade, so if she repeats the grade she will be bored for half of the year because she knows that material.


Therefore we're considering home schooling but don't know how effective this might be with her learning disabilities.  Does anyone else do this?  How did you find out about the techniques you needed to teach your child so that they could learn?  We know that she has an average IQ so that's not a problem - it's just getting her brain to process the information correctly.


Thank you.


However, before my kids were in school,
I was a night owl! Worked until like 3 a.m. because didn't have to get up early, but now, they are both in school, so have to get up early and start working before time to get them up and ready and off!
That's what they do at my kids' school sm
Except it's a cheese sandwich & milk, and they are never turned away with no lunch. My daughter is in 5th grade, and her teacher does a collection each year for the pre-K & K students to help out if they don't have money for lunch. This school year they have raised over $400.
I find it to be harder working from home with children who are not in school..
I have a 2 year old home with me all day and believe me it would be much easier to take her to day care and get my work done...
kids at home
When I began working at home, my children were 7 and 12, and I was also a single ma, but they were old enough to not be watched every single second. At first, I had my computer in my kitchen, then my family room, which the kids were usually in if they were not outside, and I could see my back yard perfectly at either place.

I stopped often, to answer questions, help, make breakfast, lunch, etc., but when I compared my interruptions to the alternative, working at the hospital, my interruptions were worth it, especially during the summer or when they were ill. There is a fine line between letting your children feel that you are not to be bothered during work. You don't want them to ever feel that they cannot come to you with a question or problem. Sure, I remember feeling frustrated and maybe venting when I wish I could have been more patient, and I felt like some days were not near as productive as during the school year when they were in school, but it was worth it to me. Sometimes I even told them not to bother me unless they were bleeding or the house was on fire, but that is not wise.

Most of the time I remained honest with them, telling them that "mommy's gotta finish this report, honey, hold on and when I finish this report, I will talk to you."

I tried to be as proactive as possible, even though I am a huge procrastinator, and I would maybe make sandwiches ahead of time, pack a lunch for them, just like on school days.

I would use my breaks to maybe run them to a friend's house, go pick up a friend or to drop them off at the golf course (of course when they were older and not driving) and then come back home and work, sometimes maybe only an hour until it started raining.

Oh, I should probably tell you though, now they are 19 and 25, and they don't bother me at all anymore......
Do you have kids that were home
from school yesterday?  I did and that's why I think today feels like Monday.  Although, I haven't had the day you're having.  I hope things are better this afternoon.  If you have some tea around, try a cup.  Sometimes it makes you feel more relaxed.  Have a great afternoon!!!
My kids - private school sm
I have two teens now, but in their grade school years, they attended private school. It is a financial struggle, but well worth it,in my opinion.

Now, one is a senior and the other a freshman in high school in public school. Both just sail through in all honors and AP courses. This is possible because of the study habits, learning techniques and discipline they received in private school as their foundation.

Not every child will have the same results, but I can't say enough about private schools laying the foundation for success in education.

GOOD LUCK in whatever you decide.
Kids: Do you wake them up or do they get themselves up for school? sm

I've told our 16-year-old now junior in high school that she can set her alarm clock and get herself up in the morning and out the door for school, on time, this year, and if she fails to get up on time and is late for school she will lose privileges with them increasing for each time she is late.  


What about your kids?  How old are they?  Are they responsible for getting themselves up in the morning and if so, at what age did they start doing this? 


why aren't your kids in school?


No, in the MW our kids go to school to get an acutal
xx
Aspergers/school/kids

Our boys sound a lot alike.  My son was first diagnosed with ADHD, then nonverbal learning disorder, then Aspergers, although the school does not see the Aspergers being a true diagnosis.  He has always been in mainstream classes as he is academically very smart.  We started out with a 504, then went to IEP but he is not in any special ed classes.  His testing scores are in the high average and superior range and he is reading at an 11th grade level in the 6th grade.  I held off on the IEP for about a year because I was so afraid of the stigma associated with it.  No matter how common it is these days, once kids learn someone has an IEP, they're thought of as one of "those" kids and I didn't want him to go through that.  He has been on medication after medication and nothing seems to work in the long run.  We have tried trials of him off the meds but within 2 or 3 days we're getting phone calls from the school asking if he has taken his meds that morning because he is having such a rough time concentrating and focusing.  Not only is he very smart, he is also a remarkable athlete in hockey, baseball, golf and basketball and making the all star sport teams.  He's a great kid with a big heart, but he just doesn't seem to fit in with anybody.  I feel his main problem is with social skills and I have been asking for him to see the guidance counselor at school on a regular basis which has not been happening.  We live in a very rural area and there are only 18 students in his 6th grade class.  They have all been together for the last 6 years and know one another quite well, and by this time the "class order" so to speak is set.  There are two boys who seem to be the tough guys and the leaders that everyone follows.  Unfortunately, my son is on the bottom of the order and is singled out constantly because of his quirkiness.  They will do everything they can to get a rise out of him and think its funny when he reacts.  This has been going on for the last 2 years, this year being the worst.


I realize ADHD is common now.  My son's teacher told me that about half of the class is ADHD but we are not allowed to know who those students are, we can only speculate.  My point is, my son has now been singled out by his teacher telling his classmates he has ADHD so in my mind she violated his privacy rights and has made him more vulnerable to harrassment by kids who are cruel.  Am I right or am I wrong?  He is already being bullied and this will only give them more ammunition to target him.  Already today someone called my son a "sped", meaning special education, although he isn't in special education so this kid has no clue.  Admittedly my son doesn't stand up for himself and he just takes it because he wants to fit in so badly.  But he is hurting and will get very emotional when we talk about it at home.  My husband and I have had enough and it has got to the breaking point.  My husband wants to talk to a lawyer but I'm not sure if that is the way to go.  I told the teacher on the phone tonight I would like to come in to confront the class and single out each one of the kids that are the worst, naming them in front of their classmates and cause them humiliation and embarrassment.  She said that would probably make things worse, which I agree with.  Besides I know I wouldn't be allowed to do that anyway.


middle school kids who need
The library will accept volunteers at age 11. I would go sign up today.

Every other place has insurance restrictions for age.

All the camps around here fill up in February or March, but I would still try to find her something fun to do. Meeting other kids at camp may cost you money, but when she is there she is not thinking about money, just being with the other kids her age.
Kids at home while you work? How do you (sm)

make sure they know you are "at work" even though you are right there?  I have worked at home in the past but had issues with this.  Mine are old enough now to be home while I work (10 & 7), but I would love any ideas of how to make sure they respect my work hours.  Any ideas?


PA too and our kids were actually sent home early
due to the heat!  We were never sent home for that one.  Spent the day at the pool with the kids and now it's time to work. 
Would you ever kick your kids out of your home?

Are your kids welcome to stay in your home for as long as they like?


My 15 year old asked if we'd ever kick him out or his older brother. I said they'd always have a home with us as long as they follow our rules.


Can you help with questions for intermediate school kids? sm
I'm going to be giving a little bit of a talk on growing up in an alcoholic family and we are supposed to come up with some questions to put in a hat in case the kids don't ask any or we need more.  What do you think intermediate school-age students would be curious about in regards to growing up with alcoholism?  Thanks! 
Kids and money for school things...sm

Here is it is.... January 30th and since January 1st I've been asked by my 16-year-old for:


$90 for a graphing calculator for the calculus class


$85 for school yearbook  (and price goes up 2/1 by $15..she didn't tell me any of this until now)


$30 for hoodie for yearbook club


$15  for drama t-shirt for spring production... which she has exactly 2 lines in and will not be on the stage any other time.


Total:  $220.


I bought the calculator as it was necessary and I know she'll use it again in college.  I've offered to pay half of the yearbook if she'll raise the other half.  For the shirts I've told her to raise the money herself.  The drama team is also looking to possibly go to New York for a few days to take in shows in May and gosh only knows what that would cost... if it gets approved.


She doesn't work and says if she gets a part-time job then she can't do the drama production as they practice 3 days a week until 8 p.m. .... well hello she has only 2 lines in it and isn't even in any other scenes.


I told her to get a job or start offering to babysit for money.  I'm tired of being nickel-and-dimed to death for fru-fru non-essential expenses.... especially since we just spent $700 on car repairs and $250 for surgery on the dog (abscess on foot - she stepped on something at some point and messed herself up) and medical bills are coming in from my husband's numerous medical tests he had in November.    I'm not going to pay for her to go to New York either when that would probably take out entire family vacation money for the summer. Once those numbers come in we'll offer to pay a portion of the cost but that's it.


She also insists she wants to go to college out of state, and her dad and I have also told her she has to figure out how to pay for that because we're not going in debt for that when she can get a free education from the lottery in our state by going to a state school.  She doesn't do any volunteer work, play sports or have any special talents that would qualify her for scholarships. 


I told her that it's time to grow up and realize there is no money tree in our back yard, and I'm not going to bust my butt working extra jobs to buy these things for her. 


our kids have a 2 minute walk from school and
they have already been heckled by meaner kids, they even threw a beer bottle at my 5 year old. I stood behind a fence one day and stepped out in front of him just as he was rounding the corner and told him that if he ever even so much as talked to my kids again I would follow him home and tell his parents exactly what was going on. I told him that I would also talk to the principal, who I know on a first-name basis as i am VP of the PTO. I put the fear of God in that child but I still do not trust him or his little band of siblings he walks with. I almost fear other children more than I do strangers!
No glad my kids are grown and out of home...

Anyone who thinks their kids are bad - well get this 3 BROTHERS here 10, 12 and 14 charged with crimes related to their breaking and entering and then completely destroying a Headstart school. They threw not only paint and other solvents over the place but also left own bodily fluids such as feces and urine, totally destroying computers, games, floors, the whole building, probably over $100,000 damage. I thank my lucky stars I do not have to even think about putting up with that.


She has 2 wonderful kids whom she home schools

They are ages 13 (boy) and 10 (girl).  My sister died at age 27 of cancer and left a husband and 8 yo boy.  My sister was also 6 months pregnant when they found the cancer and she lost the little girl after going to MD Anderson and all the treatment, and my sister only lived 6 months.


There is such a concern here because of my having kidney cancer and given 6 months to live, but I have been in remission for 4 years now.


My sister had breast cancer, in remission for 5 years.


I am open to any help anyone has, be it good or bad.  Thanks.