Unschooling

My DS wants to do and learn just about everything he comes into contact with and I am trying my best to oblige, but since I am a sahm; we only have one income.

DS loves to read and we read all sorts of books and he likes to play on the computer and play outside and loads of other things. I feel like I am selling him short by not being able to 'do' the things he wants to when he wants b/c of money/transportation issues (we only have 1 car)

How do you cope with money issues?

Thanks so much in advance. I love that this board is here, and that I can come for advice and other's experiences. :)

Lots of ways to get your hands on stuff - tag sales, ebay, trading with other homeschoolers, making an ongoing 'wish list', adding things to holiday/birthday 'suggestions'. For DS, just knowing it is written down on The List is often enough for him, he doesn't have to get it right away as long as he knows it's being taken seriously and it will come up again when there is money available. Things like museum memberships make great gifts from distant relatives.

Also, consider in your budgeting how much you'd be spending on school-related expenses (new backpack every year, paper, pens, crayons, kleenex, etc - take a look at the 'supplies lists' at Staples and similar places toward the end of August) and set that much aside each year (or divide up monthly or however you want to allocate it) for getting and doing.

Is there any chance that maybe one day per week, you drive your partner to work and keep the car? Does your partner work in a town/city area where you can spend the day (carpool into town in the morning and spend the day window shopping, playing at parks, visit the library, etc)? Is there a hs support group anywhere near you? Get to know those folks - you might be able to work out rides to park days or whatever. Is there a used book store where you can trade in stuff you've read and don't intend to re-read (or that has been outgrown in the case of early reader books and such)? That's a great way to get new-to-you stuff really inexpensively because you get credits for what you sell back to them toward some new stuff.

It's not about getting him everything he wants right NOW, it's about taking what he wants seriously and working on ways to meet that perceived need.

--Deb

WOW, Deb~! Thanks for all of those great suggestions~! I do take DH to work occasionally, and the library is 4 blocks from our house and the park is across the street, so we just walk there when we want to go.

I love the idea of a 'wish list' and the idea of allocating money in advance. I didn't even thing about putting anything in the budget for it.

I did find a hs'ing group here near us, but they are the religious type. I am kind of afraid to go over there, as I really don't want to be told how to raise my children in a 'godly' way. (I am a christian, I just don't agree with most church's doctrines)

Thanks again for all of your great suggestions~! You are a peach. :)

I understand but maybe you can 'happen' to be nearby when they have a park day or something ... then, if you happen to see a mom (or dad) who seems less uh "formal" (?) or whatever or your kids strike up an impromptu friendship with someone, you can take it from there - not a formal association with "The Group" but just one mom with kids getting acquainted with another mom with kids. KWIM?

--Deb

Hi! Those were some GREAT suggestions from Deb, weren't they? I know your question was general, but I was wondering what specific things is your DS into that you feel would require $$. That's great that you're so close to the library!! Our library here is the link to all sorts of resources I had only dreamed of...sadly they were in a temporary facility very close to us (not quite walking distance, but a very easy drive) and just recently they built a (hugs, beautiful) permanent one that's further from us and more out of the way! So now I'm located almost exactly halfway between 2 big, nice libraries but not real close to either.

But I digress! My question was about specifics because while informally 'consulting' with homeschooling families I have been able to find some interesting, creative and unlikely sources of not just "stuff" but "experiences" to aid in learning pursuits. Knowing the local community of course helps too, but if you tell us more about your particular child's interests maybe by telling you what I would do in my local area you can find something similar where you are?