Life in NM with kids... (Santa Fe, Alamogordo: crime rate, homes, neighborhood)

[RamblinRoseRanch]

Chilegal has been most complimentary about the fair and 4H in Alamo.

I'd really like my kids to get into things that they enjoy. My oldest is VERY introverted, although she's come out of her shell a bit. My middle child is very intelligent and a bit cautious, while our younger never meets a stranger. Wonder who she got THAT from?!?!?

Of course, I think the kids lead too sedentary a life here, although I suspect given the chance they'd do that anywhere.

My question is, those of you with kids... what do your kids DO where you are and what are the things you like/dislike about your area. Any clubs/organizations that stick out in your mind?

Thanks!

[Pintada Kid]

Im single now but i was Married 20 years and been Divorced 15 years now and my kids are in their 20s now and on their own but the Center of N.M. is a Great Place to Raise kids in the Smaller Schools and away from the High Crime rate of the Bigger Cities. The East Mountain area is my Favorite if you like the Country type of life with lots of Friendly people and lots of Activities in the Spring, Summer and Fall and they get lots of Snow and cold temps in the winter but Summers Rarely get to 100 degrees nights can get in the 40s in the Summer. Also Living in the Center of N.M. gives you Access to most of the Land of Enchantment. Newspapers from that area are the East Mountain Telegraph and the Independent. The Southern Part of N.M. The Great American Desert is tooooo Hot for me but the people are nice in that area also and im still trying to Go to a Rattlesnake Roundup in Alamogordo and find some Rattlesnake Fat for Arthritis and some Bear Fat to Predict the weather. pintada kid at webtv.net

[RamblinRoseRanch]

Thanks,
I've been reading the Telegraph online... whoever had the idea to make local papers available via the net REALLY had it goin' on! ;-)

[lisdol]

We live in the E Mtns and my oldest is in cub scouts. They do a lot. Last weekend we had a campout/graduation, with plenty of free time to explore plus instructional time in whittling (they made walking sticks and sling shots), map and compass and knot tying. This week they are doing a day camp in the E. Mtns with sports, BB, archery, cooking (so far only cold stuff), etc...Yesterday they had a fencing demonstration during lunch.

East Mountain Soccer is popular around here. It is the least expensive organized sport I have seen so far here. 3 kids played 8 wks of soccer this spring for $135 (this included shorts, jersey, and socks). Fall soccer is more popular and run by the same organization.

We can take family walks or bike rides around our neighborhood, and, because it is dirt/gravel roads, and not that populated (compared to city and suburbs) we don't fear for our lives from a speeding car. Out here, though, you would need to choose your neighborhood carefully for that - we have a lot of small streets clustered together in a subdivision that works well for that. Not every road is good for letting your kids out on their bikes. 344 also has a trail along the side for pedestrians, bikes, horses.....

Last winter my oldest did the KOAT kids learn to ski program (a really good deal on lift ticket and lesson combo) at Sandia Peak.

There are also various hiking trails and campgrounds on the road to the Crest and down S14 (337). Just be aware of animals, time of day you choose to take a stroll, etc...

We moved from the swamplands of GA and the only downside is the wind. Other than that, the kids have lots to do out here.

[Dancingearth]

When we moved here my son was 12. We began doing fur trade re-enactments and it was a wonderful experience for both of us. He learned so many things by doing them--just a few were leadership, skills history, and how to handle himself in the wilderness. This week is the Raton Rendezvous--the first one we went to in 1996. It's open to the public--come on up and check it out.

Santa Fe Trail Rendezvous Association - 2007 Rendezvous

[NMRoadRunner]

We're going to homeschool once we move but we are also getting involved with our local congregation, so that will help.

[Dancingearth]

Originally Posted by NMRoadRunner

We're going to homeschool once we move but we are also getting involved with our local congregation, so that will help.

I've met many homeschoolers at El Rancho de las Golondrinas. El Rancho de las Golondrinas - a Spanish Colonial Living History Museum in Santa Fe The children get involved in living history. Two kids were volunteering on Sunday showing visitors how to card and spin wool. They were ten and twelve. Another woman brings her children who hated history before starting to volunteer. Sunday they were learning how to flintknap. One was teaching me how to use a drop spindle. They are learning so many skills beyond how to spin or flintknap or the history of the place--they are also learning how to share and communicate knowledge to others, learning leadership skills, and I'm sure other things too.

[NMRoadRunner]

Cool! Thanks for the tip!

[GregW]

I think I would have loved being a kid in New Mexico. I, after the endless chores were done, did a lot of things in the woods in upstate New York.

Maybe that is way I want to retire to NM. Just to be a kid again in a place with lots of open space and things to go and see. I would have to learn an entirely new set of skills to explore (ok - prospect) in the desert. I am looking forward to it.

[RamblinRoseRanch]

Thanks for the comments, there just seems so much to DO there. I think this is definately a place where homeschooling could be lots of fun.