Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I did not insinuate - I stated that a child at that age should be at home, going to school. I don't have any children right now but when (and if) I do, they will not be schooled in the back of a van, not knowing when/where dinner is coming. I was also once a child and I can tell you, when I was 12 all I wanted to do is play with my friends, read books etc. Not run around living a homeless life.
Being that I was educated in another country I actually have something to compare this system to. You don't, so how would you know?
By the way, you are the one who stated that the school system produced mediocre people. So, the shot taking started with you...
OD
No, you really don't have anything to compare it to, lol. If you went to school there & have no kids in any school system, you have no idea. And not a leg to stand on in this particular discussion.....
There is a difference between homeschooling your child at HOME and putting them in a van to move around like a gypsy and trying to homeschool them at the same time.
In my opinion quality home schooling is likely to make your child better educated since you are giving your child FULL attention. There is no better teacher student ratio than 1:1. However, not many parents are capable of doing this intellectually nor are they capable of doing this financially or time-wise (they work jobs, commute etc. so no time).
Finally, it is ironic that you are deriding schools for producing mediocre people yet your kids are winning scholarships to go to a University . If they are so smart and special, they don't need no stinkin' mediocre paper degree to show how great they are.
Point 1: True enough but most homeschoolers I know are not of the belief system that just because they do it, everyone else should too. If they can and they can do a good job and they want to, then by all means--they should just make sure they do it for the right reasons. But, there are many ways to homeschool and most folks tend to settle into the pattern that works best for them. If they don't or can't, then what happens is that they end up sending the kids back to school and often behind the rest too.
Point 2: You're right, we don't need no stinkin' mediocre paper degree to show how great we are but unfortunately employers do. Also, much as I trust homeschooling for learning K-12 subjects, I will still go to a board certified specialist to get brain surgery should I ever be unfortunate enough to need it.
No, you really don't have anything to compare it to, lol. If you went to school there & have no kids in any school system, you have no idea. And not a leg to stand on in this particular discussion.....
It's enough to see the consequences of it every day, work with them, talk to them, drive alongside them, read them on these boards. Anything from not knowing your own language, to not knowing how to spell to not possessing any logical, analytical or critical thinking skills to being plain dumb and ignorant.
Or just reading the "lol"s and "lmao"s does it sometimes...
It's enough to see the consequences of it every day, work with them, talk to them, drive alongside them, read them on these boards. Anything from not knowing your own language, to not knowing how to spell to not possessing any logical, analytical or critical thinking skills to being plain dumb and ignorant.
Or just reading the "lol"s and "lmao"s does it sometimes...
OD
Your arrogance is showing, but nevertheless it doesn't matter. I'm not taking the bait
If you have not raised kids, or dealt with the educational system here, you have no basis for contributing to this discussion.
Back on topic, OP: do what you feel is best for you & your family.
If you desire to homeschool, while travelling - do it fearlessly.
Don't listen to the naysayers, they have no idea what they're talking about.
Google John Holt, if you need some guidance on homeschooling, and take it from there.....
Your arrogance is showing, but nevertheless it doesn't matter. I'm not taking the bait
If you have not raised kids, or dealt with the educational system here, you have no basis for contributing to this discussion.
Back on topic, OP: do what you feel is best for you & your family.
If you desire to homeschool, while travelling - do it fearlessly.
Don't listen to the naysayers, they have no idea what they're talking about.
Google John Holt, if you need some guidance on homeschooling, and take it from there.....
The only people that should quote Einstein are the people who have done something similar to him. For the rest of average people, classical or any other type of education is a necessary and important part of life as it will allow them to have a choice and be productive. Only a tiny fraction of the population was/is born with his talents and possibilities. It is misleading to say or think that just because he did what he did, the vast majority can too. Quite the contrary. It is just reality. Bill Gates dropped out of school and so did a gazillion of others. But Bill is the rare one among them who made it to billionaire. Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.
The OP came here and asked what to do and how to do it. By doing so, she opened the door to hear the "yes"s and the "no"s of the equation. She will obviously make up her mind but the fact remains that she could have done what she wanted without this discussion to begin with. So, your advice is reiterating the obvious ("do want you think is right").
Naysayers are an important part of any discussion since they point out what may or may not be obvious to ones who only think of the positive aspects of the spectrum of possibilities...
The only people that should quote Einstein are the people who have done something similar to him
Quote:
Originally Posted by ognend
. For the rest of average people, classical or any other type of education is a necessary and important part of life as it will allow them to have a choice and be productive. Only a tiny fraction of the population was/is born with his talents and possibilities. It is misleading to say or think that just because he did what he did, the vast majority can too. Quite the contrary. It is just reality. Bill Gates dropped out of school and so did a gazillion of others. But Bill is the rare one among them who made it to billionaire. Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.
The OP came here and asked what to do and how to do it. By doing so, she opened the door to hear the "yes"s and the "no"s of the equation. She will obviously make up her mind but the fact remains that she could have done what she wanted without this discussion to begin with. So, your advice is reiterating the obvious ("do want you think is right").
Naysayers are an important part of any discussion since they point out what may or may not be obvious to ones who only think of the positive aspects of the spectrum of possibilities...
OD
Wow. Is that all you got- now you're saying who should be allowed to quote Einstein??
And the the audacity to say Bill Gates is an example -- he's an overrated thug.
Wow. Is that all you got- now you're saying who should be allowed to quote Einstein??
And the the audacity to say Bill Gates is an example -- he's an overrated thug.
Eh? Bill Gates is the poster child for a college dropout who struck it rich. He is NOT the norm, he is an exception. But, according to your logic, everyone should drop out since it worked for him. Same as you proclaimed that the school system produces mediocre people but because your children were home schooled and got scholarships, everyone should give it a shot. That's what I meant when I said there are no logical thinking skills in the population. Are you sure you are not a product of the said school system yourself?
I am not the law so I am not there to say who should or should not do anything but my guess is (from what I am reading out of your emails, including the lmaos and the lols) that you maybe (big maybe) have a Bachelor's degree. You quoting Einstein who said that education is an impediment is, to say the least, entertaining
My whole point to the OP was that yes, there are people who do extraordinary things (like live out of a back of a van and home school a child while trying to be a seamstress to make a living in a foreign town where they don't know anyone). These extraordinary people have some shot of producing a normal, well adjusted kid with a future. But, these folks are the EXCEPTION, not the rule. All I am saying is, THINK TWICE before you set out to do what you are about to do. Doing it yourself is one thing. Bringing a minor into the adventure is completely different.
Then you come along and say you home schooled your two kids and they got a great future. Did you do it out of a back of a van while parked at Walmart in a strange town where you don't know anyone, all the while you were a $1000 car breakdown from going hungry? Did you struggle for food and water? Did you struggle to start a business to pay for your food and water while raising a child in the back of a van? Et cetera, et cetera.... I think YOU are the one who doesn't know what you are talking about.
Eh? Bill Gates is the poster child for a college dropout who struck it rich. He is NOT the norm, he is an exception. But, according to your logic, everyone should drop out since it worked for him. Same as you proclaimed that the school system produces mediocre people but because your children were home schooled and got scholarships, everyone should give it a shot. That's what I meant when I said there are no logical thinking skills in the population. Are you sure you are not a product of the said school system yourself?
I am not the law so I am not there to say who should or should not do anything but my guess is (from what I am reading out of your emails, including the lmaos and the lols) that you maybe (big maybe) have a Bachelor's degree. You quoting Einstein who said that education is an impediment is, to say the least, entertaining
My whole point to the OP was that yes, there are people who do extraordinary things (like live out of a back of a van and home school a child while trying to be a seamstress to make a living in a foreign town where they don't know anyone). These extraordinary people have some shot of producing a normal, well adjusted kid with a future. But, these folks are the EXCEPTION, not the rule. All I am saying is, THINK TWICE before you set out to do what you are about to do. Doing it yourself is one thing. Bringing a minor into the adventure is completely different.
Then you come along and say you home schooled your two kids and they got a great future. Did you do it out of a back of a van while parked at Walmart in a strange town where you don't know anyone, all the while you were a $1000 car breakdown from going hungry? Did you struggle for food and water? Did you struggle to start a business to pay for your food and water while raising a child in the back of a van? Et cetera, et cetera.... I think YOU are the one who doesn't know what you are talking about.
OD
Your attention span isn't up to where it should be. I never said how many kids I have.
Anyhow, I don't have the desire or time to bicker with you.
I'm sure you'll find more topics that you have no expertise in to interrupt.
Kara, You still out there needing some help & info? First I have to say the person above who answered someone by 'Paranoid much?' cracked me up. There are many many people living in a van by choice and love their life. I know a lot of people that are very into this lifestyle, good people from all walks of life.I am one of them. If you want more info check out my site Home/Welcome I have my blog there or email me at brenda@yourbestyou.ws All the very very best to you Kara. I just finished writing this for ezinearticles.com and I googled my title and that is how I saw your post here. following is an article I wrote with 7 reasons why I love my lifestyle. Blessings for Your Journeys, Brenda
7 Reasons to Why I Love my Life as an Adventuring VanDweller
1. I get to see, experience and explore many new and wonderful places that are making up memories that will last a lifetime! Super HUGE perk in my opinion! That to me = freedom! Yes indeed, I Love my Life as an Adventuring VanDweller!
2. The way I live costs far less than renting a home or apartment and paying for all the related costs (electric, cable, etc.) in a fixed place. When times are tough that can mean literally living from week to week, payday to payday, just trying to keep bills paid. Whereas, as a vandweller, in hard times I can get by on far less, and in good times I can use the surplus in monies to be able to travel and explore + invest in others as I am able and feel led, and finally, save a bit for emergencies. That to me also = freedom! And again, yes indeed, I Love my Life as an Adventuring VanDweller!
3. If I am not happy with my surroundings whether it be the area I am in, or difficult people or bad weather or whatever... I can go elsewhere!
4. I am learning to be content in whatever state I am in. Which is a verse in the Bible by the way: "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." ~1 Thessalonians 5:18 <
5. I have been able to break addictions of TV and filling up space with noise and activity and have learned to find peace, comfort, enrichment and even often times hearing God’s direction in the silence and quietness. I didn’t originally think they were addictions, but found out along the way that they were! I love being free of them! How often do you hear people say, "I’m bored.” We have become a society of people that either want to be entertained or at least fill our time and space with something! Trust me… it is a journey in itself to go from a life of activity and noise that constantly moves you along day by day, to having time, space and quietness to actually hear the world around you and just think, meditate and reflect. At first you truly have to learn what to do with it! I have found that building a relationship with God and continuing to learn about myself, has been a sometimes startling and sometimes awesome, but always an important and enriching journey that I am grateful to be on.
6. I personally like living out of the traditional societal ‘box’ (must have a stick and brick home to be a valid and beneficial part of society type thinking) that has been dictated by who knows who in our society. Of course there is nothing wrong with living in a fixed home. I did for most of my life and most likely will do so again one day (cob or earth sheltered home maybe… but the problem in my opinion is that many have come to accept that unless one lives according to the accepted societal norms then they don’t count, or fit in properly. I just don’t buy in to that type of thinking at all! This lifestyle is certainly not for everyone and it doesn’t need to be. But looking at people through a lens of where they live or what kind of abode they live in… it's all a matter of perspective as I see it. I think it is incredibly cool when people live in a van or RV or boat or earth sheltered or underground home, etc etc… What ever happened to valuing each others' uniquenesses? You don’t have to be like me or even understand my choices, for me to value yours.
7. I think the lessons I am learning in living simply and with less ‘stuff’ is invaluable. I love it that I get so much enjoyment out of simple things. (A beautiful view, a photo memory captured, the smell of freshly laundered clothes and linens…) It doesn’t take a lot to make me truly happy. And when I am especially blessed… wow… it is awesomeness! I further think that anyone and everyone would benefit by learning to live without all the bells and whistles of life we have come to expect. We live in uncertain times (Via the world’s dictates, the economy and such, but not via GOD – HE is steadfast and sure. But what if something happened that you no longer had your home to live in? What would you do??? Sadly most people would be very lost, maybe even panicked at even the thought. I know I could make it through whatever comes my way. My current journey challenge is my health and fitness, and I am actively pursuing what it takes to improve that segment of myself. But learning to live as I have and learning so many other things as a result… about myself, about others, and about my own and others' perspectives… so many life lessons have come from this life of vandwelling and I am so very grateful for it all... the good, the bad and even the ugly! (Though I pray for lots of the good!!! There are more reasons, but these seven are key for me as to why I Love my Life as an Adventuring VanDweller so much!
Kara, You still out there needing some help & info? First I have to say the person above who answered someone by 'Paranoid much?' cracked me up. There are many many people living in a van by choice and love their life. I know a lot of people that are very into this lifestyle, good people from all walks of life.I am one of them. If you want more info check out my site Home/Welcome I have my blog there or email me at brenda@yourbestyou.ws All the very very best to you Kara. I just finished writing this for ezinearticles.com and I googled my title and that is how I saw your post here. following is an article I wrote with 7 reasons why I love my lifestyle. Blessings for Your Journeys, Brenda
7 Reasons to Why I Love my Life as an Adventuring VanDweller
1. I get to see, experience and explore many new and wonderful places that are making up memories that will last a lifetime! Super HUGE perk in my opinion! That to me = freedom! Yes indeed, I Love my Life as an Adventuring VanDweller!
2. The way I live costs far less than renting a home or apartment and paying for all the related costs (electric, cable, etc.) in a fixed place. When times are tough that can mean literally living from week to week, payday to payday, just trying to keep bills paid. Whereas, as a vandweller, in hard times I can get by on far less, and in good times I can use the surplus in monies to be able to travel and explore + invest in others as I am able and feel led, and finally, save a bit for emergencies. That to me also = freedom! And again, yes indeed, I Love my Life as an Adventuring VanDweller!
3. If I am not happy with my surroundings whether it be the area I am in, or difficult people or bad weather or whatever... I can go elsewhere!
4. I am learning to be content in whatever state I am in. Which is a verse in the Bible by the way: "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." ~1 Thessalonians 5:18 <
5. I have been able to break addictions of TV and filling up space with noise and activity and have learned to find peace, comfort, enrichment and even often times hearing God’s direction in the silence and quietness. I didn’t originally think they were addictions, but found out along the way that they were! I love being free of them! How often do you hear people say, "I’m bored.” We have become a society of people that either want to be entertained or at least fill our time and space with something! Trust me… it is a journey in itself to go from a life of activity and noise that constantly moves you along day by day, to having time, space and quietness to actually hear the world around you and just think, meditate and reflect. At first you truly have to learn what to do with it! I have found that building a relationship with God and continuing to learn about myself, has been a sometimes startling and sometimes awesome, but always an important and enriching journey that I am grateful to be on.
6. I personally like living out of the traditional societal ‘box’ (must have a stick and brick home to be a valid and beneficial part of society type thinking) that has been dictated by who knows who in our society. Of course there is nothing wrong with living in a fixed home. I did for most of my life and most likely will do so again one day (cob or earth sheltered home maybe… but the problem in my opinion is that many have come to accept that unless one lives according to the accepted societal norms then they don’t count, or fit in properly. I just don’t buy in to that type of thinking at all! This lifestyle is certainly not for everyone and it doesn’t need to be. But looking at people through a lens of where they live or what kind of abode they live in… it's all a matter of perspective as I see it. I think it is incredibly cool when people live in a van or RV or boat or earth sheltered or underground home, etc etc… What ever happened to valuing each others' uniquenesses? You don’t have to be like me or even understand my choices, for me to value yours.
7. I think the lessons I am learning in living simply and with less ‘stuff’ is invaluable. I love it that I get so much enjoyment out of simple things. (A beautiful view, a photo memory captured, the smell of freshly laundered clothes and linens…) It doesn’t take a lot to make me truly happy. And when I am especially blessed… wow… it is awesomeness! I further think that anyone and everyone would benefit by learning to live without all the bells and whistles of life we have come to expect. We live in uncertain times (Via the world’s dictates, the economy and such, but not via GOD – HE is steadfast and sure. But what if something happened that you no longer had your home to live in? What would you do??? Sadly most people would be very lost, maybe even panicked at even the thought. I know I could make it through whatever comes my way. My current journey challenge is my health and fitness, and I am actively pursuing what it takes to improve that segment of myself. But learning to live as I have and learning so many other things as a result… about myself, about others, and about my own and others' perspectives… so many life lessons have come from this life of vandwelling and I am so very grateful for it all... the good, the bad and even the ugly! (Though I pray for lots of the good!!! There are more reasons, but these seven are key for me as to why I Love my Life as an Adventuring VanDweller so much!
Brenda, nice post. However, if you had read the thread you will notice that the OP has a desire to "develop a sewing business from the back of the van". In addition she has two kids, one that is 15 whom she will leave with family and one that is 12 that she wants to take with her.
From your blog:
" At 51, I am at a place in my life that only my monthly living bills need to be paid consistently. Thankfully, I have paid off my debt and am only responsible for myself now with my only child being a grown man on his own."
How big is your savings account?
This is exactly what everyone has been telling the OP - pay off debt, have a solid savings account and yes - going around in a van will/may be fun. But trying to jumpstart a business from the back of a van while trying to take care of a 12-yr old?
OD
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
. If they are so smart and special, they don't need no stinkin' mediocre paper degree to show how great they are.
I'm not taking the bait 
