Wow! What a great forum! I think as moms we are constantly searching for the best for our children. A lot of people associate better with money. Unfortunately it is impossible to compare public to private, because there are so many different types of private and public schools. I attended parochial schools from 1st to 12th grade. It was very much a "bubble", but I'd say it was a good experience in grammar school, not necessarily in high school though. My father had 8 children, six of whom were girls, so Catholic schools were the only option in his eyes. I will say that we went to the "lower income" catholic school, not the elite schools, so there was never any "holier than though" attitude from students. We were taught social justice and became one big family in grade school.
In high school I was envious of a few friends who left the Catholic school to attend charter high schools. There was so much more opportunity at some of the public high schools in the arts, drama, etc. I feel like I missed out on a lot due to lack of programs at my catholic high school.
My eldest son is attending his 4th year in public school in the fall. It is so close to home that we walk to school. It is very easy for me to be involved due to proximity.
The biggest thing to remember is that we as parents can enrich our children in so many ways. The money that we save on private schooling goes to college funds, music lessons, outside sports leagues, etc. etc.
I will say this though, when looking for schools, go backward. Pick the high school first, then find the path to get them there. Sounds odd but I've slowly discovered this in the past few years.
Good Luck!
This may sound funny. But, a tip I learned from my parents is to pack old clothes that you plan on donating or throwing away. The clothes should be old and close to being tattered, but still wearable. If you have any socks with simple holes in them, you can bring those, since they will be in your shoes anyway.
By the end of your trip, you could be shedding your old clothes and packing your suitcase with new stuff!
Easy: my first mountain bike. The start of a life-long passion. Hard to place a monetary value on all the experiences I've had, and connections I've made, through cycling.
I believe you covered it all and then some, it's hard to be optimistic right now. As someone who lost their job last year and can't find another one, except for every temp job I can get, it's hard to even know what to think anymore. All I can do is hope my glass is half full and hope it stays that way, but I'm worried really worried.
"but it bothers us to live like the way you do."
"Maybe you shouldn't question us."
"Sure, we can make the money"
"You may not get us, but we don't get you either"
Sounds pretty darn defensive to me
"Some of us actually realize that the more we buy, the more cluttered our house becomes..."
It is no more cluttered to garage a mercedes than it is a toyota
one picasso is easier to dust than all your refrigerator magnets
it is simply a matter of what life is worth rather than what it costs
My laptop (notebook) computer. I bought my first one five years ago, shortly before I had a job interview for a tech-related university teaching position. I got the job, and I've been thrilled with the ease with which I can take care of my classes from anywhere I can pick up a wi-fi signal on my computer.
My best purchase so far has been a little Presto timer for my kitchen (for ~$7 on Amazon). Not having burned bread or cookies is a huge plus in my book!
Wow! What a great forum! I think as moms we are constantly searching for the best for our children. A lot of people associate better with money. Unfortunately it is impossible to compare public to private, because there are so many different types of private and public schools. I attended parochial schools from 1st to 12th grade. It was very much a "bubble", but I'd say it was a good experience in grammar school, not necessarily in high school though. My father had 8 children, six of whom were girls, so Catholic schools were the only option in his eyes. I will say that we went to the "lower income" catholic school, not the elite schools, so there was never any "holier than though" attitude from students. We were taught social justice and became one big family in grade school.
In high school I was envious of a few friends who left the Catholic school to attend charter high schools. There was so much more opportunity at some of the public high schools in the arts, drama, etc. I feel like I missed out on a lot due to lack of programs at my catholic high school.
My eldest son is attending his 4th year in public school in the fall. It is so close to home that we walk to school. It is very easy for me to be involved due to proximity.
The biggest thing to remember is that we as parents can enrich our children in so many ways. The money that we save on private schooling goes to college funds, music lessons, outside sports leagues, etc. etc.
I will say this though, when looking for schools, go backward. Pick the high school first, then find the path to get them there. Sounds odd but I've slowly discovered this in the past few years.
Good Luck!
best purchase was a carseat for my son. Protected him in an accident!
Glow in the dark frisbee at Target. It cost 10 bucks and has brought my friends together on numerous occasions.
My alarm clock has gone the distance. I bought it at a flea market in 1990 for $.25. It has gotten me out of bed faithfully for 20 years.
This may sound funny. But, a tip I learned from my parents is to pack old clothes that you plan on donating or throwing away. The clothes should be old and close to being tattered, but still wearable. If you have any socks with simple holes in them, you can bring those, since they will be in your shoes anyway.
By the end of your trip, you could be shedding your old clothes and packing your suitcase with new stuff!
I'm not sure if this counts as a "purchase" but it would probably be my gym membership. Helps me get fit, destress, and bond with my bf!
I've got 2: my 1993 Acura Integra, it lasted 16 years;
my Caphalon non-stick, large sautee pan -- made many meals w/it
Easy: my first mountain bike. The start of a life-long passion. Hard to place a monetary value on all the experiences I've had, and connections I've made, through cycling.
I believe you covered it all and then some, it's hard to be optimistic right now. As someone who lost their job last year and can't find another one, except for every temp job I can get, it's hard to even know what to think anymore. All I can do is hope my glass is half full and hope it stays that way, but I'm worried really worried.
My DSLR b/c of it I was able 2do my daughters elem.yrbk&I got a glimpse inside her life I never w/have otherwise.
My Cannondale bike. I ride that thing everywhere I can and take it on the bus to get where I got to go. I've stayed fit because of it.
My first, and only, microwave oven. A "Goldstar" brand purchased at Kmart in 1985 - still going strong!!
The best thing I ever purchased was my beach cart. $50 well spent. No more lugging for me- all in the cart!
Does anyone know a soap that is not antibacterial?
I bought my ex-girlfriend a trip to the Cayman Islands because she was depressed about life. It took her out of the funk and back on track.
The best purchase I made was a panini maker. It's cheaper than eating out and it's fun to come up with new recipes!
The Engangement Ring
My glasses. Being able to see while driving = best purchase EVER.
"but it bothers us to live like the way you do."
"Maybe you shouldn't question us."
"Sure, we can make the money"
"You may not get us, but we don't get you either"
Sounds pretty darn defensive to me
"Some of us actually realize that the more we buy, the more cluttered our house becomes..."
It is no more cluttered to garage a mercedes than it is a toyota
one picasso is easier to dust than all your refrigerator magnets
it is simply a matter of what life is worth rather than what it costs
My laptop (notebook) computer. I bought my first one five years ago, shortly before I had a job interview for a tech-related university teaching position. I got the job, and I've been thrilled with the ease with which I can take care of my classes from anywhere I can pick up a wi-fi signal on my computer.
Instead of the Vera Wang wedding dress, I invested in a gift for my husband: every Star Wars toy from '77-'08
My best purchase so far has been a little Presto timer for my kitchen (for ~$7 on Amazon). Not having burned bread or cookies is a huge plus in my book!
95 Saturn. Drove it to Prom and still have it today..
a $10 touch activated lamp for my nightstand. It has three levels of brightness and I never have to fumble to find the switch.
We bought a small house when we were in grad school. Sold it 7 years later for a decent profit.