09.11.06
Back on track and “It takes a village to raise a child.”
Well, hopefully I will be back on track a bit now that school has started. I managed to get both of my at-homers into school this year. My youngest son, RC2 who was homeschooling for high school the past two years, has started at an alternative high school here in town. Grandsweetie has just started pre-school at our other alternative school. I will actually have time again to write, keep up with the house, practice music and try to get more gigs. I feel like a new woman. It’s amazing how seemingly little changes can alter your whole state of mind. I also have more work this year, so finances won’t feel as desperate. That’s a big factor in everyone’s state of mind. As hard as I try to “Be Here Now”, it’s hard not to worry when I’m not sure if I’ll have my rent at the end of the month. I’m pretty sure that won’t be an issue this year. I also will be paying less for tuition for two young people than I was paying for daycare for one. We really need to get together and try to figure out some solutions for daycare in this country. I am struggling to try to pursue my music and taking every job I can find in music while painting and doing light construction on the side, and was being driven to the poorhouse by daycare costs. I can make a pretty good income if I work enough hours and still struggle. I can’t even imagine what it must be like for someone who makes minimum wage and has to shoulder those costs. Where is our village that it takes to raise a child? I’d love to hear other people’s experiences. When RC2 was very young I had a community around who all had young ones. We had an informal childcare co-op and traded back and forth often. It was like a huge extended family. All the children practically lived at each other’s houses and are still very close. Unfortunately, I inherited Grandsweetie suddenly and haven’t yet been able to set that up again for us, but I’m working on it. Anyone have any ideas how we can change this?
Nina said,
November 16, 2006 at 1:29 am
I was imressed with the idea of this childcare co-op as I’ve never heard of something similar…I wish to know more about this