skiing trip

[Soulgrowth]

That's it! But who sang it! [;)]

Debbie

[MelanieGiles]

Fiddler's Dram

[Soulgrowth]

I am truly impressed Melanie!! [:)]

Debbie

[mish1953]

I used to dream of a trip on the bus when I were a lad [:D]



Older person -- Mish

[chris.g]

It's really nice that your parents have offered to pay half the costs, your lucky to have them. Ebay is a good idea, it's surprising what people will buy but remember the listing fee's etc. Maybe use your local paper, some have free listings under a certain amount, or even the 'yellow' ad mags that's around, I think they're free to list.
My 11yr son asked about a school trip, weekend away at some camp, stating 'it's only £90', I didn't think this was bad at all until he slipped in that that was the deposit and the rest, £160, could be paid weekly. It's hard for them to understand but they do and I think it's a good lesson for them, hopefully they'll not make the same mistakes, maybe that's the silver lining.......

[rachellxx39]

My daughter came home tonight and she wants to go on a adventure holiday with school £110 for four days . So ive paid deposit of £10 and ill pay £10 per week ,got until june to get together all the money .

[emma_t]

I am a single person in an iva and think that will be hard enough to manage. But for all you parents it must be 10 times harder with all the things children need/presure you for!!

I was never denied anything as a child and had everything money could buy and got everything I asked for (the stereotypical spoilt child I suppose[:(]), I never understood the value of money and that may have something to do with my problems now!! It did not make me a happy child as I was a bullied at school for being a 'rich b*tch' and I was isolated as lived in the countryside miles away from anyone. My parents were self employed and so busy that I think they compensated for their lack of available time with material things.
Not blamming my parents at all as they are fantastic and I love them both to bits, but I think children need to know the value of money, the cost of living and how hard people work to earn money as it is a valuble lesson for future life. I think they are under so much peer presure to conform and have the latest everything it makes me sad that you are judged on material posesions.
I know we don't live in an ideal world, far from it, but I wish less emphasis was placed on what you have.

School trips in my day used to be educational and have some relation to what you were studying at the time....times are changing[:I]

I think maybe some money should be allowed in contingency funds for parents for school trips and such things as the children should not suffer. Glad your parents are in a position to help out cat and I hope you enjoy family sun holiday also
E x

[cat 1]

thanks for your comments, even the area's of clear disaproval gratefully recieved.However, I feel some comments have to be clarified.
He does/will know the value of money as far as a 14 year old is able.My initial instinct was to say no with explanation, which he accepted immediately.He is aware that going has become an option now as nana and possibly uncle will chip in.He is very aware that it will mean very reduced pocket money for the next 12 months whilst we pay for it.He is checking that enough friends are going before he commits.Apparently it's very over subscibed. Education is important and I do believe that the social element of it is crucial to our understanding of the world and interactions with others.Therefore, I do believe there is more education in a social situation than there is in a tutorial sometimes.As for a teacher being given a free trip.I can't imagine giving up a week of my annual leave and spending every moment of it on duty with my professional hat on constantly.Plus having the responsiblity for 80-100 precious cargo .Alas, my opinion!

[emma_t]

hi cat

i hope I did not offend you with any of my post if I did I am sorry[:)]
As I said before being a parent, which I am not, is the hardest job and in an iva it is that much tougher. I hope he has a great trip and was not making any judgements with my post whatsoever[:D]

[chris.g]

cat1, your son sounds like a very mature, level headed lad... well done. The fact that his pocket money will be reduced is a great lesson I think, self sacrifice is a very good way of learning. I agree that social interacting is an education, but feel that sometimes these school trips can create a lot of peer pressure on kids to go and on parents to find the money....

Well done emma for being so honest and understanding of your situation, I do think that for some, money is a comfort thing, replacing something that is missing, I know it was for me when I lost my lovely mam.....

[cat 1]

emma..no offence taken at all.Cat

[Soulgrowth]

Funny old world isn't it ... I work almost seven days a week ... mostly fourteen hours a day, in an emotionally demanding vocation ... It's been about four years since I had a holiday ... I've just booked to go away for a last minute really cheapie coach trip to the Dutch bulbfields (on my own ... sad) over the four day Easter holiday ... the £200 paid for from my 'contigency fund' ... some of these kids today are VERY lucky [:(]

Debbie

[emma_t]

not sad at all Debbie - I hope you have a lovely time[:)]

I had a great holiday a few years back in the Lake District, just me and my dog in isolation for a week. It was pure bliss, long country walks in the cold weather as it was winter and nights in front f the log fire.

I did not want to go alone but had to as my mum was due to come but couldn't at the last minute. I thought I would be lonely but I really enjoyed myself

Have fun
Emma x

[Soulgrowth]

It's nice to do your own thing isn't it Emma [:)]

Debbie

[emma_t]

It's great Debbie, you can please yourself and do what you want instead of worrying about someone else[:)]