It's STILL tough and not getting better - so how are we coping?

maryb

Don't get me started on D of E!!.. DD2 wanted to do it at school and we had an introductory evening just before the end of the summer term at which we were told we would have to commit there and then if she was going to order the packs in time for them to start in September and that would be £80. She was wild with excitement to do it even though I thought it was a waste of time but OK so we paid overa cheque for £80. We were told there would be some additional costs for the expedition plus, of course, equipment but that did not imply to me that the additional cost would be £250!! We only found that out in September. Not sure I would have said yes if I had known

I tend to think that these organised activities are a bit of a com anyway. Their school organises World Challenge where they have to raise £2000 each and then they go off to build schools in a third world country for 2 weeks. I'm definitely not letting her go on that. From what I've seen they all raise the money by conning friends and relations to buy stuff they don't need so that they get a small commission. Then when they do go, all the equipment and materials are ordered from suppliers in the UK, while they act as unpaid labour for the project - but all they do is displace local unskilled labour. It brings very little economic benefit to the local community compared with encouraging local enterprise but it's very profitable for the firms that organise and supply the expediations.

And I don't think it necessarily helps the kids all that much. They try and sell it to the parents that it will help them get into good universities because it shows they have well rounded personalities - but every other middle class kid has the same purchased/manufactured CV. I feel if they want to do some good in the world they can do it a lot more cheaply and a lot closer to home by working for a homeless charity. (But that would involve stepping outside the commercial bubble and there's no way for private companies to make money out of that)

Sorry for the rant

bluebag

maryb
They would have a better CV with a part time job that paid real money on it. Seems to do a lot for 'rounding' their personalities.

seasalt_2

Yes, the CV was mentioned here as well, although like you, I just thought "them and hundreds of others!" - bit meaningless really and I agree that it's a bit of a con and rather artificial. Think they have plenty of real life experience and opportunities that tick the same boxes without paying a fortune to do it. Sigh. Think we will have to have a family discussion! Had no idea that the application pack/record book would be as much as £80. I can feel a straight "no" coming on!

seasalt_2

Sorry bluebag, posts crossed. They both had summer jobs. DD has waitressing/washing up job on Saturdays and DS works with OH (over and above normal helping out) and OH pays him with a calf or lambs at next sale. DD gets price of any bottle fed lambs because she looks after them -we don't charge her for the powdered milk though! There is also a strong traditional music scene here and they are both involved in that. Not sure they'll have time for DofE as well, even without the cost of it.

flowertotmum

Wagglessmells and lindy lou..thanks for tips about poundland ..i'll watch what i'm buying..:D
ERM..can i ask what is D of E..never heard of it but it sounds expensive...:eek:
Sammykaye..gosh you got it tough..but you are brilliant and keeping on going when most folks would have quit by now...chin up darling it'll get better..:A
Well its been lovely here today..got all my washing dry for free..just got to iron it now:D..i dod a packed lunch for my dd as her school charges £1.50 a day..and they want it up front for the term and you don't get it back if they have time off..anyway she likes her ham sandwiches thankfully..her best friend harvey sits with her at lunch time so they eat together..i bake so she has lots in her lunch box..i put extra in for harvey too:)..he's lovely...got to go all..hubby making me a cuppa..wonder what he wants;)..
take care all..

flowertotmum

magicmum wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I am a long time lurker who has been reading threads from this forum for what feels like an age. So today I decided to register and post my very first post on here as you all seem like very friendly people.

I am mum to 3 dds who for the most part are great but at times can be a bit trying.

We had a very shakey start to this year as on Christmas eve last year oh was made redundant until July of this year when he managed to find employment. Things are still a bit tough for us though as we are paying off debts and oh is not in a great job.

well thats me.

going back to hide in the corner now .

hi magicmum...don't hide in the corner..the ladies on here are wonderful and have helped me already..i know what yo mean about dd's being trying:D..i have 5 of them:eek:..and 1 son ..got to love him the patience of a saint...don't hide away come and play:)
take care

mardatha

I wouldn't be pressured into letting mine join. No way. It's insidious blackmail and I dont like it.

bluebag

seasalt wrote: »

Sorry bluebag, posts crossed. They both had summer jobs. DD has waitressing/washing up job on Saturdays and DS works with OH (over and above normal helping out) and OH pays him with a calf or lambs at next sale. DD gets price of any bottle fed lambs because she looks after them -we don't charge her for the powdered milk though! There is also a strong traditional music scene here and they are both involved in that. Not sure they'll have time for DofE as well, even without the cost of it.

WOW! now that's stuff to be envious of, most kids don't ever see anything like like that.
I won't tell my two they would die of jealousy.

seasalt_2

It's Duke of Edinburgh Award, flowertot mum. Not around in my day, or at least, not at my school.

Bluebag, my kids are jealous of kids who have cinemas, swimming pools and primark on their doorsteps! I am jealous of people who can shop at Lidl!

bluebag

seasalt. Yes I suppose that's how it is, are rare situation that has it all. Still we are all doing the best we can for our families with what we have. That's the good thing.