Hello, especially to those who have been most helpful in the past.
My new question is to seek ideas on what might be the 5 or 10 most important things kids should learn whilst on the road with their "Grumps" for 5-10 days. three kids, 7 & 9 boys, 10 year old girl, all well adjusted and good academically.
My first thoughts were how to navigate using the stars / sun, how to light a camp fire / basic cooking, just for starters.
I really look forward to your suggestions. We start on the road next Monday, 12th August 2013.
I like your thoughts about navigating, Keiron... most kids never know which way is north and its essential for map reading
As for star recognition, that brings back many childhood memories of star-gazing on summer nights when it was too hot inside the house, learning how to find the Southern Cross etc. Sounds like they are gonna have a lot of fun!
Some of Australia's history would also be fantastic as not much is learnt in schools these days. Depending on where you are going a place like Lightening Ridge would be a great part of history. Or the history of rail looking at railway stations in small town that are not used anymore.
Little country towns that used to have mining always have plenty to look at.
I agree with Wombat 280 - explore the grandkids and let them explore their grandparents. Leave the academic side to the school and just let what happens happen. You are all guaranteed a lot of laughs.
I agree with the hairy wombat.
In 40 years when you are not here, they will remember your warmth, that you were there for them, and the adventure of it all.............. not the history lessons.
In 40 years when you are not here, what do you want then to tell their grandchildren about you?
One thing you can be sure of is it will be an educational experience for everybody. You will learn all about how things are done back home with out quizzing them.
Here are a few things we did and it worked out well .
Disconnect the aerial lead to the TV and tell them the TV is faulty and you will have it seen to when you get home.
Have them set the table for evening meal,there will be a lot of showing how to eat with a knife and fork and good manners at the table.
General knowledge question time,everybody helping with a crossword.
Good luck you are going to enjoy it as much as the kids.
Allen
Chill out and enjoy the time with them they may teach you something they are reaching an age where they know it all ( so they think)
I agree with Wombat 280, just the fact that you have time to spend with them and choose to do so will stay with them throughout their lives. I've noticed that my granddaughter learns quickest when no-one is really focussed on "learning".
And then when they are teenagers you can sell them, they're worth more while they still know everything
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Cheers, Marianna.
The more I learn about people, the more I like my dogs (Mark Twain)
They will learn much much more than if they went to school just by being with their Grandparents and travelling around in this fabulous country and stopping in country or coastal towns and taking time to smell the flowers, Enjoy each others company
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Life was meant to be enjoyed Australia was meant to be explored
Happily doing both to the Max.
Life is like a camera, focus on what's important & you will capture it every Time