Parenting for Success

[Bravus]

http://www.bravus.com/blog/?p=1293

Edit: here's a much better version: http://bit.ly/9s0V4

[Outta Here]

Bravus, are there free public universities in Australia?

Our story, "Spend Now, Save Later", reads a bit differently. Lots of the same principles, but a different tactic on the private versus public schooling.

We chose homeschooling and private schooling as our options. Homeschool through elementary years, private school in the secondary years. For us, this means spending $32,000-$42,000 per child before sending them to the university. But, because of the money well spent on their pre-university studies, we are hoping for some significant scholarship opportunities for them both. Our eldest has already been offered a scholarship for full-tuition and room and board at one of the universities she's considering; and a number of automatic merit-based scholarships at other universities as well. So, spend $74,000 now, save $128,000-$400,000 later.

[Bravus]

Universities in Australia were free when I went there, but now cost about $5000 per year, but loan schemes mean that can be delayed. We're going to pay for our girls but can't just yet, so Cassie has loans.

As I said at the start - I really have no problem at all with public schools. I've actually re-written those points for 'parenting for success' without adding the private/public question and will post that in the morning...

[Bravus]

Hope the scholarships continue to come through, that's excellent.

[Outta Here]

Any chance you might want to "house" a male student through 4 years of college (in case our second child doesn't pull those grades like his sister did)?

Anyway--I really liked the bulk of your blog. You've made some excellent suggestions--ALL parents of children still in their school years would do well to take your advice.

:)

[Bravus]

Here's a much better version that focuses more tightly on the issues:

http://bit.ly/9s0V4

I've spammed a bunch of people with it by email, hoping it will become a bit of a chain letter and spread to as many people as possible. Please feel free - in fact, please feel compelled, if you agree - to share it with as many parents and potential parents as you can.

[Gail]

GREAT information there, Bravus! I especially like the one about science, and learning how to resource information. As homeschoolers that was essential for us.

Ditto on the reading!

One thing I can add to the math, though. Teach them how to count money and make change. In doing this they will quickly grasp the concept of the metric system, fractions and decimals.

The homework part, well, with homeschooling our work was homework! But as far as helping them with assignments, I didn't need to. One bonus homeschoolers have, and that is time to think about things they don't grasp in the first day. When it came time for the kids to go to school, they just knew how to figure things out. They were much more advantaged than the kids whom the teachers simply gave the answers to when they couldn't solve the problem! Believe me, this shocked my eldest when he first entered a school!

I love the part about speeches! I wish I would have thought of that when my kids were small! Way to go on that one!!

[lazarus]

Hey Bravus

Thanks for that post on parenting. We now have three sons. One 9, 4 an 5 months. For me this is the most exiting time in my life. I love my family. It's weired, reading your post almost (I repeat almost, don't want you thinking I'm a woos) bought tears to my eyes because I so much want us to give them the best environment and the best start in life. Some of the things you said we are already doing. Other things we need to do but it was very inspiring and encouraging thank you.

[Gail]

I'd love to add one more bonus to following this plan:

When people see that your kids are "with it" as far as getting along in the world, they will offer them employment! My kids were offered jobs from the time they were about 13. When we hire our summer staff you would not believe how many applicants do not know how to count change. Employers value youth who are practical and knowledgeable.