Children and "home school"

[twentyhigh]

Does anyone here take their children with them OTR? We are considering this move but wonder how well "home schooling" would work in this environment. I have heard that most home school groups require monthly or quarterly "social" meetings. How do you get around that?

 

[leezaback]

my children are grown. If me- I would first and foremost decide what is best for the children, not what I want. I do know there are guidelines that have to be met, then I would ask myself if I was really qualified to teach -and being in a work enviroment-would you be able to give the time and quality needed the children deserve.
next-if you work for a company-will the co. and insurance allow passengers. yes, all children need the socialization of their pears. being cooped up in a truck is not fun. with the decision facing you -sacrifices will made. What they will be, only you can answer.

 

[MissKat]

A couple of thoughts. Our company allows one rider over 18. Next, some shippers and receivers would prohibit them from getting out of the rig, so no bathroom for sometimes hours. There are dangers in rest areas with homeless folks now. They will be subjected to the ugliness of people and attitudes. Showering will be tricky as the average truckstop has about six available and lines. You will be distracted from the job at hand because your children's best interests should be first. The truck is not built for many folks and much gear. One accident could wipe out the entire group.

 

[donaddemt]

Our youngest son (13) goes with us. We were already set up and experienced with home school so this was an easier choice for us. But you must do what is best for the kids first!!
Our son has been doing his home schooling online and wife is very strict about it.
As for showers we have had no problems at all. We get a team shower, my wife and I use 1 and he uses the other and waits in the lounge til we come out.
He has been treated very well by the other truckers and made some good friends at some of the stops. They treat him like their kid brother!!
Now that being said... He is a street wise young man and understands the dangers!! He doesnt go outside unless we know right where he is and he is insight, he would never go " see my cool rig" or "help me get something from my truck" or " help me find my lost doggie"!!!!! And he will make a heck of ruckus if need be!!!
This world of ours is changing and we have to change with it. What was once a MANS job is now a Womans job as well and families are becoming more common too. Its harder and harder to support a family these days and you have to do what you can!!
Make an informed decision and do what is best for your family!! And dont worry about what everyone else thinks about it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[twentyhigh]

I admit, I hadn't really thought about the safety issues. My son isn't very active, but I am sure being stuck in a truck would get old. I do know that being a. "teacher" is not in our blood, so how do you home school online?

I would be really scared to leave my son in the lobby waiting for us to finish showering. Maybe we should rethink........

 

[greg334]

After two experiences with drivers and children, there should be a law not to allow them in a truck.

 

[layoutshooter]

I cannot imagine cooping up a kid in a truck for months on end. No were to play, no friends. Almost seems like child abuse to me.

Kids need space to run.

 

[UncleTed]

The entire concept seems extreme to me. What about natural social interaction with same age children? There is a reason a certain amount of meetings are required with home school programs. As for myself I would never have exposed my kids to what I see out here for any amount of time unless it was absolutely necessary. It isn't. I foresee serious socially dysfunctional adults evolving from what you are describing. Just my 2 cents.

 

[donaddemt]

I will say. I dont think I would do this with a preteen aged child. And maturity level of the individual would have to be taken into account as well. But our son has enjoyed thew time on the roads a lot and has gotten to see things in this country many children or families these days simply cant afford to go see anymore.
When I was a kid, my family traveled every summer in our motorhome and saw the country. Now days folks cant afford to this type of thing like back than. So it has been a good opportunity for him too. And we were also in a very desperate financial state too. And this is helping us to start over and make a living for our family!!
But as said... its definitely not for everyone!! And should be given a lot of thought first!!

 

[davekc]

Desperate people do desperate things. I don't think I could fault someone who is trying to get ahead in turbulent times.
But only as a last resort.
I wouldn't recommend this at all if other options are available.
And no, this isn't at all like taking kids on a RV trip. A RV trip is done under a much more controlled environment and far shorter durations of time.

 

[highway star]

I do know that being a. "teacher" is not in our blood, so how do you home school online?

I think that's very key. I've never been a big fan of the idea of home schooling, and that's why. I can't imagine interaction with a computer being as good as a class room. Also, it's one thing for a kid to enjoy an occasional ride or vacation for a week or two, then there's the reality of the day in, day out grind of it.

 

[Rocketman]

I think Dave's got it right. Definitely not the best choice, but in hard times it might be the only choice for some.

Seems like it would take a special mindset to do it (for the right reasons) and do a good job of it.

 

[cheri1122]

I cannot imagine cooping up a kid in a truck for months on end. No were to play, no friends. Almost seems like child abuse to me.

Kids need space to run.

Welcome to the 21st century, where kids can get all the exercise they need without ever going outside, and not only is it not abuse, it's actually fun.
Socialization, now that's a whole 'nother story, and I think DaveKC & Leeza said it best: kids need to be around other kids - at least often enough to develop the usual social 'graces', and I don't know if electronic communication would cover it.
But I've read of kids in remote places [Alaska?] who manage, so it's possible.

 

[twentyhigh]

It is alot to think about. My husband drives already and the company promised that we would be home every weekend. But when it comes to making money, I am afraid they will keep us longer. My gut tells me not to do it.

Thanks for all the great thoughts!

 

[Turtle]

I've met donaddemt and his son. Mid-teens, well grounded, good kid. Last resort? Possibly, but it's one that gives this family an opportunity for a fresh start out of a bad situation. There's certainly no guarantee they'll succeed in expediting, as we all know, but if they can, they'll come out just fine. The kid will see more than just the sites. He'll get to experience a family pulling together in tough times until they can get back on their feet. I do feel pretty good about their chances.

 

[AMonger]

After two experiences with drivers and children, there should be a law not to allow them in a truck.

"There should be a law!" Greg, you never disappoint. I hope you were being facetious. Otherwise, is there any level of freedom, including none, that's too little for you? Are there any areas of life you consider to be none of the government's beeswax?

Reminds me of the congressional hearings on steroids in baseball. Some wondered, "Where does congress get authority to meddle in this?" One assclown congressman addressed that by saying, "Well, it's not like it's happening on the moon..." causing one writer to remark something to the effect of, "See? Congress does recognize that something, somewhere is beyond their authority: the moon."


--

You know the problem with bad cops? They make the other 5% look bad.

 

[AMonger]

There is a reason a certain amount of meetings are required with home school programs.

Not in free societies, though.



--

You know the problem with bad cops? They make the other 5% look bad.

 

[Jumbuck]

Maybe NOT being around "other" kids could be a "good" thing.

 

[donaddemt]

Turtle...Thanks for the kind words!! We try very hard to take time with our son away from the truck and we stop when we can to make sure he gets to see things along the way as well.
And NO its not the same as an RV trip,but its a heck of a lot better than a picture in a book!!
All this said though, if we had other choices we would not be out here with a child. But for us this was desperate times and a way not to loose everything (what little) we have.
But again, I would not consider doing this with a preteen either!!

 

[mjmsprt40]

Thinking back to when I was a boy---.

I've always lived in the Western 'Burbs of Chicago. My Dad came from the Southern area of Georgia, where his people mostly remained. Every year we would go down to see the Grandparents, aunts, uncles and so on. Two days driving down Rte 41.

That makes for a long ride, and it gets boring pretty quick. Especially through Indiana, and truth to tell Georgia can get a bit tedious when you're seven years old and you're just watching it out the car window. Now I try to imagine being cooped up in a truck for weeks at a time--- this might not be the best plan you ever had. It's fun at first, but--- trust me on this--- it'll get old rather quickly, especially if you're on a tight delivery and you don't have time to do anything fun. Or you're at a delivery where children aren't allowed (a surprising number) and the kids have to stay in a room while you finish the job. I can think of a lot of reasons why this doesn't work well.

I can see taking the kids on a trip of a couple of days, especially in a situation like mine where I drop the load then come back clean (you can do some sightseeing on the way back) but any longer than that I'd really want to think three times before I try something like that.