They are all very different people- and both of our parents are divorced so we have 4 partners to contend with as well. I guess I am not so familiar and relaxed with my own parents that I would be very blunt and forthright with them, the way I see others sometimes are with their parents. I left home at 16 and have lived on the other side of Australia to both of them since I was 18...so while I love them and they love me and we get on well- and there are conversations I can have with my mum that I cant have with my MIL, it's not incredibly close. YOu know, when you only see someone every few years...you tend to be on your best behaviour, wanting it to go well. My MIL (who lives 15 minutes away but we see irregularly) didnt like me much at first. I wasnt good enough for her once wealthy son- I was a little hippie waif and she is very much into image . However over the years we have warmed to each other and she has been very kind to me. She is also 14 years older than my mum. We have some good conversations and there are times in the past when my marriage was in a rough place, when I had small kids, where she was very supportive. But I can't say I let it all hang out with any of my parents or ILs. ANd I dont think I "should", either. It just is how it is and I dont have any idea that it should be different.

:lol::lol::lol: I am the opposite really. ALthough my upbringing was with a mother who never talked about menstruation, even though nudity was comfortable and normal in my home, I was determined to be more open with my kids- and I am and always have been. But I havent seen my kids naked for years now! Dd is great talking to me about her periods and I am glad for that...but would never talk to her dad, beyond a quick explanation that she has cramps or something. You know, its a great testament to your dd's relationship with her father that she would do such a thing. I think its beautiful. As for this thread...I would just increase the details of the information given to the kids, in a very matter of fact way. If they are ready, one of those "Where Do I Come From?" type books (cartoon type) can be fine. I do think it's fine to share whatever information a kid is asking for, at whatever age, rather than making a big deal about it when they are older. It's just life. I didnt know anything till I was 11- sex, periods, any of it- I was mortified that something so important wasn't told to me earlier and I felt quite betrayed- and recognised it was largely because of shame around the issues with my parents, rather than any need to leave it so long. However, different people are going to have different comfort levels with how much they let their kids see- especially if they have issues around nudity and exposure of body parts. My kids saw plenty up to a certain age, then I just tended to be a little bit more private, although nudity is still normal for dh and I, and the kids will walk in on us getting dressed or talk to us while in the shower etc - they are both very private. Each to their own- and no need to make anyone else wrong. While there can be some shame issues, or religious conditioning around nudity, it can also be a matter of shyness or natural modesty that seems to be stronger in some than others.

I think there are certain jobs in society that certain people do...the leeches, the bottom suckers. The shady people. It's not illegal, obviously, but it's icky. Who knows what forces in a person's life created them to be willing to do that job...but the truth is, society is made up of all sorts, from the upright to the downright sleezy to the desperate and to those who feel morally righteous because *they* would never sink to such depths. But as long as there are desperate people who don't manage their money well....and they could possibly be any of us given an unforseen change in circumstance... there will be people to leech off them. I feel much more strongly about socially acceptable and even glorified jobs that are inherently life negating, environmentally destructive, or encourage inhumanity...than I do about those that are obviously seedy and sucking off the desperate.

There were only one or two that I hadn't seen in the original (yes, I spend too much time here)....but it reminds me one of the reasons I love these boards....people say the darndest things! thanks for the hysterical belly laugh!

The desperation of the seller is not the buyer's responsiblity. We have at times given more for something when we realised th low price they accepted made them feel bad. We prefer exchanges where the seller is also happy. They usually are...even if they accept a lower price than they intended..because cash in hand is better than whatever it is they were selling, still sitting in the garage- adn chances are that is what the seller of the jaguar DR bought was feeling too- relief to have the money. We are bargain hunters and we enjoy it. It's not our job to find out who is desperate or not or to make them happy. We prefer a happy interaction, especially because we ourselves are not usually desperate, but its not our responsiblity.

I had a general idea of 6 months and it was around that time that both babes started reaching out for food. If they werent interested I would have waited longer. I think 3-4 months is too soon...the gut is not mature enough yet and it is more likely that allergies will develop.

If I am selling something 2nd hand, generally I have an idea of what it is worth and what is my bottom price. If someone turns up I feel wants it and has the money...I theoretically might not go down to my lowest price, and I might ask my top price as a starting point. I am really not sure what is ethically wrong about asking a higher price for something from someone who can afford it. They don't have to buy it. My experience is that wealthy people can often be the tightest bargainers...more so that the not so wealthy, often. Its just the way it works. Ever been to a 3rd world country and had to bargain for EVERYTHING? To them, we are all wealthy and they often ask exhorbitant prices, many times what the article is worth, because they are used to ignorant westerners not used to a good bargaining session. If you are savvy, you know what it is worth and you bargain them down and walk off until they come back to a reasonable price. And "wealthy" person can do that. I am not going to tell them they are morally wrong, even in my own head- so what! So I can feel morally right? It's just how it is. Why pass moral judgements? But I am answering the OP's actual question, and answering from my experience in the 2nd hand market and in Bali and India, which is where my experience is.

Definitely a chiropractor. A while back I was in so much pain from a pinched nerve in my neck, I was crying from the pain and all my muscles were seizing up and spasming around it- I had to keep moving all night because to lie down made it worse..but moving was still excrutuating. And my dh is an expert remedial masseur specialising in backs and necks! There was nothing we could do to alleviate my pain. So that sent me to find a chiro- the closest one to home because sitting in the car was torture. I have never had such intense pain other than in childbirth. Within one session, I was 50% better....it took several sessions but it was fixed completely. I highly recommend a chiroprator- and a pinched nerve is exactly up their alley. That's what they do- their area of expertise.

That would be soooo exciting! :party:

We rent. We won't be paying for kids' college fees beyond the first year. Dh is 57 next month. I am 43. We are happy. We do have 2 investment properties but real estate is not exactly booming. However we live in such a way that we are not in debt (apart form the investment properties- and soon to be dd's college fees). The difference with us is.....dh was a millionaire in his 20s and early 30s. He ran a publishing company and was very successful. Then he had an awakening one day, realised it wasnt what he really wanted to do with his life, gave the company to his staff, sold everything he had (actually he went bankrupt as well but thats another story) and hitch hiked around Australia with bare feet. I knew him before and after and we got together after- he had nothing. I had nothing. We started with nothing and bought a bombed out station wagon and travelled around Australia in it. When we settled down and had kids, we started with our camping gear. Everything we have built since then has been bit by bit, 2nd hand, while dh did what he discovered he was passionate about- remedial massage, then counselling and therapy. He is still doign what he loves and I wouldnt have it any other way, adn he supports me to do the same....but we cant afford to buy a house to live in. Money really, really doesnt make you happy. Doing what you love does.

Christmas without kids- presuming they are busy, travelling or whatever- might look like an orphans party here or elsewhere, or maybe a trip to Bali. Generally dh and I dont make a fuss over Christmas except for the kids. We are actually looking forward to spending more time together and travelling more, even now..the kids are pretty busy a lot of the time with their friends and we already get much more time together. We went to the beach the last 2 mornings, had a long walk and chat, a swim, and a coffee. Its so nice.

We had one for years- no pads, no protection, no walls. We also decided the risk was worth it. Both kids are trained in gymnastics from a young age. I am not sure that that is really a protection, although they were trained how to do flips and such safely and they have had accidents in the gym so they were not naive about the danger...but we never got any broken bones or serious injuries on the tramp- and neither did anyone else. We recently broke it apart and put it on the verge for council pick-up as it had lived a full life :)

Perhaps not for the easily offended. These Questions were posted on an Australian Tourism Website and the answers are... the actual responses by the website officials, who obviously have a great sense of humour (not to mention a low tolerance threshold for morons!) Q: Does it ever get windy in Australia ? I have never seen it rain on TV, how do the plants grow? (UK). A: We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around watching them die. Q: Will I be able to see kangaroos in the street? (USA) A: Depends how much you've been drinking. Q: I want to walk from Perth to Sydney - can I follow the railroad tracks? (Sweden) A: Sure, it's only three thousand miles, take lots of water. Q: Are there any ATMs (cash machines) in Australia ? Can you send me a list of them in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville and Hervey Bay ? (UK) A: What did your last slave die of? Q: Can you give me some information about hippo racing in Australia ? (USA) A: A-Fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe .. Aus-tra-lia is that big island in the middle of the Pacific which does not ... Oh forget it. Sure, the hippo racing is every Tuesday night in Kings Cross. Come naked. Q: Which direction is North in Australia ? (USA) A: Face south and then turn 180 degrees. Contact us when you get here and we'll send the rest of the directions. Q: Can I bring cutlery into Australia ? (UK) A: Why? Just use your fingers like we do... Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule? (USA) A: Aus-tri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger-man-y, which is... Oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night in Kings Cross, straight after the hippo races. Come naked. Q: Can I wear high heels in Australia ? (UK) A: You are a British politician, right? Q: Are there supermarkets in Sydney and is milk available all year round? (Germany) A: No, we are a peaceful civilization of vegan hunter/gatherers. Milk is illegal. Q: Please send a list of all doctors in Australia who can dispense rattlesnake serum. (USA) A: Rattlesnakes live in A-meri-ca which is where YOU come from. All Australian snakes are perfectly harmless, can be safely handled and make good pets. Q:I have a question about a famous animal in Australia , but I forget its name. It's a kind of bear and lives in trees. (USA) A: It's called a Drop Bear. They are so called because they drop out of Gum trees and eat the brains of anyone walking underneath them. You can scare them off by spraying yourself with human urine before you go out walking. Q: I have developed a new product that is the fountain of youth. Can you tell me where I can sell it in Australia ? (USA) A: Anywhere significant numbers of Americans gather. Q: Do you celebrate Christmas in Australia ? (France) A: Only at Christmas. Q: Will I be able to speak English most places I go? (USA) A: Yes, but you'll have to learn it first.

You know, I have never really cared what size my booKs are....never an issue. Maybe because they are just average. I used to be a B and now am a C. I am average, with nice booKs for my age. No big deal. I guess I am an option B because thats what I am and I am happy with it, but I chose "other" because I don't care much about the size of my booKs. I have never done anything to enlarge or shrink them. They are fine just the way they are.

I think its all a part of growing up...maturing. Life is as it is, and accepting it is a key to happiness- not getting what you want. Having expectations sets us up for disappointment. I think going through some really hard times and coming through the other side helps put things in perspective. When I was in my teens my parents divorced, I left home at 16, I was a street person for a while...it was rough and I was not a happy person although not everyone knew that- even me. Into my early twenties I was quite a mess. Later when I settled down and had kids...I was soooooo grateful for them, for so many things, and I still am- and I have such a soft spot for teenagers because of what I went through. A lot of empathy. But my kids have had so much, and haven't even known anyone close to them who has died or any calamities or anything. They are psychologically healthy, unlike me at their age. I often wonder how they will cope when one day life blindsides them. Probably quite well, and I wouldnt wish unecessary suffering on them or anyone...but I think the suffering I went through grew a lot of compassion in me, and for that I am also grateful.

Thre are no signs saying not to bring your own food in at our cinemas, so I no longer even bother hiding what I bring. That way it's not sneaky :) Ive never been asked not to. I used to hide it, sneak it, but it doesnt seem to be even a rule. A few months back dd16 was starving and we bought her a mini pizza next door and took that through. I just feel sorry for the people sitting near us who had to smell it- yum. Actually, there are rarely many people in our cinemas- its common to only have half a dozen people on a weekday matinee, which is when we try and go- when we go, which is rarely.

Funny you should ask. Just today a friend was suggesting to dh that when he takes Gen to Paris on April/May for 10 days, he make sure they do the short trip by train to Versailles. I think there is a palace there, as well as a room that Mozart used to play piano in? He was raving about it. But they have 10 days so that is different to just 2. I think if I was only going for 2 days I would want to go to the Louvre and just walk around and go to cafes- Versailes woudl be too much. I have never been there, though.

About $1200 a month for a family of 4- 2 adults, 2 teenagers. $Aussie is on par with the $U.S. lately so it's comparaable. We live in a city with a high cost for fruit and veg and that's mainly what we eat. I go to Farmers Markets and buy some organic, some spray free, and the rest just what I can get and what is cheap (and we wash it well). We could eat cheaper- much cheaper- if we really had to but we are reasonably careful, like to buy healthy and fresh food and some organic. We still buy some processed and packaged foods - such as corn chips and salsa sauce for the kids to make microwave nachos- but not a lot.

Dd16 has long ringlets....no brushing, ever....wide toothed comb....good quality conditioner in her hair pretty much daily, only lightly rinsed....shampoo only every week or two (shampoo causes tangles, badly). Combing in the shower and then finger dried. The amount of conditioner that is in her hair all the time keeps it smooth, soft and tangle free. She braids it sometimes but not always. When dry she only finger combs it.

No, I wouldn't take it personally...but if someone started criticising homeschooling to me when I have just told them I am homeschooling....I would consider them rude and unsocialised. Most people I know know virtually nothing about homeschooling though so I havent come across the issue- they are wary, immediately think of the socialisation issue...but are generally curious. WHen they meet my kids...they are often more open minded (they do not look like they are locked up in a cupboard all day and let out to socialise ocasionally- they can meet eyes and communicate well with adults.)

There is a time and place for antibiotics. The body gets sick for various reasons. Sometimes it is healing for the body to get a fever and burn off something. Or to get an infection and the immune system is stimulated. THe symptoms are unpleasant but its not harmful. Sometimes the body is just overloaded- toxins, stress, poor diet, long term chronic issues such as allergies.....and it just can't muster the energy/immune response to get rid of something. That might not be the time to avoid anti biotics and take something "natural" because the body's capacity might not be able to handle the issue and the condition may go downhill. THe problem with antibiotics is the chronic overuse of them, particulalry with children...such as with chronic ear infections where diet can usually help a lot. If I needed to take antibiotics- or my kids did (I think one kid took them once)- I would take them-but then I would be looking at why the body wouldn't overcome the infection in the first place and doing something about that in the long term. Peopel who get "strep throat " or tonsilitis regularly should realise that that is in itself an immune system response and a signal that the body is fighting something. If they get it often...they would be better doing something about it on an ongoing basis- preventatively- rather than waiting till they get it again. Thats one reason why "natural medicine" can get a bad name..people wait till they are really sick to take it and expect it to work the way an antibiotic works...and thats not how natual medicines are best used, although they can be . The OP's post was gone by the time I wrote this so I have no idea about her particular situation...I just felt like prattling off a speel about anti biotics :)

Wow everyone...thanks so much for your well wishing! 4 pages of it when I got up this morning. I have been talking with dh about what's next. I was talking about how I would love to do something in service...to give ....and he berated me saying I have been giving and giving and giving for years now- to the kids, to him, to his work...I have been in service...give myself a break! :) He loves me. As Rosie says....they are not really graduating from their education, just from me. My oldest is going into a full time TAFE Diploma course in Mass Communications (journalism, film, photography)- I am not sure what the equivalent is in the U.S.- community college? TAFE stands for Technical and Further Education. This course leads into 2nd year university though, presuming she does ok. It's very hands on and practical (and expensive!). It's her equivalent of year 12, so yes, in a way she is graduating "school" early and going to the next level. Ds15...he is off to school- year 10, though he could technically be year 11 here, we held him back and still think that's a good idea. It is time to be taught by someone other than mum- he fights me too much and after several big incidents in the last few months where I was left a blubbering mess, I realised...he needs school. Stimulation, specialised teachers, other kids to bounce off....he has got into a top public school with a very high academic standard- equivalent to the top private schools here...he also needs to see how he will do in school because he left in grade 2 feeling like a failure and that sense of failing school has never really left him. Fingers crossed, he has a good enough foundation to alow him to thrive. And...I need him to realise that I am not such a monster having him do 4-5 hours of schoolwork a day at his age! School is much worse (particularly this school)- and he will have homework too....so there is a little bit of revenge in there too- I can't help it!

He is only 7- you have a long road ahead and you are learning how to teach your son as you go. He might be better with shorter days and very few breaks- year round schooling as many do- take breaks only when needed. And remember....this is now....in another year or two he may well be able to retain more over a break. Handwriting? Wow, my son came home to homeschool age 7.5 and could barely write anything- and he had been in school! His handwriting wasn't legible until he as about 12! One of the best bits of advice I remember from veteran homeschoolers was to take the long view. I can't remember the way they put it...but something like its a marathon, not a sprint. Don't panic. Plenty of "normal" kids without issues struggle with these things too. I know I pushed my son (who has LDs) too hard at times from my own fear...but they always need you to meet them exctly where they are and move forward slowly from there. Whenever I tried to move too fast, we would invariably have to backtrack. And enjoy the journey. A 7year old needs to go to Disney too!

I agree with the others who have said its not a hill to die on....let him quit. However...I have a ttimes insisted my son stay in something he wanted to quit...for a bit longer...to see if he woudl warm to it. We did karate as a family- well, not dh, but dd, ds and I...and ds hated it. ALl the carters were so hard for him with his dyslexia- his lefts and rights- it was torture. So after a while I let him quite and dd and I quit shortly after. But with Scouts...I made him stay because we KNEW this was good for him, even though he had a clash with a leader and the leader picked on him...ultimately we felt it was character building. We felt strongly that Scouts was a structure and discipline that was going to benefit him for life and was far more important overall than any separate incidents that arose. Many weeks we literally had to force him to go. And then..he clicked in with some friends, matured, became a leader...lost his leadership..matured some more...and he is still in there, now as a Venturer, and has great friends and loves it. What we did at the thimes he wanted to quit was tell him that this was one of his school classes, since he homeschooled- and that is actually how we saw it. So....always trust your own instincts. It doesn't sound like basketball his your son's thing, though, and being a quitter is one thing, but knowing what you want in life is also a good skill to develop.

I cried too!