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Kids Ain't Cheap

But They Sure Are Worth It

Suburbs Or City: Where Is The Best Place To Raise A Family?

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When deciding where to raise a family, one of the most significant choices is whether to settle in the suburbs or the city. Each environment offers unique benefits and challenges that can greatly impact your family’s lifestyle. This article explores the key factors to consider when choosing between the suburbs or city for raising a family.

Cost of Living

The cost of living can vary drastically between suburban and urban areas. Suburbs often offer more affordable housing options, including larger homes with yards, which are appealing to families. 

Cities, on the other hand, tend to have higher real estate prices, particularly in popular neighborhoods. However, the cost of living in the city might be offset by savings on transportation, as urban areas typically offer better public transit options, reducing the need for a car. 

When weighing the cost of living, it’s essential to consider not only housing prices but also taxes, utilities, and daily expenses. For example, our home in the suburbs is rented out for about the same price as a much smaller apartment in the city, but we have to drive further for certain amenities and don’t have access to public transportation. 

Home sales expert Bill Gassett of Maximum Real Estate Exposure suggests comparing costs wisely when buying a home.

“Consumers must thoroughly investigate costs when considering homeownership. Differences between city and suburban living can impact budgets.

Without a detailed comparison, you could easily spend more daily than expected on groceries, utilities, and property taxes.

It can all add up very quickly. As someone who has lived in both types of locations, you should never underestimate it. There can even be substantial differences in property taxes from adjoining communities. Research and due diligence should not be overlooked.”

Education Opportunities

Education is a top priority for families, and the choice between suburbs or city can significantly impact your children’s schooling. Suburban areas are often known for their well-funded public schools with smaller class sizes, which can lead to a more personalized education experience. 

Cities, however, may offer a wider variety of educational options, including private schools, magnet programs, and specialized schools that focus on arts, sciences, or languages. The quality of education is a critical factor that can influence whether the suburbs or city is the better choice for your family.

Safety and Security

Safety is another crucial consideration when deciding where to raise a family. Suburbs are generally perceived as safer, with lower crime rates and less congestion. Families often feel more comfortable letting their children play outside or walk to school in these environments. 

Cities, while having areas with higher crime rates, also offer neighborhoods that are safe and family-friendly. Urban areas might have more resources for safety, including a larger police presence and community programs aimed at crime prevention. Researching specific neighborhoods is vital to making an informed decision about safety.

Access to Amenities

Living in the city provides unparalleled access to amenities like restaurants, museums, parks, and entertainment venues. Families in urban areas can enjoy cultural activities and events that are just a short walk or subway ride away. 

Suburbs, while typically quieter, often offer a slower pace of life with access to larger parks, recreational facilities, and community centers. Suburban areas may also have closer proximity to nature, with hiking trails and lakes just a short drive away. The availability of amenities is a key factor in determining whether the suburbs or city aligns with your family’s lifestyle preferences.

Community and Social Life

The sense of community can differ greatly between the suburbs or city. Suburbs are known for their tight-knit communities where neighbors often know each other, and local events are family-oriented. This environment can foster a supportive network for both parents and children. 

Cities, with their diverse populations, offer a broader social experience, with opportunities to meet people from various backgrounds. Urban areas may have more social and cultural events that appeal to a wide range of interests. The type of community you envision for your family plays a significant role in deciding the best place to live.

Space and Privacy

Space and privacy are often cited as major reasons families choose the suburbs over the city. Suburban homes generally offer more square footage, including backyards and larger lots, providing children with more space to play and grow. Privacy is another benefit, as suburban areas tend to have less dense housing and quieter streets. 

Conversely, city living often means sacrificing space for convenience, with apartments and townhouses being the norm. However, the trade-off can be worth it for those who prioritize being close to work, schools, and amenities.

Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is a crucial consideration for many families. Living in the city often means shorter commutes, allowing more time for family activities and less time spent in traffic. The proximity to work, schools, and childcare can significantly impact your daily routine and overall quality of life. 

Suburbs, while potentially offering a more relaxed environment, may come with longer commutes, which can eat into family time. Evaluating how the choice between suburbs or city will affect your work-life balance is essential in making the best decision for your family.

Future Growth and Development

When choosing between the suburbs or city, it’s important to consider the future growth and development of the area. Suburban areas may offer more room for expansion, with new housing developments, schools, and businesses continually emerging. This can be beneficial for families planning to grow or seeking a stable, long-term home. 

Cities, on the other hand, may present opportunities for cultural and economic growth, with new job markets and infrastructure developments. The potential for future growth is a critical factor in deciding where to raise your family.

Suburbs or City: It Depends on Your Family’s Needs

Deciding between the suburbs or city for raising a family involves balancing various factors, including cost of living, education, safety, and access to amenities. Both environments offer unique advantages, and the best choice ultimately depends on your family’s priorities and lifestyle. 

Whether you choose the spacious suburbs or the vibrant city, making an informed decision will help ensure that your family thrives in the environment that suits you best.

12 Reasons Why Your Kids are Behind Academically

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In today’s fast-paced world, academic success is more crucial than ever. However, many parents find themselves wondering why their children aren’t performing as well as they should in school. Here are 12 potential reasons why your kids might be falling behind academically.

1. Lack of Personalized Learning

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One reason for academic struggles could be the lack of personalized learning opportunities. Every child learns differently, yet many educational systems still employ one-size-fits-all approaches. Without personalized instruction tailored to their individual needs and learning styles, some children may struggle to grasp essential concepts.

2. Limited Access to Resources

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Access to resources plays a significant role in academic performance. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds may not have access to the same educational materials, technology, or extracurricular activities as their peers. This lack of resources can hinder their academic progress and put them at a disadvantage from an early age.

3. Overemphasis on Standardized Testing

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In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on standardized testing in education systems worldwide. While these assessments aim to measure student proficiency, they often lead to a narrow focus on test preparation rather than fostering critical thinking and creativity. This overemphasis on standardized testing may leave students ill-prepared for real-world challenges.

4. Insufficient Support at Home

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Parental involvement is crucial for academic success, but not all children receive the support they need at home. Factors such as busy work schedules, lack of education, or language barriers can hinder parents’ ability to assist their children with homework or engage in their learning journey effectively.

5. Digital Distractions

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In today’s digital age, children are constantly bombarded with distractions from smartphones, tablets, and social media. Excessive screen time can impede their ability to focus on academic tasks and absorb information effectively. Moreover, the instant gratification provided by digital devices may reduce their motivation to engage in deep, meaningful learning experiences.

6. Learning Disabilities or Special Needs

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Undiagnosed learning disabilities or special needs can significantly impact a child’s academic performance. Conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD, or autism may affect their ability to process information, stay organized, or communicate effectively in a traditional classroom setting. Early identification and intervention are essential to provide these students with the support they need to succeed academically.

7. Ineffective Teaching Methods

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The effectiveness of teaching methods can vary widely depending on the educator’s approach and expertise. Some teachers may rely on outdated or ineffective teaching strategies that fail to engage students or cater to diverse learning styles. Professional development and ongoing training are essential for educators to stay abreast of best practices and adapt their teaching methods to meet the needs of all students.

8. Bullying or Social Pressures

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Bullying and social pressures can have a profound impact on a child’s academic performance and overall well-being. Victims of bullying may experience anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem, making it difficult for them to concentrate in school or participate actively in class. Creating a supportive and inclusive school environment is critical for promoting academic success and emotional resilience among students.

9. Mental Health Challenges

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Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma can hinder a child’s ability to focus, learn, and succeed academically. These challenges may stem from various sources, including family issues, academic stress, or societal pressures. Addressing mental health concerns requires a collaborative effort involving parents, educators, and mental health professionals to provide children with the support and resources they need to thrive.

10. Lack of Motivation or Interest

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Some children may struggle academically due to a lack of motivation or interest in their studies. Without a genuine passion for learning, they may disengage from classroom activities and fail to see the relevance of academic subjects to their lives. Fostering a love of learning and helping children discover their interests can reignite their enthusiasm for education and improve their academic performance.

11. Home Environment and Socioeconomic Factors

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The home environment plays a significant role in shaping a child’s academic success. Factors such as parental involvement, socioeconomic status, and family stability can influence their access to educational resources, emotional support, and opportunities for enrichment. Addressing disparities in the home environment requires a holistic approach that considers the broader social and economic factors impacting children’s lives.

12. Lack of Early Intervention

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Early intervention is crucial for addressing academic challenges and preventing long-term academic setbacks. Identifying learning difficulties, developmental delays, or behavioral issues at an early age allows educators and parents to intervene promptly and provide targeted support. Without early intervention, children may continue to struggle academically, leading to frustration, disengagement, and a widening achievement gap.

Play Catch-Up

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There are various factors that can contribute to a child falling behind academically. From inadequate support at home to societal pressures and learning challenges, addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from parents, educators, policymakers, and the community at large. By identifying and addressing the root causes of academic struggles, we can create a more equitable and supportive learning environment that enables all children to reach their full potential. Take action today to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed academically and thrive in school.

10 Conversations Every Father Should Be Having with His Sons Before the Age of 13

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Raising a son comes with great responsibilities and opportunities, especially in shaping his understanding of the world and his place within it. Before a boy reaches his teenage years, there are crucial conversations a father should ensure they have together. These discussions can set the foundation for a lifetime of wisdom, empathy, and strength. Here are ten essential topics every father should broach with his son before he turns 13.

1. Respect for Others

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Teaching your son about respect is fundamental. It goes beyond polite manners; it’s about understanding and valuing differences. Explain that everyone, regardless of gender, race, or background, deserves respect and has something valuable to offer. Discuss the importance of listening as much as speaking and show him how to disagree respectfully. Encourage him to stand up for others who are being treated poorly and to always consider how his words and actions might affect someone else.

2. Emotional Expression

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Many boys grow up with the misconception that showing emotion is a sign of weakness. Counter this myth by encouraging your son to express his feelings openly. Explain that it’s perfectly normal to feel sad, scared, or nervous and that talking about these emotions is healthy. Teach him appropriate ways to handle anger and frustration, ensuring he knows it’s okay to ask for help when overwhelmed. Use examples from your own life to illustrate how you manage emotions, reinforcing that vulnerability is not just acceptable but strength.

3. Responsibility and Work Ethic

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Introduce the concept of responsibility early on by assigning age-appropriate chores and explaining the importance of commitment, whether it’s homework, sports, or household duties. Discuss the value of hard work and perseverance. Encourage him to set goals and follow through on commitments, even when it’s difficult. Teach him that mistakes are opportunities for learning, not just something to be upset about. Explain the satisfaction that comes from a job well done and the importance of contributing to the family and community.

4. The Value of Education

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Emphasize that learning doesn’t just happen in school—it’s a lifelong process. Encourage curiosity and a love for learning by exploring his interests and hobbies together. Discuss how education can open doors and provide opportunities, and how knowledge itself can be a reward. Highlight the importance of reading and self-education as tools for personal growth. Help him understand that education shapes his ability to make informed decisions and equips him with the tools to achieve his dreams.

5. Peer Pressure and Choosing Friends

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Talk about the influence that friends can have, both positive and negative. Teach him how to choose friends who will uplift and support him rather than lead him astray. Discuss scenarios he might encounter and how to say no to things that don’t align with his values. Emphasize the importance of being his own person and not just following the crowd. Encourage him to be a good friend, to be trustworthy, and to expect the same in return.

6. Internet and Social Media Safety

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In an age where digital presence is inevitable, teaching your son about internet safety is crucial. Discuss the permanence of the digital footprint and the importance of thinking before posting. Warn him about the dangers of sharing personal information and the risks of talking to strangers online. Teach him about cyberbullying and the impact his words can have online, just as they do in person. Encourage him to come to you if anything online makes him feel uncomfortable or threatened.

7. Health and Personal Hygiene

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As boys approach adolescence, their bodies change, and maintaining good hygiene becomes essential. Discuss the basics of personal care, including the importance of daily washing and the use of deodorant. Talk about the changes he can expect during puberty and normalize these transformations. Explain why a healthy diet and regular exercise are crucial not just for physical but also mental health. Teach him to listen to his body and seek help when something doesn’t feel right.

8. Respect for Women and Gender Equality

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It’s essential to teach your son about gender equality and the importance of respecting women from a young age. Discuss how stereotypes can be damaging and limit both boys and girls. Teach him to treat everyone equally and challenge gender roles. Explain the significance of consent and respecting boundaries. Model respectful behavior in your relationships, so he can understand and mimic appropriate interactions.

9. Financial Responsibility

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Teach your son the basics of money management, including saving, budgeting, and the value of money. Discuss the importance of saving for the future and how to make wise spending decisions. Introduce him to basic concepts of earning, spending, and saving. Explain why it’s important to avoid impulse buying and to think critically about needs versus wants. Make financial literacy a fun and engaging topic that prepares him for future financial independence.

10. The Importance of Honesty and Integrity

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Impart the value of integrity and the importance of being truthful. Explain how honesty builds trust in relationships and is crucial for maintaining them. Discuss the consequences of lying and deceit, not just for others but for one’s self-respect. Teach him that true strength lies in honesty, even when it’s difficult. Share stories from your life where being honest was challenging but ultimately the right decision.

Nurturing a Future Gentleman

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Having these conversations is not just about imparting wisdom—it’s about connecting with your son and preparing him for the complexities of the world. Each discussion helps to build his character and guide him towards becoming a thoughtful, respectful, and responsible man. Remember, these are not one-time talks, but ongoing dialogues that will evolve as he grows. Keep the lines of communication open and foster an environment where he feels safe to share, ask questions, and grow.

Top 5 Personal Finance Apps for Kids

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money apps for kids

In today’s digital age, teaching kids about money management from an early age is crucial for their future financial success. With the rise of technology, numerous personal finance apps have been developed specifically for kids, making learning about money fun and engaging. These money apps introduce basic financial concepts and allow children to practice saving, spending, and investing in a controlled environment. Here’s a look at some of the top personal finance apps for kids. [Read more…]

Should You Buy a House in a Bad School District?

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Should You Buy a House in a Bad School District?

My husband and I have lived in three different states. When we lived in Chicago, we chose a working-class neighborhood with bad schools. That was the only area where we could afford rent. (Buying a house was out of the question because of the high property taxes and our relatively low income.) When we lived in Arizona, we chose a good neighborhood with a meh school district. Finally, now that we live in New York, we live in a lovely community with a good school district. Sometimes when you’re house shopping, you find a nice house in a lousy school district within a good neighborhood. Should the quality of the school district be a deal breaker? The answer is, it depends.

Should You Buy a House in a Bad School District?

Of course, if the house is in a bad school district and neighborhood, you likely should pass. (Remember, location is everything when buying a home.) However, if the neighborhood is safe and sound, you have options.

Can Your Kids Go to School Out-of-District?

Some areas of the country allow a certain number of children to go to school out-of-district. If this is the case where you are, and there are good schools nearby, consider this option. You will avoid your neighborhood school that is less than desirable. You get a nice house, and your kids attend a good school. The only drawback is that you will likely need to drive them, and their commute to school will be longer than if they went to school locally.

Is Private School an Option?

When we lived in the Chicago suburbs, we had an academically solid private school within walking distance. However, we couldn’t afford the full tuition. Luckily, we applied for financial aid and received a significant tuition cut. Our child attended that school for three years.

Even if you think you can’t afford private school, you may find that with financial aid, it becomes an option.

Could You Homeschool?

Should You Buy a Home in a Bad School District

Another option is to homeschool. If you choose this route, it doesn’t matter what neighborhood you live in. When we moved to Arizona, we had been homeschooling our three children for one year. Because we didn’t have to consider the schools, we could find a fixer-upper in a nice neighborhood with a not-so-great school district. When we moved eight years later, our house sold for over asking to a couple in their 50s who also didn’t care about the school district.

If, instead, we had considered the school district, we would have had to buy a house in a neighborhood that was outside our price range. We would have struggled financially to make a house payment in that neighborhood. Homeschooling offers you incredible freedom.

Final Thoughts

When house hunting, remember location is everything. If you find a good house in a nice neighborhood with a bad school district, don’t automatically rule that house out. You have options for your children’s education that don’t require you to live in the best school district in the area.

Read More

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The Best Gifts for Teachers

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The Best Gifts for Teachers

‘Tis the time of the year when people like to give gifts to those who help them in their and their children’s lives, such as teachers. I was a teacher for many years, and while I appreciated the gifts I received, many were duplicates or items I didn’t need. I felt bad giving them away or donating them, but there are only so many coffee mugs a person can have (and I don’t even drink coffee!). So, if you’re looking for the best gifts for teachers, here’s what I’d recommend.

Thank You Note

One of the best gifts for teachers is also an economical option—a simple thank-you note. You may not realize this, but teachers frequently have to handle upset parents or students. They also face administrative pressure. So, getting a heartfelt thank-you note stating why you appreciate your teacher is a welcome gift because teachers don’t hear thank you nearly enough.

Gift Cards

Most people don’t know their teachers well enough to know exactly what gift to buy, and even if they do, the teacher may get gifts from several students, so the chance of a repeat gift is high. Avoid that situation by giving the teacher a gift card. Then, the teacher can buy what she needs, for herself or the classroom. Popular gift card choices include bookstores, restaurants, and grocery stores.

Classroom Enrichment

Another idea is to buy something the teacher needs for the classroom.

Board Games

Educational board games like Ticket to Ride and 10 Days in Europe might be welcome because the kids can use them during rainy days when they can’t go out to recess.

Books

The Best Gifts for Teachers

Many elementary school teachers have small libraries in their classrooms. A gift of books can help the teacher expand his library at no out-of-pocket cost to him.

Some teachers have classroom wish lists on sites like Amazon. If your child’s teacher has one, you’ll find plenty of welcome gift ideas.

Necessities

While teachers get too many mugs as gifts, they can likely always use what goes in them. For example, coffee is a favorite among teachers, and so is tea. Likewise, you and your child can make a cute hot chocolate kit for the teacher.

At Christmas, teachers frequently get home baked goods like cookies, fudge, and brownies. If they get these gifts from a handful of students, they likely will have more than they can (or should) eat before they go bad. Instead, consider buying cookie or brownie kits so the teachers can make the baked goods when they want them—maybe even in four months!

Final Thoughts

The best gifts for teachers are not mugs or homemade treats (though those are good). Instead, thank you notes, gift cards, and resources for the classroom will likely make the teacher’s holiday season and continue to give for both the teacher and the students long after the holidays are over.

Read More

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5 Ways We Inspire a Love of Reading in Our Kids

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Inspire a Love of Learning

As a child, one of my favorite activities was reading. This love of reading and later, writing, helped lead me to major in English in college, become a college English instructor, and learn more about the world than I ever could have without books. Because books enriched my life so heavily, when I had kids, I wanted them to love reading as much as I did. Luckily, most of them do. We inspire a love of reading in our kids using the following methods.

How We Inspire a Love of Reading in Our Kids

To help your kids fall in love with books and reading, you need to immerse them in the reading world.

Read Aloud to Them

From the time our kids were born, we read aloud to them. At first, we started with short board books like Goodnight Moon and The Going to Bed Book. (At this stage, don’t be surprised or annoyed if your child asks you to read the same book over, and over, and over again!) Then we expanded into longer stories until we were reading our kids chapter books when they were in preschool. I continued reading to them all through middle school.

Have a Home Library

To foster a love of reading, surround your kids with books. We always had bookshelves filled with books the kids could look through when they were little and read when they started school.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to do this. For example, we picked up most of our kids’ books at garage sales for 10 cents or less.

Take Them to Library Activities

The public library is a wonderful resource that we utilize frequently. We started by bringing our kids to the library to pick out their books and to join in on story hour. Because of these early experiences, our kids always associated the library with fun.

Participate in Reading Rewards Programs

In the summer, sign your kids up for reading rewards programs. For example, Pizza Hut has the Book It program. Your public library likely has a reading program, too. Our son was one of the top readers one summer in elementary school, so he got to join the other top readers for a bowling and pizza excursion compliments of the library. He still talks about how much fun that was.

Let Them See You Read

Inspire a Love of Reading

Kids learn best by watching your actions. You can tell them that reading is fun, but if they don’t ever see you reading, you’re not reinforcing that lesson. My kids see me read books and hear me listen to audiobooks in the car. I love to read, and they see me regularly taking time to do so.

Final Thoughts

We inspire a love of reading in our kids, which was one of the best things we could do. Today, they still read for fun and recreation, enjoy learning, and have an exceptional vocabulary.

Read More

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5 States That Offer Empowerment Scholarships for Special Needs Children

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Empowerment Scholarships for Special Needs Children

When you have a special needs child, you face many expenses. Your child may need intensive speech, physical, occupational, and behavioral therapy. While some families find they can receive some of the services they need for their child at school, others find that public schools cannot handle, or provide, the intervention a special needs child requires. If you’re frustrated with the public school system’s response to, and services for, your child, you may want to investigate whether you’re in one of the 5 states that offer empowerment scholarships for special needs children.

General Assistance

Nearly half of the states offer some type of school choice for their residents. (Ed Choice explains the different programs each state offers.) Programs vary from a tax credit, to a stipend to help children attend private schools instead of public, to empowerment scholarships.

States That Offer Empowerment Scholarships for Special Needs Children

Currently, five states offer empowerment scholarships (ESA):

  • Arizona,
  • Florida,
  • North Carolina,
  • Mississippi,
  • Tennessee

Who Qualifies for an ESA?

Students who meet certain requirements such as having a documented disability or residing in a school district with an underperforming school can receive empowerment scholarships. Requirements vary per state.

In Arizona, where I live, a student must attend public school for at least 45 days and have a documented disability, have a parent who is in the military, or live in an underperforming school district to be eligible for an ESA. Once a special needs student begins to receive an ESA, her siblings, even those without disabilities, can also receive one if they’ve met the requirement of attending a public school for 45 days.

How Do ESA Programs Work?

In Arizona, a child who has an ESA receives 90% of the state money that would have been used to educate the child at a public school. (The other 10% goes to the child’s local public school even if the child is not attending.)

The size of a child’s ESA funding depends on his documented disability. Children with autism and Downs Syndrome receive the largest scholarships because they typically require more interventions than a child with ADHD, for example.

Every quarter, the child receives a financial distribution in his ESA account. That money can then be used for:

  • private school tuition,
  • homeschooling expenses,
  • therapies,
  • Educational testing,
  • Extracurricular activities, and
  • Other approved expenses

Our Experience with Arizona’s ESA Program

I have three children; each has two special needs. Two have autism, two have dyslexia, and two have ADHD. We became members of the ESA program in 2019.

Empowerment Scholarships for Special Needs Children

ESA has been a lifesaver for my children. They have benefited from private Barton Reading & Spelling tutoring to help them with their dyslexia. They have received educational testing, speech therapy, and private math tutoring. I’m also able to homeschool the younger two children and pick curriculum that suits them and their learning styles.

Before receiving ESA for my kids, they received speech therapy through the public school. They had 30 minutes of group therapy with three other kids once a week. After ESA, they received 30 to 60 minutes of private speech therapy weekly. That made an enormous difference in how quickly they progressed and ultimately finished speech therapy.

Final Thoughts

If you have a child with special needs, you know how expensive providing for their academic and therapeutic needs can be. If you live in one of the states that offer Empowerment Scholarships for special needs children, consider looking into the program for your child. I’ve even heard from several parents of special needs children who specifically moved to Arizona for the Empowerment Scholarship and the opportunities it afforded their children.

Read More

How to Afford Raising a Child with Special Needs,

Better Ways to Gift Money to Children,

Sensory Integration Strategies for Children with Autism

How Much Does Unschooling Cost?

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Unschooling Costs

Homeschooling can take many different forms, from essentially recreating school at home by using workbooks and taking multiple tests to a Charlotte Mason method where children derive their education largely through reading living books. There is also the Classical Education philosophy based on learning the classics like Greek and Roman history and language. However, perhaps the most misunderstood homeschool philosophy is unschooling. While detractors say unschooling isn’t really schooling at all, unschoolers see it as a viable educational form. If you’re interested in unschooling, you first must understand what the philosophy is and how much unschooling costs.

What Is Unschooling

Unschooling is an educational philosophy. Unschoolers don’t typically have their children take standardized tests or any other test. They don’t use textbooks or follow a set curriculum. Instead, the child determines what he would like to study based on his interests.

Cooking, gardening, and raising animals can all be part of the school day for an unschooler. Unschoolers also may code a robot, research the Titanic, do a science experiment, or record a new YouTube video all in the name of school. The idea is that unschoolers will learn more deeply because they’re working on things that interest them and that they choose to pursue. Hopefully, this helps the child become a lifelong learner.

However, critics argue that unschooling does not lead to a well-rounded education necessary for adult life. If an unschooler is not interested in math, she may not study it, which could cause problems in adulthood. Similarly, one who is interested in science may not study writing because she’s not particularly strong in that area.

How Much Does Unschooling Cost?

Unschooling costs can vary widely depending on the amount of money the parent has to dedicate to unschooling and the child’s interests.

Ways to Unschool for Free

If you don’t have much money to dedicate to unschooling, that’s okay! You can still give your child a stellar education. Consider these opportunities:

The Library

The library offers many educational items for your child from library books to movies to foreign language learning programs. In addition, most libraries offer regular learning programs such as wildlife experts who bring animals to the library or scientists who teach astronomy. Most libraries also offer activities like chess club and teen time that your child can join.

The Outdoors

Unschooling Costs

Photo by David Clode on Unsplash

One of the greatest classrooms is the great outdoors. Give your child ample time to hike and take nature walks. Some children enjoy keeping a nature journal. They can search for animals, observe the seasonal changes, watch birds. . .the possibilities are endless.

The Internet

There are some high-quality educational services on the Internet.

EdX

EdX offers free online college classes from 160 universities including Harvard, MIT, Boston University, and the University of California, Berkeley, to name a few. You can study architecture, math, literature, engineering, food and nutrition, and many more subjects with some of the greatest minds in the United States.

YouTube

If you think of YouTube as a place to waste time, think again. You can find tutorials and even educational lessons. My daughter and I are studying Japanese, in part through YouTube lessons that we find.

If You Have Money to Spend

If you have more money to spend on unschooling, you can take advantage of other academic resources.

Camps

Educational camps offer your child a unique way to learn. There are science camps, sports camps, liberal arts/reading camps. You can find what you need for your child if you have the money to pay for it.

Subscriptions

Likewise, you can also take advantage of subscription services to help your child in her educational endeavors.

Magazine Subscriptions

Magazine subscriptions from National Geographic to LEGO Magazine to Architectural Digest may feed your child’s desire to learn more about their current unschooling interests.

Box Subscriptions

Likewise, box subscriptions can also help spark your child’s creativity. Some of the most popular educational subscription boxes include Kiwi Crate for science and art, Atlas Crate for geography and culture, Tinker Crate for science and engineering, and Eureka Crate for engineering and design.

If your child is more creative, there are I Create Art boxes for budding artists. Young chefs may enjoy Eat2Explore cooking boxes.

For most interests a child can have, you can find a subscription box.

Tools & Learning Aids

If you have a budding scientist, and you can afford to buy a student microscope, your child can spend time creating slides and looking under the microscope.

How Much Does Unschooling Cost?

Photo by Simon Delalande on Unsplash

You might buy a telescope for a child who is interested in astronomy or ample art supplies for a student who is interested in art.

A child who is interested in chemistry might benefit from a chemistry science kit. A history buff may want to take field trips to historic sites and museums to learn more.

If Money Is Available but Limited

Most of us aren’t independently wealthy. If you have some money to spend on your child’s education, but that money is limited, consider handing over control to your child. Let’s say you have $3,000 a year to spend on your child’s education. You can give your child $750 per quarter. Then, she can decide how to spend the money on her education each month.

If you feel comfortable letting her have this control, you are embracing the philosophy of unschooling as a child-lead schooling option. Plus, just letting her choose what to buy and deciding if the items were worth the money is an educational experience in itself. She’ll also learn how to budget the money. If she wants to attend an expensive camp in the summer, she’ll need to save the money from previous quarters to afford the camp.

Final Thoughts

Unschooling is a controversial form of homeschooling, but many unschoolers have gone on to be successful adults. If you opt for this form of homeschooling, know that unschooling costs as little or as much as you want it to.

Read More

What You Need to Know to Homeschool Your Child in the Age of Covid-19

How to Choose the Right Homeschooling Curriculum for Your Star Student

Where to Find Food If Your Children Are Going Hungry

What to Do if You Forgot to Cancel a Trial Subscription

Our Favorite Games to Teach Children Geography

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One of my favorite ways to sneak in extra education with my kids is to play games with them.  Kids seems to just absorb knowledge this way because they’re having fun.  I’ve shared some of our favorite geography games previously, but I’d like to share a few more of our favorite games to teach children geography.

Our Favorite Games to Teach Children Geography

Online Games

Kids will easily learn to play online geography games.  Here are two that are highly recommended.

Sheppard Software

Our Favorite Games to Teach Children Geography

One of our favorite resources for learning geography is Sheppard Software.  Kids can learn the states of the United States or learn the countries of other continents.  My kids love this and play without complaint.  As soon as one of my daughters is done with the geography portion, she goes over to the Brain Games portion.

This site is a great resource as they also have history, animal, science, and health games, plus more.

Stack the States

We’ve not personally used this game because we don’t have an Apple device.  However, if you do, I’ve heard fabulous things about the app Stack the States.  This game teaches state capitals, shapes, geographic locations, and flags, to name a few.  Even better, it’s recommended for ages 4+, so it’s a fun way to help early elementary students learn their geography.

Board Games

10 Days in. . .Games

These games are perfect for family game night.  There are several versions of this game including 10 Days in the USA and 10 Days in Europe.  Players draw 10 cards.  The objective is to make a 10 card trail to your destination.  To make the trail, for instance, in 10 Days in the USA, you must either have a string of 10 cards that show a path through 10 states that connect, or you have a plane trip between to states that don’t touch.

Unfortunately, these games are a bit hard to find now.  You can find them on eBay and Amazon, but for now, production on new games doesn’t seem to be happening.

Explore the 50 States

This game is good for ages 7+.  Players spin a spinner and either land on the icon for a question card, flag card, travel card, or you choose.  If you get a question card, you can choose between answering a geography or history question.  The flag cards have three different questions.  You move forward once for each question you answer; if you can answer all three, you move forward three spaces.  The travel cards give fun facts about a state or attractions in that state.  Some make you do something before you move forward or some make you move back.

We find this to be a fun game to learn all sorts of things about the United States, from history, geography, trivia, and state flags.

Final Thoughts

Your kids are always learning, not just when they’re in school.  We find our favorite games to teach children about geography are a great way to have fun as a family and learn more together.  Luckily, there are many games available to help teach or reinforce knowledge for a variety of subjects.