Monday 13 April 2009

Ponderings

Today I have been pondering the issue of free range vs caged livestock, and whether I should start being more ethical in where I get my meat from. Problem is that free range costs more - but is that enough of a reason to buy meat I know has been produced by a system that is cruel to the animals? I suspect not.

Also planning to start a vegie patch at home, and weighing up the merits of home schooling (not that I need to worry about that one for a few years!).

All this can mean only one of two things: a) I am starting to get enough sleep and now have the brainpower to contemplate such things, or b) I am turning into a raging hippy.

Me thinks perhaps it's a little from column A and a little from column B...

8 comments:

Katzmutha said...

I am virulently opposed to home schooling, Al, but if you choose this for Hamish, I will keep my trap shut. I just think that home schools create a hothouse environment that ultimately weaken a child. I think everyone needs the experiences that a school-school can give, where each individual has to come to grips with the jungle and learn to cope. The classroom learning is actually less important than learning to fend for themselves in a place where they aren't the centre of attention and where they aren't particularly loved and appreciated.

Katzmutha said...

If you do actually turn into a hippie, Alison, I will see if I can find some more of those Indian wraparound skirts for you to wear.

Katzmutha said...

It will be very exciting for me to have a hippie niece.

Natt said...

you hippie you :P
We're back from Tassie (tired, full of chocolate, but had such a good time!) so preparing to get back to reality - or however long that's gonna last! :)
Talk/write really soon, BIG hugs to you, Ad and Hamish
XOXOXO

Mary said...

What sort of pros and cons did you come up with for home schooling Al?

I've never been particularly for it because as KM said, the kids miss out on a lot. Maybe they gain a lot too though, I've only known one family to do it. You still have a network I think, with other home-schooling families.

Alison said...

Virulent is a strong word KM! I've only done a bit of thinking about homeschooling as a concept, so I don't have any firm views yet. I agree that kids need to be exposed to the real world and I do think that school can be a really positive experience.

I guess on the negative side I'm thinking that the state system is stretched and a lot of teachers are burnt out and therefore wonder how beneficial it is to send kids off into that sort of environment, and if by homeschooling you can still expose them to the world (by attending classes in extra curricular sort of stuff and by meeting with other homeschooling families regularly) while having more control over their influences.

For example, I reckon at our local school there would be a fair bit of swearing going on amongst even the kindergarten kids, judging by the families in the area. I don't know if I particularly want Hamish in that environment 5 days a week.

It's natural to want to protect your child, and this has to be balanced with giving them the opportunity to develop the skills they'll need to cope in the wider world.

It doesn't have to be either/or - some people homeschool for a year or two then send their kids to the local school for a while, or do part time school and part time home. Depends on the kids' needs.

Mary said...

A bus driver once told Jules and I "when you're choosing a school for your kids, all you have to do is ride on the buses for a few days. You'll know pretty soon which schools are better than others"

I should have put that in our 'advice post' on the VA. I think it's awesome advice.

I can see what you mean Al, it's a shame there isn't more of a middle ground.

Katzmutha said...

I guess i do feel very strongly about the school issue, Al.These days kids really need good socialisation and need to know what is OK and what isn't.Of course,I have never been a parent, but I think that these days parents control too much and a lot of kids never get to know their own minds. It is a very tough world, but home is supposed to be the place where kids get reinforcement to be able to manage that world.I could go on and on, but I won't. I just think that schools operate on many different levels and am in favour of school education. But then, I'm a teacher.