Do you let your kids walk to school?

HughFreakingDillon

Yes.

hedonist said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

This thread is funny because it has parents and non-parents speaking.
In AMT that is fire.
I could suggest that the sky is pink as a parent and I would receive many colourful responses.

Actually, as a non-parent, it's kind of fucked up for anyone to say (or imply) that non-parents shouldn't respond. 

So...non-parent here!  But, I was a kid years ago.

My first elementary school was one block from our home at the time, second one the same  My mom may or may have not followed me there ninja-like to make sure I got there OK, but at seven years old?  Different times of course.  Safe.  Short walk, neighbors knew each other.  Grab a friend from our street along the way.  I get others have lived differently, as children and those with kiddos.  Just relaying my history and how my parents (and, through them, I as well) chose and view the childhood lived.

Bused it to my Jr. High and skateboarded to Sr.  LOVED IT.

Within those years, in my supposedly safe neighborhood, I avoided traffic shit yet was subjected to four separate occasions of male drivers cruising up next to me, furiously jerking off.  I found each of them a mix of amusing (as in, "whoa, really?") and sad.

OH. MY. GOD. 

mcgruff10

brianlux said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

There is no poll option for "Depends on the age".

Nor "Depends on where you live".

I never had kids but I home schooled one of my nephews for a year so that doesn't count. 

I walked to school but that was 800 years ago and I almost always went with siblings of friends.  More fun with friends because we could get away things like throwing M-80's down (unoccupied) manhole covers without my brother ratting on me.

Brian,
What certificates does one have to have in order to home school a kid (I'm sure it varies from state to state)?  Do you follow the state curriculum?  Does the child have to take some sort of final or standardized test in order to "graduate"?  Just wondering.

Mike

brianlux

mcgruff10 said:

brianlux said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

There is no poll option for "Depends on the age".

Nor "Depends on where you live".

I never had kids but I home schooled one of my nephews for a year so that doesn't count. 

I walked to school but that was 800 years ago and I almost always went with siblings of friends.  More fun with friends because we could get away things like throwing M-80's down (unoccupied) manhole covers without my brother ratting on me.

Brian,
What certificates does one have to have in order to home school a kid (I'm sure it varies from state to state)?  Do you follow the state curriculum?  Does the child have to take some sort of final or standardized test in order to "graduate"?  Just wondering.

Mike

This took place in Washington state, Mike, back in the early 90's (just as Pearl Jam were breaking, come to think of it!), and it was only for one year- my nephews 4th grade.   I honestly don't know exactly what certificate was required because  I had a regular state issued teaching certificate (as opposed to temporary certificates which could be had in order to sub).  If I recall correctly (and good grief, that was only 25 years ago- should not be so difficult to remember!)  I was given a general outline of what subject matter needed to be covered and just checked in with admin from time to time.   I was given a fair amount of freedom to set my own curriculum as long as I covered all subjects required for that grade.  That freedom was probably allowed because admin knew me and were aware of my qualifications as a teacher and knew I had taught a 5/6 combo in the past and had subbed at all the local schools for a few years pretty much full time.  I'm guessing working in small towns made that sort of thing a bit looser that way as well.  It was a great experience for my nephew and me. 

I'm not sure what the requirements are here in California but I have to admit there have been a few time parents have come into the bookstore asking for certain books and I kind of wonder if these people are really qualified to home school.  I'm fairly neutral on home schooling.  In some situations, it makes sense.  My nephew had certain needs and good reason to have me home school him at the time but I got him into regular schooling as soon as I could.  I thinks its better to have the socialization schools provide.  Beyond that, I think a conscientious parent will do some home schooling regardless-- for example, my parents helped me with homework and set up a reading time for us when I was a kid and made it a positive experience and that instigated my love of books.

cincybearcat

HughFreakingDillon said:

hedonist said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

This thread is funny because it has parents and non-parents speaking.
In AMT that is fire.
I could suggest that the sky is pink as a parent and I would receive many colourful responses.

Actually, as a non-parent, it's kind of fucked up for anyone to say (or imply) that non-parents shouldn't respond. 

So...non-parent here!  But, I was a kid years ago.

My first elementary school was one block from our home at the time, second one the same  My mom may or may have not followed me there ninja-like to make sure I got there OK, but at seven years old?  Different times of course.  Safe.  Short walk, neighbors knew each other.  Grab a friend from our street along the way.  I get others have lived differently, as children and those with kiddos.  Just relaying my history and how my parents (and, through them, I as well) chose and view the childhood lived.

Bused it to my Jr. High and skateboarded to Sr.  LOVED IT.

Within those years, in my supposedly safe neighborhood, I avoided traffic shit yet was subjected to four separate occasions of male drivers cruising up next to me, furiously jerking off.  I found each of them a mix of amusing (as in, "whoa, really?") and sad.

OH. MY. GOD. 

That's it, my daughter is never walking to school....in fact I may not let her leave the house.

hedonist

cincybearcat said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

hedonist said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

This thread is funny because it has parents and non-parents speaking.
In AMT that is fire.
I could suggest that the sky is pink as a parent and I would receive many colourful responses.

Actually, as a non-parent, it's kind of fucked up for anyone to say (or imply) that non-parents shouldn't respond. 

So...non-parent here!  But, I was a kid years ago.

My first elementary school was one block from our home at the time, second one the same  My mom may or may have not followed me there ninja-like to make sure I got there OK, but at seven years old?  Different times of course.  Safe.  Short walk, neighbors knew each other.  Grab a friend from our street along the way.  I get others have lived differently, as children and those with kiddos.  Just relaying my history and how my parents (and, through them, I as well) chose and view the childhood lived.

Bused it to my Jr. High and skateboarded to Sr.  LOVED IT.

Within those years, in my supposedly safe neighborhood, I avoided traffic shit yet was subjected to four separate occasions of male drivers cruising up next to me, furiously jerking off.  I found each of them a mix of amusing (as in, "whoa, really?") and sad.

OH. MY. GOD. 

That's it, my daughter is never walking to school....in fact I may not let her leave the house.

I should clarify that I never felt unsafe, as in about to be abducted or molested by anyone with one hand fully "occupied".  Glad I knew not to approach or panic.  I remember actually laughing at one dude

HughFreakingDillon

Yes.

hedonist said:

cincybearcat said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

hedonist said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

This thread is funny because it has parents and non-parents speaking.
In AMT that is fire.
I could suggest that the sky is pink as a parent and I would receive many colourful responses.

Actually, as a non-parent, it's kind of fucked up for anyone to say (or imply) that non-parents shouldn't respond. 

So...non-parent here!  But, I was a kid years ago.

My first elementary school was one block from our home at the time, second one the same  My mom may or may have not followed me there ninja-like to make sure I got there OK, but at seven years old?  Different times of course.  Safe.  Short walk, neighbors knew each other.  Grab a friend from our street along the way.  I get others have lived differently, as children and those with kiddos.  Just relaying my history and how my parents (and, through them, I as well) chose and view the childhood lived.

Bused it to my Jr. High and skateboarded to Sr.  LOVED IT.

Within those years, in my supposedly safe neighborhood, I avoided traffic shit yet was subjected to four separate occasions of male drivers cruising up next to me, furiously jerking off.  I found each of them a mix of amusing (as in, "whoa, really?") and sad.

OH. MY. GOD. 

That's it, my daughter is never walking to school....in fact I may not let her leave the house.

I should clarify that I never felt unsafe, as in about to be abducted or molested by anyone with one hand fully "occupied".  Glad I knew not to approach or panic.  I remember actually laughing at one dude

i can't believe anyone would have to witness that once, never mind FOUR TIMES. 

HughFreakingDillon

Yes.

cincybearcat said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

hedonist said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

This thread is funny because it has parents and non-parents speaking.
In AMT that is fire.
I could suggest that the sky is pink as a parent and I would receive many colourful responses.

Actually, as a non-parent, it's kind of fucked up for anyone to say (or imply) that non-parents shouldn't respond. 

So...non-parent here!  But, I was a kid years ago.

My first elementary school was one block from our home at the time, second one the same  My mom may or may have not followed me there ninja-like to make sure I got there OK, but at seven years old?  Different times of course.  Safe.  Short walk, neighbors knew each other.  Grab a friend from our street along the way.  I get others have lived differently, as children and those with kiddos.  Just relaying my history and how my parents (and, through them, I as well) chose and view the childhood lived.

Bused it to my Jr. High and skateboarded to Sr.  LOVED IT.

Within those years, in my supposedly safe neighborhood, I avoided traffic shit yet was subjected to four separate occasions of male drivers cruising up next to me, furiously jerking off.  I found each of them a mix of amusing (as in, "whoa, really?") and sad.

OH. MY. GOD. 

That's it, my daughter is never walking to school....in fact I may not let her leave the house.

hey, on the bright side, she didn't get Silence of the Lambs-ed. 

PJ_Soul

cincybearcat said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

hedonist said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

This thread is funny because it has parents and non-parents speaking.
In AMT that is fire.
I could suggest that the sky is pink as a parent and I would receive many colourful responses.

Actually, as a non-parent, it's kind of fucked up for anyone to say (or imply) that non-parents shouldn't respond. 

So...non-parent here!  But, I was a kid years ago.

My first elementary school was one block from our home at the time, second one the same  My mom may or may have not followed me there ninja-like to make sure I got there OK, but at seven years old?  Different times of course.  Safe.  Short walk, neighbors knew each other.  Grab a friend from our street along the way.  I get others have lived differently, as children and those with kiddos.  Just relaying my history and how my parents (and, through them, I as well) chose and view the childhood lived.

Bused it to my Jr. High and skateboarded to Sr.  LOVED IT.

Within those years, in my supposedly safe neighborhood, I avoided traffic shit yet was subjected to four separate occasions of male drivers cruising up next to me, furiously jerking off.  I found each of them a mix of amusing (as in, "whoa, really?") and sad.

OH. MY. GOD. 

That's it, my daughter is never walking to school....in fact I may not let her leave the house.

Great. Yet again, females suffer for male misdeeds.

FWIW, I had a naked jerking perv drive up on me and my sister when I was about 6. Meh. That's all he did. Whatcha gonna do? It wasn't even close to traumatizing. We knew to run - our parents did indeed teach us very well how to handle such situations, so unless there is a child snatcher on the loose, which is extremely rare, locking up your kids to protect them from the world is pretty much the worst thing any parent can do (I'm assuming you were using hyperbole cincy, but just the very idea makes me mad). BTW, Clifford Olsen was on the loose in my neighborhood when I was a kid. Of course everyone changed their behaviours during that time, until he was caught.

oftenreading

Yes.

PJ_Soul said:

cincybearcat said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

hedonist said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

This thread is funny because it has parents and non-parents speaking.
In AMT that is fire.
I could suggest that the sky is pink as a parent and I would receive many colourful responses.

Actually, as a non-parent, it's kind of fucked up for anyone to say (or imply) that non-parents shouldn't respond. 

So...non-parent here!  But, I was a kid years ago.

My first elementary school was one block from our home at the time, second one the same  My mom may or may have not followed me there ninja-like to make sure I got there OK, but at seven years old?  Different times of course.  Safe.  Short walk, neighbors knew each other.  Grab a friend from our street along the way.  I get others have lived differently, as children and those with kiddos.  Just relaying my history and how my parents (and, through them, I as well) chose and view the childhood lived.

Bused it to my Jr. High and skateboarded to Sr.  LOVED IT.

Within those years, in my supposedly safe neighborhood, I avoided traffic shit yet was subjected to four separate occasions of male drivers cruising up next to me, furiously jerking off.  I found each of them a mix of amusing (as in, "whoa, really?") and sad.

OH. MY. GOD. 

That's it, my daughter is never walking to school....in fact I may not let her leave the house.

Great. Yet again, females suffer for male misdeeds.

FWIW, I had a naked jerking perv drive up on me and my sister when I was about 6. Meh. That's all he did. Whatcha gonna do? It wasn't even close to traumatizing. We knew to run - our parents did indeed teach us very well how to handle such situations, so unless there is a child snatcher on the loose, which is extremely rare, locking up your kids to protect them from the world is pretty much the worst thing any parent can do (I'm assuming you were using hyperbole cincy, but just the very idea makes me mad). BTW, Clifford Olsen was on the loose in my neighborhood when I was a kid. Of course everyone changed their behaviours during that time, until he was caught.

Clifford Olsen in your neighbourhood?

That's the real OH MY GOD. Not the pathetic exhibitionist. 
 

PJ_Soul

oftenreading said:

PJ_Soul said:

cincybearcat said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

hedonist said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

This thread is funny because it has parents and non-parents speaking.
In AMT that is fire.
I could suggest that the sky is pink as a parent and I would receive many colourful responses.

Actually, as a non-parent, it's kind of fucked up for anyone to say (or imply) that non-parents shouldn't respond. 

So...non-parent here!  But, I was a kid years ago.

My first elementary school was one block from our home at the time, second one the same  My mom may or may have not followed me there ninja-like to make sure I got there OK, but at seven years old?  Different times of course.  Safe.  Short walk, neighbors knew each other.  Grab a friend from our street along the way.  I get others have lived differently, as children and those with kiddos.  Just relaying my history and how my parents (and, through them, I as well) chose and view the childhood lived.

Bused it to my Jr. High and skateboarded to Sr.  LOVED IT.

Within those years, in my supposedly safe neighborhood, I avoided traffic shit yet was subjected to four separate occasions of male drivers cruising up next to me, furiously jerking off.  I found each of them a mix of amusing (as in, "whoa, really?") and sad.

OH. MY. GOD. 

That's it, my daughter is never walking to school....in fact I may not let her leave the house.

Great. Yet again, females suffer for male misdeeds.

FWIW, I had a naked jerking perv drive up on me and my sister when I was about 6. Meh. That's all he did. Whatcha gonna do? It wasn't even close to traumatizing. We knew to run - our parents did indeed teach us very well how to handle such situations, so unless there is a child snatcher on the loose, which is extremely rare, locking up your kids to protect them from the world is pretty much the worst thing any parent can do (I'm assuming you were using hyperbole cincy, but just the very idea makes me mad). BTW, Clifford Olsen was on the loose in my neighborhood when I was a kid. Of course everyone changed their behaviours during that time, until he was caught.

Clifford Olsen in your neighbourhood?

That's the real OH MY GOD. Not the pathetic exhibitionist. 
 

Yeah, it was pretty crazy. Of course, the parents and the neighborhood block parent program and the schools and the police all came up with ways for the kids to stay safe. I remember it really sucking, because we were all used to roaming freely, and we had to stop that until he was caught. When he was caught and we could go back to normal we were like escaped wild animals that had been caged for too long, lol.

oftenreading

Yes.

PJ_Soul said:

oftenreading said:

PJ_Soul said:

cincybearcat said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

hedonist said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

This thread is funny because it has parents and non-parents speaking.
In AMT that is fire.
I could suggest that the sky is pink as a parent and I would receive many colourful responses.

Actually, as a non-parent, it's kind of fucked up for anyone to say (or imply) that non-parents shouldn't respond. 

So...non-parent here!  But, I was a kid years ago.

My first elementary school was one block from our home at the time, second one the same  My mom may or may have not followed me there ninja-like to make sure I got there OK, but at seven years old?  Different times of course.  Safe.  Short walk, neighbors knew each other.  Grab a friend from our street along the way.  I get others have lived differently, as children and those with kiddos.  Just relaying my history and how my parents (and, through them, I as well) chose and view the childhood lived.

Bused it to my Jr. High and skateboarded to Sr.  LOVED IT.

Within those years, in my supposedly safe neighborhood, I avoided traffic shit yet was subjected to four separate occasions of male drivers cruising up next to me, furiously jerking off.  I found each of them a mix of amusing (as in, "whoa, really?") and sad.

OH. MY. GOD. 

That's it, my daughter is never walking to school....in fact I may not let her leave the house.

Great. Yet again, females suffer for male misdeeds.

FWIW, I had a naked jerking perv drive up on me and my sister when I was about 6. Meh. That's all he did. Whatcha gonna do? It wasn't even close to traumatizing. We knew to run - our parents did indeed teach us very well how to handle such situations, so unless there is a child snatcher on the loose, which is extremely rare, locking up your kids to protect them from the world is pretty much the worst thing any parent can do (I'm assuming you were using hyperbole cincy, but just the very idea makes me mad). BTW, Clifford Olsen was on the loose in my neighborhood when I was a kid. Of course everyone changed their behaviours during that time, until he was caught.

Clifford Olsen in your neighbourhood?

That's the real OH MY GOD. Not the pathetic exhibitionist. 
 

Yeah, it was pretty crazy. Of course, the parents and the neighborhood block parent program and the schools and the police all came up with ways for the kids to stay safe. I remember it really sucking, because we were all used to roaming freely, and we had to stop that until he was caught. When he was caught and we could go back to normal we were like escaped wild animals that had been caged for too long, lol.

How long did that go on for? I'm curious as to how long it took for people to become aware what was going on, and then the gap between that awareness and when he was apprehended. 

cincybearcat

PJ_Soul said:

cincybearcat said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

hedonist said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

This thread is funny because it has parents and non-parents speaking.
In AMT that is fire.
I could suggest that the sky is pink as a parent and I would receive many colourful responses.

Actually, as a non-parent, it's kind of fucked up for anyone to say (or imply) that non-parents shouldn't respond. 

So...non-parent here!  But, I was a kid years ago.

My first elementary school was one block from our home at the time, second one the same  My mom may or may have not followed me there ninja-like to make sure I got there OK, but at seven years old?  Different times of course.  Safe.  Short walk, neighbors knew each other.  Grab a friend from our street along the way.  I get others have lived differently, as children and those with kiddos.  Just relaying my history and how my parents (and, through them, I as well) chose and view the childhood lived.

Bused it to my Jr. High and skateboarded to Sr.  LOVED IT.

Within those years, in my supposedly safe neighborhood, I avoided traffic shit yet was subjected to four separate occasions of male drivers cruising up next to me, furiously jerking off.  I found each of them a mix of amusing (as in, "whoa, really?") and sad.

OH. MY. GOD. 

That's it, my daughter is never walking to school....in fact I may not let her leave the house.

Great. Yet again, females suffer for male misdeeds.

FWIW, I had a naked jerking perv drive up on me and my sister when I was about 6. Meh. That's all he did. Whatcha gonna do? It wasn't even close to traumatizing. We knew to run - our parents did indeed teach us very well how to handle such situations, so unless there is a child snatcher on the loose, which is extremely rare, locking up your kids to protect them from the world is pretty much the worst thing any parent can do (I'm assuming you were using hyperbole cincy, but just the very idea makes me mad). BTW, Clifford Olsen was on the loose in my neighborhood when I was a kid. Of course everyone changed their behaviours during that time, until he was caught.

I was only kidding...I'm not really going to lock her up in the house forever.

rgambs

Damn, this thread is one giant reminder of how lucky I was (and Simon is) to grow up in the stix!

mcgruff10

brianlux said:

mcgruff10 said:

brianlux said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

There is no poll option for "Depends on the age".

Nor "Depends on where you live".

I never had kids but I home schooled one of my nephews for a year so that doesn't count. 

I walked to school but that was 800 years ago and I almost always went with siblings of friends.  More fun with friends because we could get away things like throwing M-80's down (unoccupied) manhole covers without my brother ratting on me.

Brian,
What certificates does one have to have in order to home school a kid (I'm sure it varies from state to state)?  Do you follow the state curriculum?  Does the child have to take some sort of final or standardized test in order to "graduate"?  Just wondering.

Mike

This took place in Washington state, Mike, back in the early 90's (just as Pearl Jam were breaking, come to think of it!), and it was only for one year- my nephews 4th grade.   I honestly don't know exactly what certificate was required because  I had a regular state issued teaching certificate (as opposed to temporary certificates which could be had in order to sub).  If I recall correctly (and good grief, that was only 25 years ago- should not be so difficult to remember!)  I was given a general outline of what subject matter needed to be covered and just checked in with admin from time to time.   I was given a fair amount of freedom to set my own curriculum as long as I covered all subjects required for that grade.  That freedom was probably allowed because admin knew me and were aware of my qualifications as a teacher and knew I had taught a 5/6 combo in the past and had subbed at all the local schools for a few years pretty much full time.  I'm guessing working in small towns made that sort of thing a bit looser that way as well.  It was a great experience for my nephew and me. 

I'm not sure what the requirements are here in California but I have to admit there have been a few time parents have come into the bookstore asking for certain books and I kind of wonder if these people are really qualified to home school.  I'm fairly neutral on home schooling.  In some situations, it makes sense.  My nephew had certain needs and good reason to have me home school him at the time but I got him into regular schooling as soon as I could.  I thinks its better to have the socialization schools provide.  Beyond that, I think a conscientious parent will do some home schooling regardless-- for example, my parents helped me with homework and set up a reading time for us when I was a kid and made it a positive experience and that instigated my love of books.

Good info Brian, thank you.  by the way, 25 years isn't that long ago lol

so your nephew didn't have to take any standardized testing?  

brianlux

mcgruff10 said:

brianlux said:

mcgruff10 said:

brianlux said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

There is no poll option for "Depends on the age".

Nor "Depends on where you live".

I never had kids but I home schooled one of my nephews for a year so that doesn't count. 

I walked to school but that was 800 years ago and I almost always went with siblings of friends.  More fun with friends because we could get away things like throwing M-80's down (unoccupied) manhole covers without my brother ratting on me.

Brian,
What certificates does one have to have in order to home school a kid (I'm sure it varies from state to state)?  Do you follow the state curriculum?  Does the child have to take some sort of final or standardized test in order to "graduate"?  Just wondering.

Mike

This took place in Washington state, Mike, back in the early 90's (just as Pearl Jam were breaking, come to think of it!), and it was only for one year- my nephews 4th grade.   I honestly don't know exactly what certificate was required because  I had a regular state issued teaching certificate (as opposed to temporary certificates which could be had in order to sub).  If I recall correctly (and good grief, that was only 25 years ago- should not be so difficult to remember!)  I was given a general outline of what subject matter needed to be covered and just checked in with admin from time to time.   I was given a fair amount of freedom to set my own curriculum as long as I covered all subjects required for that grade.  That freedom was probably allowed because admin knew me and were aware of my qualifications as a teacher and knew I had taught a 5/6 combo in the past and had subbed at all the local schools for a few years pretty much full time.  I'm guessing working in small towns made that sort of thing a bit looser that way as well.  It was a great experience for my nephew and me. 

I'm not sure what the requirements are here in California but I have to admit there have been a few time parents have come into the bookstore asking for certain books and I kind of wonder if these people are really qualified to home school.  I'm fairly neutral on home schooling.  In some situations, it makes sense.  My nephew had certain needs and good reason to have me home school him at the time but I got him into regular schooling as soon as I could.  I thinks its better to have the socialization schools provide.  Beyond that, I think a conscientious parent will do some home schooling regardless-- for example, my parents helped me with homework and set up a reading time for us when I was a kid and made it a positive experience and that instigated my love of books.

Good info Brian, thank you.  by the way, 25 years isn't that long ago lol

so your nephew didn't have to take any standardized testing?  

To the best of my memory (which isn't about how long ago 25 years was but more about how long ago I am, lol) I don't believe so.  I'm fairly certain it was just a matter of conferring with the regular 4th grade teacher and principal.

In the end I was a bit disappointed because this nephew dropped out of high school.  But, by the time he was 23 or 24 he had, through legal, hard work and natural smarts and abilities, amassed enough money to buy a 2500 square foot house in a really nice Seattle suburb.  Go figure!

PJ_Soul

cincybearcat said:

PJ_Soul said:

cincybearcat said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

hedonist said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

This thread is funny because it has parents and non-parents speaking.
In AMT that is fire.
I could suggest that the sky is pink as a parent and I would receive many colourful responses.

Actually, as a non-parent, it's kind of fucked up for anyone to say (or imply) that non-parents shouldn't respond. 

So...non-parent here!  But, I was a kid years ago.

My first elementary school was one block from our home at the time, second one the same  My mom may or may have not followed me there ninja-like to make sure I got there OK, but at seven years old?  Different times of course.  Safe.  Short walk, neighbors knew each other.  Grab a friend from our street along the way.  I get others have lived differently, as children and those with kiddos.  Just relaying my history and how my parents (and, through them, I as well) chose and view the childhood lived.

Bused it to my Jr. High and skateboarded to Sr.  LOVED IT.

Within those years, in my supposedly safe neighborhood, I avoided traffic shit yet was subjected to four separate occasions of male drivers cruising up next to me, furiously jerking off.  I found each of them a mix of amusing (as in, "whoa, really?") and sad.

OH. MY. GOD. 

That's it, my daughter is never walking to school....in fact I may not let her leave the house.

Great. Yet again, females suffer for male misdeeds.

FWIW, I had a naked jerking perv drive up on me and my sister when I was about 6. Meh. That's all he did. Whatcha gonna do? It wasn't even close to traumatizing. We knew to run - our parents did indeed teach us very well how to handle such situations, so unless there is a child snatcher on the loose, which is extremely rare, locking up your kids to protect them from the world is pretty much the worst thing any parent can do (I'm assuming you were using hyperbole cincy, but just the very idea makes me mad). BTW, Clifford Olsen was on the loose in my neighborhood when I was a kid. Of course everyone changed their behaviours during that time, until he was caught.

I was only kidding...I'm not really going to lock her up in the house forever.

Oh, I know - as I said, I assumed you were being hyperbolic... just you saying it triggered the concern in me generally, as some parents, and especially dads, actually do try and do this to their daughters!

mcgruff10

brianlux said:

mcgruff10 said:

brianlux said:

mcgruff10 said:

brianlux said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

There is no poll option for "Depends on the age".

Nor "Depends on where you live".

I never had kids but I home schooled one of my nephews for a year so that doesn't count. 

I walked to school but that was 800 years ago and I almost always went with siblings of friends.  More fun with friends because we could get away things like throwing M-80's down (unoccupied) manhole covers without my brother ratting on me.

Brian,
What certificates does one have to have in order to home school a kid (I'm sure it varies from state to state)?  Do you follow the state curriculum?  Does the child have to take some sort of final or standardized test in order to "graduate"?  Just wondering.

Mike

This took place in Washington state, Mike, back in the early 90's (just as Pearl Jam were breaking, come to think of it!), and it was only for one year- my nephews 4th grade.   I honestly don't know exactly what certificate was required because  I had a regular state issued teaching certificate (as opposed to temporary certificates which could be had in order to sub).  If I recall correctly (and good grief, that was only 25 years ago- should not be so difficult to remember!)  I was given a general outline of what subject matter needed to be covered and just checked in with admin from time to time.   I was given a fair amount of freedom to set my own curriculum as long as I covered all subjects required for that grade.  That freedom was probably allowed because admin knew me and were aware of my qualifications as a teacher and knew I had taught a 5/6 combo in the past and had subbed at all the local schools for a few years pretty much full time.  I'm guessing working in small towns made that sort of thing a bit looser that way as well.  It was a great experience for my nephew and me. 

I'm not sure what the requirements are here in California but I have to admit there have been a few time parents have come into the bookstore asking for certain books and I kind of wonder if these people are really qualified to home school.  I'm fairly neutral on home schooling.  In some situations, it makes sense.  My nephew had certain needs and good reason to have me home school him at the time but I got him into regular schooling as soon as I could.  I thinks its better to have the socialization schools provide.  Beyond that, I think a conscientious parent will do some home schooling regardless-- for example, my parents helped me with homework and set up a reading time for us when I was a kid and made it a positive experience and that instigated my love of books.

Good info Brian, thank you.  by the way, 25 years isn't that long ago lol

so your nephew didn't have to take any standardized testing?  

To the best of my memory (which isn't about how long ago 25 years was but more about how long ago I am, lol) I don't believe so.  I'm fairly certain it was just a matter of conferring with the regular 4th grade teacher and principal.

In the end I was a bit disappointed because this nephew dropped out of high school.  But, by the time he was 23 or 24 he had, through legal, hard work and natural smarts and abilities, amassed enough money to buy a 2500 square foot house in a really nice Seattle suburb.  Go figure!

that's awesome news in the end!
So I wonder what the requirements are to home school.  College grad?  High school grad?  I honestly have no clue.

PJ_Soul

oftenreading said:

PJ_Soul said:

oftenreading said:

PJ_Soul said:

cincybearcat said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

hedonist said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

This thread is funny because it has parents and non-parents speaking.
In AMT that is fire.
I could suggest that the sky is pink as a parent and I would receive many colourful responses.

Actually, as a non-parent, it's kind of fucked up for anyone to say (or imply) that non-parents shouldn't respond. 

So...non-parent here!  But, I was a kid years ago.

My first elementary school was one block from our home at the time, second one the same  My mom may or may have not followed me there ninja-like to make sure I got there OK, but at seven years old?  Different times of course.  Safe.  Short walk, neighbors knew each other.  Grab a friend from our street along the way.  I get others have lived differently, as children and those with kiddos.  Just relaying my history and how my parents (and, through them, I as well) chose and view the childhood lived.

Bused it to my Jr. High and skateboarded to Sr.  LOVED IT.

Within those years, in my supposedly safe neighborhood, I avoided traffic shit yet was subjected to four separate occasions of male drivers cruising up next to me, furiously jerking off.  I found each of them a mix of amusing (as in, "whoa, really?") and sad.

OH. MY. GOD. 

That's it, my daughter is never walking to school....in fact I may not let her leave the house.

Great. Yet again, females suffer for male misdeeds.

FWIW, I had a naked jerking perv drive up on me and my sister when I was about 6. Meh. That's all he did. Whatcha gonna do? It wasn't even close to traumatizing. We knew to run - our parents did indeed teach us very well how to handle such situations, so unless there is a child snatcher on the loose, which is extremely rare, locking up your kids to protect them from the world is pretty much the worst thing any parent can do (I'm assuming you were using hyperbole cincy, but just the very idea makes me mad). BTW, Clifford Olsen was on the loose in my neighborhood when I was a kid. Of course everyone changed their behaviours during that time, until he was caught.

Clifford Olsen in your neighbourhood?

That's the real OH MY GOD. Not the pathetic exhibitionist. 
 

Yeah, it was pretty crazy. Of course, the parents and the neighborhood block parent program and the schools and the police all came up with ways for the kids to stay safe. I remember it really sucking, because we were all used to roaming freely, and we had to stop that until he was caught. When he was caught and we could go back to normal we were like escaped wild animals that had been caged for too long, lol.

How long did that go on for? I'm curious as to how long it took for people to become aware what was going on, and then the gap between that awareness and when he was apprehended. 

I was pretty young, so don't recall the timelines specifically, but it was at least a few months, maybe more ... I specifically remember that it kept us from walking to school the way we usually did (i.e. parents walked with us), and it definitely ruined nearly an entire summer vacation too. We couldn't roam wild like we were used to doing.

oftenreading

Yes.

Just read this in the local morning paper.  Ugh - how infuriating! A father has been investigated by child protection services for letting his four kids (ages 7 - 11) ride the city bus to school, together. The decision of the Ministry was that children under 10 can not be left unattended, whether at home, in public, playing outside, walking to the corner store, etc. Total idiocy which reinforces the idea that children are unsafe every moment of the day and we can't possibly let them take risks that might actually help them grow up and develop the skills they will need to live independently.

An illuminating fact at the end of the article - between 2009 and 2013 there were no deaths of children on buses in Canada. In the same time period over a hundred children died in cars.

http://www.timescolonist.com/case-of-b-c-dad-barred-from-letting-kids-ride-bus-alone-prompts-debate-1.22478618

HughFreakingDillon

Yes.

oftenreading said:

Just read this in the local morning paper.  Ugh - how infuriating! A father has been investigated by child protection services for letting his four kids (ages 7 - 11) ride the city bus to school, together. The decision of the Ministry was that children under 10 can not be left unattended, whether at home, in public, playing outside, walking to the corner store, etc. Total idiocy which reinforces the idea that children are unsafe every moment of the day and we can't possibly let them take risks that might actually help them grow up and develop the skills they will need to live independently.

An illuminating fact at the end of the article - between 2009 and 2013 there were no deaths of children on buses in Canada. In the same time period over a hundred children died in cars.

http://www.timescolonist.com/case-of-b-c-dad-barred-from-letting-kids-ride-bus-alone-prompts-debate-1.22478618

maddening. so my 8 year old daughter, in BC, wouldn't be allowed to ride her bike outside without me watching her, even if she's with her big sister? holy shit. when I was a kid, at that age, i was gone for 6 hours at a time riding bikes around my neighbourhood and adjoining neighbourhoods. brutal. 

when is this going to extend to her being in our yard alone or with her big sister? oh, right, that already happened in winnipeg, with the mom watching her kids through the kitchen window while doing the dishes, getting reported and investigated. unbelievable.