Working holiday with the family

Don't waste time get going.

First Issue He will meet lots of other kids as you travel. Once he sees our great country he will change his mind. He is probably fearful of the unknown. Make sure you have some electronic games and DVD's

Second Issue. Cattle stations is where I would concentrate. They always have projects on the go which do not need a long commitment. Their main requirements are people who have commonsense, are safety conscious, and can work unsupervised. Your skill set would indicate you have these in spades. You could also try caravan parks and any ute's you see on the track. And the most oblivious place is the local employment agency which is the front bar of the local pub.

Have a great trip, every family I have ever met on the road don't want to go home.

Hi Sam,

Your five year old can't possibly understand enough about what a "big Trip around Australia" actually means, so what he is saying is probably a reaction to the unknown or maybe he is reflecting some reservations he may have heard someone else express.

There are usually plenty of other children out on the road and they all seem to have a great time, and the parents all say the kids are learning heaps. So please, just reassure your son that he will have a good time and then go for it. At his age his formal education will not suffer, especially if you use the time in the vehicle to play games that build his language and number skills.

Cheers,

Val.

We have had a couple of families travelling Oz with young children, stay with us for a few days, and they have all said that the kids have grown up so much with the experiences they have encountered.
As said before, young ???? will meet kids of his own age, or there abouts, and in due course will wonder what he was worried about.
Enjoy the travelling, it's a great country out there.
Cheers
Baz

Sam H6 you have basically answered you own question given that you are prepared to do this. Your son will have the best education he can get on the road instead of being thrust into a regimented controlled 'learning enviroment' with dubious outcomes. You will have the opportunity to be directly involved in your children's formative education as well as their developing socialization skills. All your kids will learn and experience things they will not at the local kindergarten.

As for your work be up front with people, do what you say you will do and don't restrict yourself. Become a jack of all trades so to speak and work will come to you.

Sam,
can't help with the young one but from what I have seen many kids actually do better and become more outgoing.

In the larger places and provincial cities labour hire firms will be your best bet. In fact some are Australia wide and you can tee things up from one location. Once you get a good rep they will push you forward.

Small towns will just be a matter of asking to see if anyone needs a hand. Often they only need someone who is willing to work for a week or two.

Have a good trip,
RA.

Your son should enjoy the trip and do very well so long as you spend time doing things that are interesting and enjoyable for him - not too many long days driving! You need to encourage him to meet other kids at first - a scooter or bike would be a big help, as would a dad who starts up a ball game! He will learn a lot from the trip so long as adults take the time to show and explain things to him.
He doesn't need much formal schooling at this age but it is a very good idea to organise some formal learning time (not necessarily always at a table!) so when he eventually goes to school he will be able to slot in with his age group. Talk to teachers at your local school and find out about suitable readers etc and the skills expected. He will learn easily and quickly with one on one assistance and can be proud of reading road signs etc. Don't forget the importance of his parents reading to him - nothing else does more to encourage his learning abilities! So stock up on some quality story books and search out interesting materials on places you visit - Tourist Info Offices often have great illustrated pamphlets etc and books of local stories about pioneering life etc which can provide you with ideas. You will find many opportunities to develop his number skills -counting animals,playing games as you travel like who sees the most red cars, working out distances etc.. If your travels last longer than a year consider enrolling him in Distance Education so you are within the law and can receive appropriate teaching materials for the later grades to help you.
Have a great trip! Lynne

Best thing in the world is to take kids out and get some real world (life) experience. Along the way get in some of the 3 R's, eg. get them to write a journal, or if not ready for that then get them to describe something they remember and you write it for them, and they read it back. Can't be too hard to chuck in a few numbers along the way, even if it's as simple as counting windmills (or dead roos, heaven forbid, and have a laugh at the same time) and work up from there.

Of course his grandmother will miss him! Turn the conversation to positives like how much he will learn and develop. Make sure you organise to send her lots of drawings and post cards and emails from your son. She will soon be boasting to all and sundry about his talents and adventures and feeing included in your life. Lynne

Sam h6 & Rebecca,
Some 40 years ago we took our kids to central Aust and up to Katherine George Etc Etc for 4weeks , Now 45 & 40 they remembered the different gorge's when I showed them photos from my trip last year. Also teachers noted they had a far greater interest in general subjects.
In 2010 my daughter let us take their 10 & 12 old sons to the Kimberly's. Must say that was one the highlights of my life seeing things through their eyes,
Sam as an old fart I'm always asked if I want some work. My answer is sorry I have too much to do and see.
Have a wonderful trip and I'm sure tou will remember this experience for the rest of your lives.
Phil H