to feel angry and sad that lack of funds mean my children miss out on things?

[Missanneshirley]

Very much middle class angst here as I am well aware that my children are fed, clothed, have a roof over their heads etc. They are not very "grabby" in terms of toys, gadgets etc and seem generally happy with their lot. But I just wish I could do more stuff with them! This weekend i know of friends whose dc are:

• going to see a sporting event in a nearby city (travel and ticket costs prohibitive)
• learning to climb at a climbing wall centre (as above )
• going to see a musical (as above!)

These are all different families obv! Another has a piano exam...cos they bought a piano and can pay for lessons.

Yes I know they have valuable time spent with family and friends etc. But I'd just love to be able to do more of these things which I think they would really love!

Not the exact point of the thread, but re teaching piano I watched these on youtube:

And felt inspired; then bought this:

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/9679854442?keywords=ng%20theory&qid=1456083626&ref_=sr_1_2&sr=8-2

(the author does ones for older dc beginners too) - this is the theory and is fun and easy with stickers and stuff, and to go with it by the same author the finger exercises for LC, plus the beginner piano pieces by the same author.

I don't play the piano so wasn't sure where to start, but it has been easy. Having said that, I did play another instrument when growing up, so I knew how to read music etc - although for the books you wouldn't need any knowledge at all.

By the way, when buying an instrument, if you buy second hand it is worth taking a good pianist with you as the real cheap ones will likely need tuning and some may not be worth it and if electronic you'd want weighted keys etc.

Re learning languages, Duolingo is free and fine for kids once they can read. If kids are not yet reading, Little Pim is about £40 for the download videos (you don't need the flash cards, books or teddy bear...). They may not be travelling now but they'll get a head start for when they do!

You can learn how to teach almost anything from youtube. One dc mad keen on tennis so we look up tennis drills and do them.