has anyone done/considered doing aid work with their children?

[poshgirlformerlymaggiesmama]

this is something i had meant to do before i got pregnant. and i was wondering about doing it soon...

my dd will be 4 in july, and obviously starts school in september, so i guess weve got the next few months.

obviously we couldnt go anywhere dangerous now. no war torn countries etc. and i suppose there are some issues around health and safety. but there are lots of other places which need volunteers. i was thinking about orphanages, for example, where she could, in some way, make a contribution too.

is this madness?

i was thinking that as well as a good and positive thing to do, it would be an incredible experience for us both. for her to have a sense that not everyones parents are architects and have bugaboos etc. i'm being a tad glib (thats not our life) but you know what i mean...

all thoughs welcome. thanks

(also - its nearly rainy season, which might complicate things)

would love to also,but haven't yet so probably not much use to you. You could contact VSO/Oxfam see what they say?Think also there aresome "adult" gap-year websites - www.icye.co.uk (?)
Good luck!

vso etc is a good idea.

do you think its wrong to be considering this with a child?

No! My dps hauled me off to darkest Africa when I was 4! I loved it.

anyone else got any thoughts? my pal thinks i'm going crayzeee

The lay preacher at the local church went to a Zambian orphanage with her family in the summer holidays, the youngest was 5/6 at the time.

Found this:

www.fozo.org.uk/newsletters/Autumn%2006%20newsletter.pdf

I don't think you're crazy at all, and it's not going to be rainy season everywhere

We lived in South Africa for a while, and did a lot of pitching in up the townships, and in Aids centres, children's homes, daycares and so on. South Africa could be a good choice for you, as you would not need to take (or give your wee one) malaria prophylactics if you go in the Summer, or if you stay south of Pretoria. There are lots of places that could do with some help, and yeah, it would be a great experience for all of you.

Some small community places you could consider are on this website
www.sowetoconnection.org

thanks very much for your thoughts. and the suggestions.

actually, i have always wanted to go to south africa. my family have roots there. could be a great option.

My DB and his partner have just gone to Islamabad with their one year old son.

He is a journalist but she is hoping to try and do some aid work while there. She's an engineer by profession and was digging wells in Afghanistan a couple of years ago (then got pregnant with my dear nephew).

not mad. sounds brilliant. id love to do something like that.

I admire you for wanting to do smoething like this. I think it will be a fantastic experience for you both. Got me thinking about how I would love to do something like that.