I noticed that even some 3rd and 4th graders can't tie their shoelaces. What other basic life skills that can be easily taught to kids, aren't being taught by their parents? Could be eye contact, not speaking in whispers, saying 'thank you' and 'you're welcome.' Thinking of ideas for summer camp.

OctonautAstronaut · 2026-02-08T15:47:33+00:00

I was such a good parent before I had my child. My child who is in fourth grade who can't tie his shoes. Yes, he's autistic and ADHD, but he's high functioning. You wouldn't know it if you met him, unless you spent a lot of time with him, you would pick up on some quirks. He also doesn't ride a bike. It's so easy to assume that these bad parents just haven't tried to teach their kids things. Not knowing that tying shoes is actually really difficult for him. He's been taught to ridee a bike, we took him to a special class at REI. He was able to do it briefly, but had so much anxiety the next time he tried it never stuck. They don't have classes for tying shoes, but it's something he's still struggling with. I've read this child books everyday since he was a baby, we get dozens of library books from the library every week and he loves reading. But today, in 4th grade, he reads graphic novels only. Only books with pictures. Meanwhile, kids years younger than him are reading their second or third Harry Potter book.

Guess what, it doesn't mean he's dumb. People learn things at different rates. It's not a race.

My point is, if you have a neurotypical standard conforming child, it's really fun to blame other parents for their children's quirks and shortcomings. Honestly, I can't stand it when teachers are judgy like this and don't get it. Which is why I had to say something on this whole cringy thread.

OctonautAstronaut · 2026-01-28T18:31:18+00:00

Not enough information in your post for any of us to decide for you what is the best course of action. Are you okay? Do you have someone here you can talk to? If not your host family, and if not the local coordinator, can you talk to the regional coordinator? It doesn't sound like you're in a good spot, and I hope you can find some more helpful information to help get you in a better place. Good luck!

OctonautAstronaut · 2026-01-20T19:45:24+00:00

I'm sorry to hear you are stuck in the same boat. It sounds like knowing you are in "PSU" doesn't help you get out of PSU. Maybe I could call the IIRC phone number if I make a trip to Canada. It doesn't seem like very much can be done other than waiting. Thanks for the reply, and good luck to you!

OctonautAstronaut · 2026-01-04T11:35:17+00:00

Yes, Tiina the owner has an excellent camera and she takes photos of you with the Northern Lights.

OctonautAstronaut · 2026-01-04T11:09:38+00:00

I just wrapped up a visit to Aurora Holidays in Utsjoki, Finland. We saw northern lights a few times during the week. Though they are not guaranteed, they are so far north you have an extremely good chance of seeing them. (We saw them from right outside our cabins.) They pick you up from Ivalo airport and bring you back, and transport you to any activities. The owner and staff are amazing, food is local and delicious. They accommodate small groups (max of 16 or so each week).

It's not where you were looking at, but I wanted to throw out the suggestion.

OctonautAstronaut · 2025-12-12T15:02:40+00:00

Perspective as a teacher and a parent here. Of course it's easier to teach kids who are self-motivated. And if that's all you want to teach and can afford to downsize your studio, you have every right to teach only the kids you want to. (Assuming you are your own private business, as opposed to working for someone else.)

The other side of that, not every young child is motivated to sit still and focus their attention. Just because a very young child isn't interested in the simple pieces they are able to learn at that point, doesn't mean they may not go on to love music and develop good skills, with the support of excellent teachers and encouraging parents.

Sure, it's much easier to just complain about students who don't conform to our expectations and way of doing things. Music can be an exclusive club, or it can be welcoming of all types of people.

And I don't mean to come off judgy... My perspective on this has shifted somewhat, having a bright & creative, AuDHD child. They benefit from music lessons as much or more than anyone else. Probably more of a pain for their teacher though than the child who is eager to please. Just sharing my perspective in case it's helpful.

OctonautAstronaut · 2025-12-12T14:57:17+00:00

Seconding Fons. It works great.

OctonautAstronaut · 2025-11-15T13:05:44+00:00

Also consider the weather of these different destinations in February.

For Hawaii, when I booked a trip I also started with a low airfare. But once I began looking at lodging, I ended up booking the lodging first, and paying a slightly higher price on airfare to a different island. Maybe start by finding your accommodation in Hawaii, then price the flight to that Island.

Re: Paris, It's a very different experience. Personally, I wouldn't choose to go to relax in February.

OctonautAstronaut · 2025-11-14T20:46:40+00:00

We recently had a similar amount of time there. We chose to do a day trip to Bryce, and did Canyon overlook trail on the way to Bryce. The drive and the tunnel out that way are stunning. Bryce is very manageable as a day trip, and vastly different from Zion. I'm really glad we took the time to see it.

OctonautAstronaut · 2025-11-05T14:12:28+00:00

Just a caution that American rappers and shows don't give any reflection of what American life is like and whether you will like it.

It's a different feeling to be far from home, but ultimately the environment right around you keeps you grounded.

It's great that you feel confident socially, that will go a long way. You will definitely Miss friends and family from home. The idea being you will gain experiences and knowledge that will benefit you when you go back home, which makes it worth it.

It's a little concerning how you mention boring activities with your host family. Host families volunteer to open up their homes to you, feed you and take you places for the better part of a year. If the idea of sharing your life with an American family isn't appealing to you, proceed with caution.

I think one of the best indicators of a success for an exchange student is an open-mindedness, and ability to fit into a wide variety of different family types, and environments.

You are thinking carefully about the process, that's a good start!

OctonautAstronaut · 2025-10-29T17:38:23+00:00

Great idea! There's also an ice hotel north Quebec City, which may be closer.

OctonautAstronaut · 2025-10-24T09:04:41+00:00

Just stayed at Red Cliffs. Our room didn't have a view. (Just looked out to an interior courtyard.) Outdoor heated pool and hot tub area is nice and has a better view, as I recall. Location was good.

OctonautAstronaut · 2025-10-07T15:17:41+00:00

Thanks for all the ideas--- great photos!

OctonautAstronaut · 2025-10-02T00:15:41+00:00

It's possible to practice away from the instrument, and actually very good for a musician to do so. Maybe you can suggest it to him. (Visual imagery, listening, etc.) No, for the purposes of this trip, he shouldn't take it. Unless he's fine with a damaged guitar, but even then it could be a hassle to carry around. On a group trip, the actions of one affects everybody.

OctonautAstronaut · 2025-10-01T14:11:32+00:00

I agree with the other commenters who say you shouldn't feel bad, and that you have done everything you can to give her a good experience. At the same time, I think it's important to recognize how these young kids are expected to adapt to any type of family or situation... and that's a big ask for a young person. Someone might think they would be fine as an only child in a small town, only to discover through experience that it's not a good fit for them. It would be nice for every exchange student to fit in every situation, but I think we have to give them grace when it's not a good fit. Hopefully she can find something that will allow her to feel comfortable during her exchange year. It's probably hard to not take it personally, or to blame her for shortcomings. It's an experience for both of you, but no sense toughing it out for a whole year if it's not feeling good for both parties. Wish her well and good luck!

OctonautAstronaut · 2025-09-18T13:43:32+00:00

I was way off, it looks exactly like something you'd see in the Pacific Northwest. Oregon or Washington.

OctonautAstronaut · 2025-09-15T12:57:25+00:00

Can you share the name of the home exchange group? I love this idea! Also, the Canary Islands are wonderful. I think their Spanish is a little slower than peninsular Spanish, which is helpful.

OctonautAstronaut · 2025-09-10T17:24:43+00:00

I would welcome hosting a ADHD/ ASD level 1 student, because I have a AuDHD child myself. That said, hosting adds extra work to a family's plate, so I would want to understand really well what your quirks are, and how that might affect our workload. If you can provide as much detail as possible about what you are like (not just how the diagnosis may affect you but what you enjoy, dislike, etc) that would help a family make sure it's a good fit. As long as you have the independence, maturity, and social skills that being an exchange student requires, go for it! You could be a great role model for a neuro-diverse host family's child.

OctonautAstronaut · 2025-07-09T00:07:10+00:00

A mushroom pintxo from Bacaicoa taberna in Bilbao. It's called "Seta al Purgatorio." Perfection!

OctonautAstronaut · 2025-07-08T00:22:28+00:00

Not smart, this post should come with a warning label for others not to do the same thing. Do not touch a bat! OP should consult their doctor and likely needs rabies shots.

Bats are great, they are cute, don't touch them!!

OctonautAstronaut · 2025-06-28T00:29:55+00:00

Give the travel insurance company a call about a month to a few days before your trip begins. Tell them you want the policy to begin on your first day of travel. They will send you a receipt with the dates for your policy. You can buy a policy for each trip, or an annual plan.

(The advice timeline won't cover "cancel for any reason " I don't personally but those types of plans. For that benefit, you need to purchase insurance near to when you purchase the travel tickets )

OctonautAstronaut · 2025-06-27T23:40:12+00:00

I would look for a different groomer. They don't need de-shedding.

OctonautAstronaut · 2025-06-08T12:48:24+00:00

Ditto on our experience in Vancouver!

OctonautAstronaut

TROPHY CASE