The kids have been working hard doing chores to earn some spending money here in Mexico. They negotiated 100 pesos per hour, and we all agreed to do 12 minutes a day 5 days a week.
The kids volunteered for the jobs they enjoy (they literally fought over who would do the dishes!), and I was very excited to take the remainder.... Suddenly I have less to do around the house, they are growing up and getting involved VOLUNTARILY!
I think coming to Mexico has opened them up in big ways! Bill started swimming really well since we got here, Stara has begun to master her bike, they are both trying basic Spanish words with strangers... And now this! Yaye!!!
I love the depth of learning that travel provides. They are earning their money in pesos, and learning the conversion to dollars so they have a frame of reference for their purchase. What an excellent way to learn math, budgeting and economics! We made homemade piggy banks from large yogurt containers, and they both started saving.
I told Stara in depth about planning for the future and making bigger purchases and she immediately put three quarters of her money in savings and a quarter in spending. She plans to save half of everything else she brings in.
They are both starting to become comfortable with basic Spanish words, and are actually responding to people who greet them! Our first trip here the kids didn't speak hardly any Spanish the entire time, they just observed their parents and peers for 6 weeks..... This time around they seem entirely more comfortable.
Spanish is not something I grew up with much exposure to, and I think watching me TRY and mess up and laugh and enjoy the process of learning has allowed my kids to feel less pressure around the language barrier. I am excited to see what happens over the next 5 months....