St. Thomas w/ kids

Whew! That is a big question! I have a 2yr, 7yr, and 9yr old. I run errands every single day. Food doesn't last long in the heat so I buy groceries constantly. We almost need a second fridge just for drinks, water, juice, milk, kid's drinks, sodas, energy drinks (not to lose weight - just to keep up), etc.

There are many private schools to choose from, expensive, but would be my first choice here. My two oldest are in public school and it has been hard to deal with. I was expecting the public schools to be the worst and they are not that bad. However, still wish I could afford private. Water is an issue. You have to send your kids with water to drink as the school does not provide drinking water. They do get milk with lunch and lunch is free as is breakfast. Restrooms are horrible.

There are kid's activities on island, but you really have to work hard to find them or find what your child is interested in. My kids are tired of going to the beach (I know you wouldn't have guessed). They would rather just go to a swimming pool. So I have to hunt down places with pools or friends with pools. Mosts resorts say no swimming in their pools for locals, but I have 'snuck in' to many with no problem.

My kids complain that I don't let them have baths instead they have short showers to conserve water. Find a home that you do not share a cistern with. We never ran out of water in a home that we had exclusive use with the cistern, however when we shared - it ran out of water and of course they blame the apartment with three kids. Still don't believe it was our fault.

Kids seem to get mysterious rashes - probably heat rashes - all the time so bring a good rash ointment. Always have the kids wear sunblock and don't get the aeresol spray sunblock. Kids rub it off and get burned quickly.

You don't want the kids to dengue fever, so do use a mosquito repellent separate from sunblock.

Anyway, that is some of the things I have come across concerning kids. I am sure other mothers have good advice as well.

Teresa

One of the biggest reasons we are moving back to the states after being here only a year is medical issues with myself, but I will have to tell you and THIS IS JUST MY OPINION is that I think it is extremely difficult living here with children. There isn't much to do with them here besides sun activities, mosquitoes are bad, and it's very expensive to live. My husband and I decided that we would rather raise our children on a lake enviroment with lots of friends and family around and where can afford to do the things we want to do...taking a road trip to get away is missed a lot. They always say on this board that life here isn't for everyone so I agree completely on coming for several pre move visits, saving lots of money for the move, and leaving all expectations behind. Some people can make it work and enjoy life here, but with kids...make sure you bring lots of cash and patience!

I feel your pain with the issues that Ive read from the message board, myself , hubby and then 2 kids lived in stt from 2000 to 2003 and decided to move back state side, but now with the energy and gas crisis going on over here and jobs are few and far we are actually trying to come back. I think im ready for the simplicity of life again. My job is very stressful where i am now and just ready to get away from it all, but reading all of this is making me rethink just a bit , any advice?

I would say it depends on your definition of a simple life. I think living in the states will be simple after living here. Perhaps returning in a more "simple" mindset or relaxed attitude, but with the convienences of the states. Just don't try and get a "relocation" fix for your problem...good luck in whatever you decide. 🙂

For me, St. Thomas has a lot less stress than stateside and a lot of beautry which relieves any stress. Yes, there are less things to do but that only makes one be creative and spend more time enjoying each other's company. With kids we go back to being creative and innovative and playing games, just having fun, not having to plan and schedule activities. I feel my child is safer here. She is growing up more slowly than a cousin in the states who is the same age. She is a pre teen and not concerned with boys and make up and jewelry as her cousin is. The exposure to sex and violence is much easier to lessen here on the island. Self reliance and self assurance and imagination are results of living here with my child anyway.

Your points are great glynnswife about the positive of being here on island with kids. However, my sisters in the states raise their kids in a creative environment, they play outside ,and enjoy each other as a family. They are monitored in what they are exposed to at home. It's called turning off the tv. The other stuff outside you can't control, but I must say that I have been to many beaches here with my daughter and always seem to run into a family that is "smoking pot" with their kids next to them and another time we sat our stuff down accidently around beer bottles and condoms. I am just saying to me no matter where you are there is exposure to bad and unsafe things. I also think that maybe parents are not truly leading/teaching or even limiting their kids on things these days in the states so kids grow up way too fast. Depends on the parent. I really appreciate your outlook though...it did make me think. thanks!