[jbdlfan]

Originally Posted by sdavis44

I won't bother quoting anybody here. And believe me, I know that everybody is entitled to their opinion and the right to express it. I even welcome and appreciate it...honest! But that being said, I must also say...

jane032657 is the one who really gets it and is responding to the question I posed...along with several of you others also. I'm simply looking to get some input regarding what to expect if my son comes and lives with us for a while. That's it!

For example, comments have been made about the dangers of e-school. My son's work has been done at a fully accredited brick-and-mortar college that happens to offer e-courses as part of their curriculum. Every credit he's earned is fully transferable. That's just addressing one of the many off-topic issues that have been raised. I respect your concerns, but again...I'm simply looking for information regarding what to expect if/when my son comes along and spends a little time living in TV.

Wow, am I so glad you responded this way. As you can see, people will make judgements or comments on things they have no idea about. The e-courses that your son is taking are a perfect example.
That being said, we have raised a son done here, who went to the Charter School, and is now out on his own. He made friends, socialized locally and otherwise did fine. We have a daughter that moved down here and met a very nice young man that she married. Granted, neither lived in The Villages, but we did live next door until recently. They both spent and continue to spend tons of time here to either visit and socialize with us our their grandparents. You and your son will be fine if you make the choice to make a permanent move.
Trust me, you will meet and hear from ALL KINDS around here, it will be what you want it to be. Now one concern you may have as a parent is that outside the buble you will find a socio-economic situation you or your son may not be familiar with. Not knowing you personally, I have no idea what type of situation you are accustomed. We had a definite culture shock once we began venturing out on a regular basis. But it's like anywhere, keep your eye and ears open and you will be fine. Feel free to PM me for specific info, I work in a school district outside The Villages and my spouse works locally also.

[siu74]

I was transferred when our son was about the same age. It was not The Villages but he was still looking for friends in a new location. He took a few classes at the local jr college and met some friends. He also worked at the YMCA Camp and latchkey program. Most of the counselors were his age. He made alot of good friends at the YMCA. Don't know if there is anything like that in the surrounding area but might be an idea. Wish you the best of luck. Also, when we were The Villages earlier this year there was a young man that came to "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader". I think he had as much fun as we did.

[gomoho]

sdavis - I am so happy that Jane was the voice of reason to all the naysayers on this post. My goodness how judgemental and righteous so many people are. No one knows what your family circumstances are and should not be judging. You asked a simple question and should receive a simple answer. Most kids can find each other within a 50 mile radius - it always amazes me with what ease they find their place. It probably isn't the ideal situation, but it wasn't the ideal situation when we moved our daughter during her senior year in high school because of a job promotion. Hey life happens and we all adjust one way or the other. I wish you the best of luck with whatever decision you make and can tell from your posts how much you love your son and have his best interest at heart. And speaking of heart - follow yours and trust your own instincts and all will be well.

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by jane032657

My main point is that we do not know what the circumstances of this young man's life are so maybe there are issues that make it is a struggle to do what we all dream our children will do. I do have three children of my own, 29,28 and 26, all university educated, my 29 year old son just bought a house in Toronto which is the same value as our home in Seattle, with his wife; my 26 year daughter old bought a house in Seattle when she was 24 years old. They all have jobs. They all, thank G-d, are strong, young, independent people with careers. My husband has two sons who are a sophmore and senior at universities in Washington State, 19 and 21 years old, bright and forward children. However, in a heartbeat, if there was a need, an issue, a problem, a glitch in the road of life, our door is open, a safe place awaits them, and support is there to adress whatever is the issue and then move forward again. Do any of them long to live with us? No. Do any of them dream of moving to The Villages to enjoy pickleball and dancing in the town square? No. Would they have trust and faith that if they needed shelter and support for a period of time, there is a room available and a loving family to help them on their journey? Yes. So to me I see these parents doing the same thing not knowing what particular need their child has. I do not judge or make assumptions, because anyone's child's life can change in an instant and so you do what you need to do to help them through the transition. We are all so proud of our children who do so many wonderful things, and better yet, do it with their own self will, independence, money, and do it successfully. I know I am. But let's be supportive of parents who are supportive of their children when it is needed and remember you do not know what goes on behind closed doors and what path parents have walked with their children. We all want our kids to fly but sometimes an injured wing has to heal before that is possible.

Excellent post.

Sdavis44, if your son lives with you, yes he can get a resident Villages ID card that will enable him to participate in all TV activities except the over 30 pools. There are other kids his age who live in TV and surrounding communities. I wish you and your son every success and happiness.

The preview DVD mentions a family pool there, with no age restriction.

[graciegirl]

You asked about young people living here.

In our small village of 52 homes, there is a daughter and husband in their 20's living with parents part time and I think they are students.

In our first village, Hadley, I didn't know of anyone who had a child living with them up and down the several streets of people with whom we were familiar..

Among all of the friends I have met from TOTV and in real places around The Villages, I have met one other person who had a child who would never be independent living with them as ours is.

I really don't think that there is a LOT of young people, at least in my experience.

[sharonga]

Originally Posted by jane032657

I would hope your son would be welcomed as a part of your life and in your village for as long as he needed your support. Peope 19 and over are allowed to live with their families in The Villages. With surrounding towns, businesses in The Villages, and all the young crowd I have seen in the squares at night, I am sure there would be opportunities in surrounding areas to meet peers, and lots of activities to enjoy in The Villages. Anyone could have an adult child in need and I woud expect that those who wanted to help their adult children by having them come stay with them would be accepted. No young adult will most likely end up making The Villages their long term residence, but parents have obligations to children when they have need and I would welcome my neighbors chidren with open arms, they will all be 19 or over and I am sure will be delightful additions to the neighborhood for the time they need to be there. How the young person adjusts, socializes, adapts, and finds fulfillment is another question.

Loved your answer. You have intelligence and a heart

[jane032657]

Not sure where you are coming from but Grace is a caring, special person who is involved in her community and is sharing situations which respond to the person asking the question. Caring about your neighbors, being friends, knowing who lives around you in not meddling, it is being part of a wonderful community. Nothing was shared that was hurtful, personal, or private. It is her positive attitude on life which makes Grace such a wonderful person whose posts are most welcoming and caring of others. If you live in The Villages, I hope you are enjoying your neighbors and community and offer your heart, friendship and genuiness as Grace does.

Originally Posted by Gat0r

Gee Gracie, I never thought you would have a opinion on this subject.Oh wait you have a opinion on every subject, Is that why you have 5k posts.And how and why do you know, care about the people down the street.I don't care as much for my neighbors "goin's on" as you do. I would never want a neighbor like you. As in the old days watch your laundry it's out to dry.

[sharonga]

We moved to The Villages in May. My 34 year old daughter and my 6 year old granddaughter moved with us. We got them an apartment 10 minutes away. My granddaughter is enrolled in school, my daughter found a job in the Villages. Nothing great, but these days....not many good jobs anywhere and we are from NY. Her boyfriend moved too. Is she bored...yes...has she made friends...some on her job. The thing is if we stayed in NY....life would not be much different for her. Our friends accept our little family. My granddaughter dances at the town square. We go out to dinner. My husband and I are starting a new life and so is she.

[sharonga]

Originally Posted by Pturner

Excellent post.

Sdavis44, if your son lives with you, yes he can get a resident Villages ID card that will enable him to participate in all TV activities except the over 30 pools. There are other kids his age who live in TV and surrounding communities. I wish you and your son every success and happiness.

That was heartwarming

[Peachie]

Originally Posted by Gat0r

Gee Gracie, I never thought you would have a opinion on this subject.Oh wait you have a opinion on every subject, Is that why you have 5k posts.And how and why do you know, care about the people down the street.I don't care as much for my neighbors "goin's on" as you do. I would never want a neighbor like you. As in the old days watch your laundry it's out to dry.

Perhaps you should reread the OP's first post with questions and then reread Gracie's response and then maybe comprehend that Gracie's post was exactly the type of information that was requested and nothing more. Now "your post" may have a hint of opinion within it.

[sharonga]

Living in TV since May. So many different kinds of people. So many judgemental and so many not.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Gat0r

Gee Gracie, I never thought you would have a opinion on this subject.Oh wait you have a opinion on every subject, Is that why you have 5k posts.And how and why do you know, care about the people down the street.I don't care as much for my neighbors "goin's on" as you do. I would never want a neighbor like you. As in the old days watch your laundry it's out to dry.

If you read the OP's question, he wondered how many young people lived with their parents. If you read my answer that is what I responded to.

Our daughter who has Williams Syndrome is a forever resident with us and we are blessed to have her.

We were snowbirds for four years and we had a Hadley social group who got together once a month and I still play golf with the girls in Hadley so I knew who had children living with them. We have an active social group in our new village and all of us get together several times a month. That is how I know about the family situation in this new village.

I don't have five thousand posts, I have close to twelve thousand and that is way too many.

And as for my laundry. I use a dryer.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by Gat0r

Gee Gracie, I never thought you would have a opinion on this subject.Oh wait you have a opinion on every subject, Is that why you have 5k posts.And how and why do you know, care about the people down the street.I don't care as much for my neighbors "goin's on" as you do. I would never want a neighbor like you. As in the old days watch your laundry it's out to dry.

I thought we weren't allowed to people-bash on this forum. That comment was certainly inappropriate and should be removed, IMO.

[TOTV Team]

Comment removed and issue privately addressed.