Unschooling through the ages

This is for Unschooling Voices issue 11

Unschooling through the ages: How, if at all, does unschooling look different as your child ages and grows. Is it different now than it was a few years back? What role does age play in unschooling?

I have been thinking about this probably a little too hard which makes it more difficult to articulate.

I have 4 kids, ages 12 1/2, 9 1/2, 8 and 5 1/2.

We have been living and learning without the confines of school since birth.

I actually find that with the younger kids my role is more hands on, there is a constant question and answer dialogue going on. They need more undivided attention, which is hard to do with 4 kids anyway. I have just found a way to be with all of them at various times and helping them with whatever it is they need. With different ages they are all into different things, their interests vary but rarely are they all interested in the same thing at the same time.

As they grow they are more independent learners. My oldest just does the research himself and rarely asks me for help. He will still come to me on occasion but not like when he was younger. I believe it's because he knows how to learn and how to think because it's been fostered in him and nothing has been force fed. He doesn't look to me to tell him what to do he looks to me for support and guidance .

My middle children are right in between these two with doing things independently and asking me how and for help as needed.

It will be interesting to see how they continue to learn and develop as they reach the teen years, which isn't far off for my oldest.

My role as facilitator is to observe my children, to know when to step in and when to stay out of their way. I do not want to hinder the learning process, I want to nurture it and watch it flourish.