Our oldest son worked at Wendy's for the past 15 months, he just left this weekend. They hated to see him go, they loved him, he showed up on time and did his job. They offered him a management position, but he knew the salary just wasn't worth the hours and the stress.
He has been planning on starting his own business for quite sometime now. Learning, researching, saving his money and buying equipment and products. He has finally launched it, he has only done a few jobs so far and customers are very pleased with his work.
We are just so proud of him for finding something he loves to do and to be able to make money and be his own boss. We raised them to follow their interests and passion and to be anything they want to be.
I believe that he will be successful in this because it is what he wants and he is willing to work for it.
Here is a link to his Facebook page, he will be getting a website up soon.
https://www.facebook.com/Glossworksmd?fref=ts
Showing posts with label Unschooling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Unschooling. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 02, 2015
Friday, August 01, 2014
No school
School started here today, our kids friends had to go back. I am just so thankful that our kids have never had to deal with back to school angst. They were home sleeping comfortably in their beds as they should be.
Childhood is too short to spend it in a classroom for 12 years. Kids grow up so fast, time flies and I wanted to spend as much time with our kids as possible.
Our oldest is 19 now and the rest are 16,14 and 12. They are not little kids anymore. They are growing up right before my eyes.
It seems like yesterday they were all babies, I just can't imagine not spending every day with them during the years that are so important for growth and development.
Childhood is too short to spend it in a classroom for 12 years. Kids grow up so fast, time flies and I wanted to spend as much time with our kids as possible.
Our oldest is 19 now and the rest are 16,14 and 12. They are not little kids anymore. They are growing up right before my eyes.
It seems like yesterday they were all babies, I just can't imagine not spending every day with them during the years that are so important for growth and development.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Little exchange
Cassie had her hair cut yesterday. This was a major transformation as she went from long and full to a pixie cut. While she was getting it done the hairdresser was full of questions. She was a very extroverted person and Cass who used to be a social butterfly is kind of quiet these days. Anyway, this is what I heard. I will use C for her and HD for the nice lady .
HD: How old are you?
C: 14
HD: What grade are you in?
C: I don't go to school.
HD? So you are homeschooled? Don't you still have a grade?
C: I am Unschooled.
HD: What is that?
C: We don't do school.
HD: Well what do you do?
C: Whatever we want.
I giggled under my breath and spoke up saying it's a natural approach to learning. We follow the child's interest.
HD: (Typical response) All my kids are interested in are video games.
Me still smiling... We have done this all their lives.
We briefly exchanged a bit more, but I really loved Cassie's answers :)
No coaching from me.
Although it reminded me of a time when Jared was like 6 and the dad of a kid he met in the neighborhood asked him what grade he was in and he said he doesn't go to prison...Ha ha, I loved it, but started to watch what I was saying.. Yeah right, if you know me...
I love my kids, they are so awesome.
Always Unschooled and smart as a whip!
I'll stop here, I could go on a rant, but this was just about Cass and the HD :)
HD: How old are you?
C: 14
HD: What grade are you in?
C: I don't go to school.
HD? So you are homeschooled? Don't you still have a grade?
C: I am Unschooled.
HD: What is that?
C: We don't do school.
HD: Well what do you do?
C: Whatever we want.
I giggled under my breath and spoke up saying it's a natural approach to learning. We follow the child's interest.
HD: (Typical response) All my kids are interested in are video games.
Me still smiling... We have done this all their lives.
We briefly exchanged a bit more, but I really loved Cassie's answers :)
No coaching from me.
Although it reminded me of a time when Jared was like 6 and the dad of a kid he met in the neighborhood asked him what grade he was in and he said he doesn't go to prison...Ha ha, I loved it, but started to watch what I was saying.. Yeah right, if you know me...
I love my kids, they are so awesome.
Always Unschooled and smart as a whip!
I'll stop here, I could go on a rant, but this was just about Cass and the HD :)
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Mom thoughts
I can't believe it's been 1 1/2 years since I posted. A lot has been going on with me personally and I am trying to come back from it. I won't talk about that right now. I want to focus on being a mom and talking about our awesome kids.
Those that know me or follow this blog know how I feel about parenting. When you start out raising your kids as a partner instead of their adversary, beautiful things happen. When you give love, trust and respect, it shows and comes back to you. It may seem like it takes a long time to build the foundation, it does, as they grow through the years you will see how it comes back tenfold.
When our kids were small, I worked my ass off trying to treat them in the way they needed, not in the way I thought they needed.
As of today they are 18, 16, 14 and 11, in the next 6 weeks that will change to 19, 16, 14 and 12.
They are not small children anymore. Our oldest is a responsible adult, who has a job and his own car. Our middle son just turned 16 and is just an awesome, caring person. Our daughter is turning into such a beautiful young woman and then our baby is so creative and full of life.
I thought I was doing a pretty good job with this parenting thing with our first three. Then Jared came along and he had his own playbook. He challenged me to parent him in ways I never knew. I have written about his explosive personality and brilliant mind.
I am just at a point where I can't believe how grown up they are and how fast it all goes. I am just so happy and proud to be their mom. We will keep on loving, trusting, respecting, supporting and partnering with them as they continue to grow and mature.
They are completely unschooled as always.
If you want awesome kids, you have to treat them that way!
Those that know me or follow this blog know how I feel about parenting. When you start out raising your kids as a partner instead of their adversary, beautiful things happen. When you give love, trust and respect, it shows and comes back to you. It may seem like it takes a long time to build the foundation, it does, as they grow through the years you will see how it comes back tenfold.
When our kids were small, I worked my ass off trying to treat them in the way they needed, not in the way I thought they needed.
As of today they are 18, 16, 14 and 11, in the next 6 weeks that will change to 19, 16, 14 and 12.
They are not small children anymore. Our oldest is a responsible adult, who has a job and his own car. Our middle son just turned 16 and is just an awesome, caring person. Our daughter is turning into such a beautiful young woman and then our baby is so creative and full of life.
I thought I was doing a pretty good job with this parenting thing with our first three. Then Jared came along and he had his own playbook. He challenged me to parent him in ways I never knew. I have written about his explosive personality and brilliant mind.
I am just at a point where I can't believe how grown up they are and how fast it all goes. I am just so happy and proud to be their mom. We will keep on loving, trusting, respecting, supporting and partnering with them as they continue to grow and mature.
They are completely unschooled as always.
If you want awesome kids, you have to treat them that way!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
conversations
As my kids continue to grow and develop I continue to be in awe of the wonderful people they are.
Talking with the older ones about political hot topics or the latest news of the day shows me how bright and articulate they are. They have their own opinions on various topics and are able to express them.
They aren't brainwashed by school or me or the media. They take in info and they form their own ideas, and conclusions.
It's an honor to share life with my children.
Talking with the older ones about political hot topics or the latest news of the day shows me how bright and articulate they are. They have their own opinions on various topics and are able to express them.
They aren't brainwashed by school or me or the media. They take in info and they form their own ideas, and conclusions.
It's an honor to share life with my children.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Kids don't have to go to school
Did you know that? I mean have you ever even given it a thought?
If kids knew they didn't have to go to school that would sure ignite a fire under their parents.
Everyday there are numerous articles about schools. Failing students, shootings, bullying, poor test scores, no funding etc...
You can't fix this broken, outdated system with tests and money.
It's the kids with no voice, no choice, that are being harmed every day.
School is out today in observance of MLK Jr.'s birthday. I have 3 extra kids here today. Why are they here?
Because this is the house they want to be at. A place where they can be themselves and not be ruled, judged or disrespected.
My house is a safe haven, it always has been and always will be better than any school ever could be.
There are options and people need to look into them instead of settle for the status quo because today's youth are being damaged because of it.
If kids knew they didn't have to go to school that would sure ignite a fire under their parents.
Everyday there are numerous articles about schools. Failing students, shootings, bullying, poor test scores, no funding etc...
You can't fix this broken, outdated system with tests and money.
It's the kids with no voice, no choice, that are being harmed every day.
School is out today in observance of MLK Jr.'s birthday. I have 3 extra kids here today. Why are they here?
Because this is the house they want to be at. A place where they can be themselves and not be ruled, judged or disrespected.
My house is a safe haven, it always has been and always will be better than any school ever could be.
There are options and people need to look into them instead of settle for the status quo because today's youth are being damaged because of it.
Friday, December 02, 2011
Letting Go of School
Letting go of school is a process that I believe is
imperative to Unschooling successfully. When you start out homeschooling you go
through a deschooling phase. This phase usually takes longer for parents
because they have been indoctrinated longer than their children have.
If you have 12 plus years under your belt it may take you
several months to deschool, maybe longer. Your children don’t have the luxury
of waiting for you though. I recommend that you leave them out of it.
While you are detoxing from the system allow your child the
same courtesy. If they have been in school or homeschooled they need to undo
the damage of schooling.
So many people try to
unschool and then freak out and go back to math lessons or curriculum. Then
they try again and keep failing. This can really confuse your child and it’s
not good for you to panic about schoolish things.
School is artificial, Unschooling is natural, let it flow
from one day to the next. Make one more connection, have one more moment
without school. Pretty soon you won’t be thinking about grades or tests or
lessons, just real life.
Education isn't about schooling at all; one is educated by
learning what they need in this world. We all have different needs; we all have
different abilities. That is why there are so many choices as to what one can
do in life.
If you don’t completely deschool you will never fully unschool.
I’m not saying everyone can or should unschool. There are
many people out there interested in Unschooling, curious as to what it’s all
about. They try it on but never fully let go of school and just can’t seem to
grasp it completely.
I may be in the minority but I believe that mass government
compulsory schooling is doing so much harm to our youth. It makes no sense to
attend an outdated institution for 12 years of your life. Being told what to
do, what to think, what to believe, it leaves little for the imagination. We
all know that textbooks are boring and full of mistakes and if you disagree
with the teacher even if you’re right, you’re wrong. Being graded and tested is
degrading to a child.
Learning is a natural thing but people have lost the ability
because they have been taught that learning is a chore. It’s hard, boring and painful;
it’s work, not fun.
This is of course not true but it’s what schooling will lead
you to believe. Work hard, study hard, get good grades so you can grow up and
join the rat race and celebrate mediocrity.
I say forget that! Venture out of the school box, let go of
grades, tests, teaching, scopes, sequences, lessons, curriculum and textbooks.
Let it go far away from your mind. Those things are not necessary for life
learning.
Children who have never been schooled learn in a natural
way. They know how to learn, they know how to think, they know how to get
information. Real learning, real
education is about knowing how to obtain information.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Just wondering
I have seen several times over the years unschoolers turning to school or some version of school at home.
I can't help but wonder why? What happened? I also wonder if they were really unschooling in the first place. Just because you don't use a curriculum it doesn't mean you are unschooling. For my purpose here I mean learning through living, learning naturally.
I'm thinking that unschooling from the start heeds different results then coming to it later. While I have seen people leave school, deschool and unschool, it seems that some just can't quite get there. They have that niggling feeling that they need to be taught. Maybe they lack confidence in themselves or lack trust in the learning process.
Schooling interferes with the learning process. Teaching conditions people to think they need to be taught.
I'm not talking about structure, some people have the need for their day to be structured, that's fine, I think they should structure it however they wish.
My kids all have different learning styles, abilities, personalities, interests etc...
Yet they all learn, they all thrive, they all don't have the need to be taught. They don't seek out school, they know it's there, their friends go to school.
I don't believe that some people are born with the need for school, I just don't believe that. School wasn't always around so people used to learn without it. I do believe that school has come and messed up the natural learning process and some people just can't escape it for whatever reason.
It does baffle me because I live in a house full of learners.
I can't help but wonder why? What happened? I also wonder if they were really unschooling in the first place. Just because you don't use a curriculum it doesn't mean you are unschooling. For my purpose here I mean learning through living, learning naturally.
I'm thinking that unschooling from the start heeds different results then coming to it later. While I have seen people leave school, deschool and unschool, it seems that some just can't quite get there. They have that niggling feeling that they need to be taught. Maybe they lack confidence in themselves or lack trust in the learning process.
Schooling interferes with the learning process. Teaching conditions people to think they need to be taught.
I'm not talking about structure, some people have the need for their day to be structured, that's fine, I think they should structure it however they wish.
My kids all have different learning styles, abilities, personalities, interests etc...
Yet they all learn, they all thrive, they all don't have the need to be taught. They don't seek out school, they know it's there, their friends go to school.
I don't believe that some people are born with the need for school, I just don't believe that. School wasn't always around so people used to learn without it. I do believe that school has come and messed up the natural learning process and some people just can't escape it for whatever reason.
It does baffle me because I live in a house full of learners.
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Autodidact
Autodidact means self taught.
My children have always been unschooled, they learn naturally. They look things up, ask questions, think and figure things out.
There is a quote from Ivan Illich that says:
"School prepares for the alienating institutionalization of life by teaching the need to be taught"
My kids do not have that need, they have never had teaching, lessons, curriculum and tests.They are incredibly knowledgeable about various things. I could not have begun to teach them what they know. They have truly learned so much in their own way and time. It's their life and mind and nobody should control that but them.
They don't have fear of learning or trying something, they just dive in and figure it out. I'm here as their facilitator not their teacher.
My youngest son is 9, he has now created 3 websites, he did 99% of it himself, he asked a few questions along the way.
When one hasn't been hindered by schooling or teaching, learning is as natural as breathing.
My kids are amazing people!
My children have always been unschooled, they learn naturally. They look things up, ask questions, think and figure things out.
There is a quote from Ivan Illich that says:
"School prepares for the alienating institutionalization of life by teaching the need to be taught"
My kids do not have that need, they have never had teaching, lessons, curriculum and tests.They are incredibly knowledgeable about various things. I could not have begun to teach them what they know. They have truly learned so much in their own way and time. It's their life and mind and nobody should control that but them.
They don't have fear of learning or trying something, they just dive in and figure it out. I'm here as their facilitator not their teacher.
My youngest son is 9, he has now created 3 websites, he did 99% of it himself, he asked a few questions along the way.
When one hasn't been hindered by schooling or teaching, learning is as natural as breathing.
My kids are amazing people!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Anti-School
I've been seeing it around the web lately that we shouldn't be anti-school. We shouldn't be out talking against school.
I am anti-school, I will not apologize for that. I know why schools were started and they are outdated and useless, IMO.
Schools are not necessary for learning. They are a place to herd children while parents work or a place for those few neglected children to get a hot meal and safety from their abusive parents.
I do not see value in school, never have, I went to school from preschool through 2 years of college.
If homeschoolers want to get their panties in a wad because I don't like school, oh well.
I promote partnership parenting and unschooling. If I happen to diss the system that is my prerogative.
My main goal when sharing on here or facebook or wherever is to show what the purpose of school is and to show there are alternatives to school. Many people have never even given a thought to NOT sending their kids. It's automatic, it's normal, it's what society expects one to do. When more people wake up and opt out and make different choices then maybe we can actually change the system.
I'm not against having a place for kids to go because I know that most people won't home educate. The compulsory institution just isn't it.
I am anti-school, I will not apologize for that. I know why schools were started and they are outdated and useless, IMO.
Schools are not necessary for learning. They are a place to herd children while parents work or a place for those few neglected children to get a hot meal and safety from their abusive parents.
I do not see value in school, never have, I went to school from preschool through 2 years of college.
If homeschoolers want to get their panties in a wad because I don't like school, oh well.
I promote partnership parenting and unschooling. If I happen to diss the system that is my prerogative.
My main goal when sharing on here or facebook or wherever is to show what the purpose of school is and to show there are alternatives to school. Many people have never even given a thought to NOT sending their kids. It's automatic, it's normal, it's what society expects one to do. When more people wake up and opt out and make different choices then maybe we can actually change the system.
I'm not against having a place for kids to go because I know that most people won't home educate. The compulsory institution just isn't it.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
People are people
We are all different, I don't expect anyone to be like me. I'm surprised when I find people who actually get me.
My viewpoint is unique to me and it's not usually popular.
My opinions are my own as are yours.
Sometimes I talk about things that I care about. You don't have to read it and you don't have to care.
I'm very passionate about children being raised in environments where they are respected.
I'm passionate about Unschooling. You don't have to share my passion and you don't have to Unschool.
If you are here reading I assume it's because sometimes I actually have something interesting to say.
My viewpoint is unique to me and it's not usually popular.
My opinions are my own as are yours.
Sometimes I talk about things that I care about. You don't have to read it and you don't have to care.
I'm very passionate about children being raised in environments where they are respected.
I'm passionate about Unschooling. You don't have to share my passion and you don't have to Unschool.
If you are here reading I assume it's because sometimes I actually have something interesting to say.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Why do people even utter the word?
Why do homeschoolers say I'm not an unschooler but? We were unschooly today... After the books the kids did _____. Why do they have a list of excuses of why they can't be unschoolers?
Why don't they leave us out of their equation? I have often wondered why so many people are ready to talk about unschooling even though they aren't doing it. I think there is some sort of weird affiliation, jealosy? curiosity? hatred? I really don't know.
All of these people who hate labels yet publicly use the word unschooling when they aren't unschoolers makes me wonder.
I think some people are misinformed but some think they know what we know and some just plain say hey we are unschooling at this time of day and that is what it is.
Unschooling is equated with not using a formal method of textbooks or teaching so if the kid goes off and actually looks something up they are unschooling? Really?
I've seen people say they enforce the basics but encourage *unschooling* UGH!!!!
The basics are learned through living life, they don't need to be enforced! Stop enforcing things on your children! Live with them, listen to them, be with them, love them. Academics are such a waste of precious life.... Anyone can learn when not forced but lives in a loving environment. Nobody needs enforcement of the basics! What are the basics? Reading, writing, adding, subtracting, cooking, cleaning??? One person's list is not anothers. Hey teacher leave them kids alone!
You can tell me to shut the fuck up and back off but in reality Unschooling does mean something, it is a real philosophy, it is a real way to live with your children.
I'm really sick of all of the bullshit on the web and people who use the term. If you aren't unschooling, admit it, move on and forget about us...Please!!!!!
Why don't they leave us out of their equation? I have often wondered why so many people are ready to talk about unschooling even though they aren't doing it. I think there is some sort of weird affiliation, jealosy? curiosity? hatred? I really don't know.
All of these people who hate labels yet publicly use the word unschooling when they aren't unschoolers makes me wonder.
I think some people are misinformed but some think they know what we know and some just plain say hey we are unschooling at this time of day and that is what it is.
Unschooling is equated with not using a formal method of textbooks or teaching so if the kid goes off and actually looks something up they are unschooling? Really?
I've seen people say they enforce the basics but encourage *unschooling* UGH!!!!
The basics are learned through living life, they don't need to be enforced! Stop enforcing things on your children! Live with them, listen to them, be with them, love them. Academics are such a waste of precious life.... Anyone can learn when not forced but lives in a loving environment. Nobody needs enforcement of the basics! What are the basics? Reading, writing, adding, subtracting, cooking, cleaning??? One person's list is not anothers. Hey teacher leave them kids alone!
You can tell me to shut the fuck up and back off but in reality Unschooling does mean something, it is a real philosophy, it is a real way to live with your children.
I'm really sick of all of the bullshit on the web and people who use the term. If you aren't unschooling, admit it, move on and forget about us...Please!!!!!
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
One size does not fit all
I firmly believe this in anything. I have never fit anything, if we are talking about clothing I need an in between the sizes. If we are talking medical, I don't fit any profile and can be quite frustrating to doctors. Anything I do or say is all me, I don't fit any mold, I will not conform. I have my own unique take on everything as I'm sure you do too.
So when we are talking about learning or education yes there are many different approaches to this.
Unschooling could fit anyone because I believe it's highly individual. Unschoolers come from all walks of life with all sorts of abilities and personalities. So I really do believe anyone could embrace the lifestyle. Many people won't because they've been conditioned to being taught. Many people have situations going on and just can't embrace it, that's fine too. For those that can and will, it truly is wonderful.
My 4 children are very different, yet all learning, growing and thriving with unschooling. As a facilitator I help each one in the way they need it. So unschooling has many sizes to fit the individual, what's not to love about that?
"School is the advertising agency which makes you believe that you need society as it is." ~ Ivan Illich
So when we are talking about learning or education yes there are many different approaches to this.
Unschooling could fit anyone because I believe it's highly individual. Unschoolers come from all walks of life with all sorts of abilities and personalities. So I really do believe anyone could embrace the lifestyle. Many people won't because they've been conditioned to being taught. Many people have situations going on and just can't embrace it, that's fine too. For those that can and will, it truly is wonderful.
My 4 children are very different, yet all learning, growing and thriving with unschooling. As a facilitator I help each one in the way they need it. So unschooling has many sizes to fit the individual, what's not to love about that?
"School is the advertising agency which makes you believe that you need society as it is." ~ Ivan Illich
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Fantasy...or reality?
I'm starting to think I live in a fantasy world where school doesn't exist and children are free to live and learn and be and do and think and grow and create...
Actually that is reality at my house. I wish everyone could experience life with their children not complicated by school. School is an outdated institution, it is unnecessary to life and learning. We do not need to sit in a classroom all day being told what to know and think and be tested and graded.... It makes no sense to me...at all...
Schools as we know them need to be wiped out and started over. I think privatizing schools would create so much good. Little learning centers would start popping up all over the place offering different things. People who wanted or needed a school situation would have so many choices....
I know fantasy right? The only way anything will change is for people to wake up and realize the failed system can't be saved and needs a complete overhaul...But chaos would surely ensue as the sheeple wouldn't know what to do without being told.... Harsh? maybe....but true, yes I believe it is.... Except for those that escaped the dumbing down and would do something with this new found freedom...
Alas....Until then I'll live in my real world fantasy with my children.
Actually that is reality at my house. I wish everyone could experience life with their children not complicated by school. School is an outdated institution, it is unnecessary to life and learning. We do not need to sit in a classroom all day being told what to know and think and be tested and graded.... It makes no sense to me...at all...
Schools as we know them need to be wiped out and started over. I think privatizing schools would create so much good. Little learning centers would start popping up all over the place offering different things. People who wanted or needed a school situation would have so many choices....
I know fantasy right? The only way anything will change is for people to wake up and realize the failed system can't be saved and needs a complete overhaul...But chaos would surely ensue as the sheeple wouldn't know what to do without being told.... Harsh? maybe....but true, yes I believe it is.... Except for those that escaped the dumbing down and would do something with this new found freedom...
Alas....Until then I'll live in my real world fantasy with my children.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
What is holding you back from unschooling?
Once again I have been privy to people say they are: Unschooly, Unschoolish, try to but freak out, some people say I'm unschooling and some don't, I don't care about the label...
I have blogged about this before because you either unschool or you don't. All of those people that say these phrases are not unschooling because if they were they wouldn't say things like that.
If you don't care about the label then why do you use it?
The label is useful for finding others who share your philosophy. Unschooling does mean something, it doesn't mean do what you want and call it unschooling. It doesn't mean we unschool but...we unschool on weekends, after school, we unschool but use a math curriculum.....etc....
In order to unschool you must deschool, it is imperative. You must shift your paradigm and unlearn all the stuff that school taught you about learning.
You must trust the learning process, you must trust yourself and your children.
I'm not trying to tell anyone that they should unschool.
I do get bothered by the muddy waters that these homeschoolers put out there that blurs the lines about what unschooling really is.
You might say so what, who cares?
I do apparently :)
If you aren't willing to examine why you are holding on to school then just admit it and be a homeschooler.
We have unschooled...aka...lived our lives without school all along. It is completely possible to totally unschool.
I have blogged about this before because you either unschool or you don't. All of those people that say these phrases are not unschooling because if they were they wouldn't say things like that.
If you don't care about the label then why do you use it?
The label is useful for finding others who share your philosophy. Unschooling does mean something, it doesn't mean do what you want and call it unschooling. It doesn't mean we unschool but...we unschool on weekends, after school, we unschool but use a math curriculum.....etc....
In order to unschool you must deschool, it is imperative. You must shift your paradigm and unlearn all the stuff that school taught you about learning.
You must trust the learning process, you must trust yourself and your children.
I'm not trying to tell anyone that they should unschool.
I do get bothered by the muddy waters that these homeschoolers put out there that blurs the lines about what unschooling really is.
You might say so what, who cares?
I do apparently :)
If you aren't willing to examine why you are holding on to school then just admit it and be a homeschooler.
We have unschooled...aka...lived our lives without school all along. It is completely possible to totally unschool.
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Why would you choose this?
The older my kids get the more I realize how little time we really have with them. I have always been home with my kids, I didn't have kids to send them away. This was a very important decision to me. I was career oriented, I was in college. I believe that you can't have both successfully, one will suffer and usually it's the children.
I changed my mind, I dropped out of college and had babies. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
I just wish that people actually thought before they had children. Pregnancy is preventable....
Children are not convenient and are not something to fit into your life, you need to fit into their life.
We never planned on sending them to school... I can't imagine being apart for 6-8 hours a day/5days a week for 12 years. What kind of family life and relationship do you really have?
It's coming up to that time every year that lots of parents can't wait for school to start. You see it everywhere you go, parents really can't stand to be with their children. It is a sad state to be in. I don't understand why people have kids if they don't want to be with them.
I've had more people than I care to remember say to me about homeschooling...*Oh I could never do that* They can't stay home and be with their kids, watch them grow and learn and be their partner in life.
I believe that a big part of what is wrong in this country is the public school system and the government getting involved in the family. So many parents turn over the care of their children to the system. I don't even know if it's a conscious decision or they just do it because it's what society preaches. Little kids are groomed that one day they will go to school, adults always ask kids questions that pertain to school. What grade are you in? Do you like your teacher? What did you learn in school today? On and on...
How about we ask kids what they enjoy doing?
It's just a big beef of mine. You can say live and let live.... I try to but I can't NOT say something when it is so clear to me that there is a better way to life than school. I'm advocating for all of those kids with no choice, no respect, no time to be free and think their own thoughts. So many kids are being stressed beyond belief to pass the test, make the grade etc....
All for what? To join the rat race of mediocrity?
There is so much more to life than school, school is unnecessary.
Why have kids and send them away for someone else to raise? Government schools are the worst place for children to grow up. They need love, nurture, respect, partnership, trust and freedom to grow up healthy, happy and whole people.
I changed my mind, I dropped out of college and had babies. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
I just wish that people actually thought before they had children. Pregnancy is preventable....
Children are not convenient and are not something to fit into your life, you need to fit into their life.
We never planned on sending them to school... I can't imagine being apart for 6-8 hours a day/5days a week for 12 years. What kind of family life and relationship do you really have?
It's coming up to that time every year that lots of parents can't wait for school to start. You see it everywhere you go, parents really can't stand to be with their children. It is a sad state to be in. I don't understand why people have kids if they don't want to be with them.
I've had more people than I care to remember say to me about homeschooling...*Oh I could never do that* They can't stay home and be with their kids, watch them grow and learn and be their partner in life.
I believe that a big part of what is wrong in this country is the public school system and the government getting involved in the family. So many parents turn over the care of their children to the system. I don't even know if it's a conscious decision or they just do it because it's what society preaches. Little kids are groomed that one day they will go to school, adults always ask kids questions that pertain to school. What grade are you in? Do you like your teacher? What did you learn in school today? On and on...
How about we ask kids what they enjoy doing?
It's just a big beef of mine. You can say live and let live.... I try to but I can't NOT say something when it is so clear to me that there is a better way to life than school. I'm advocating for all of those kids with no choice, no respect, no time to be free and think their own thoughts. So many kids are being stressed beyond belief to pass the test, make the grade etc....
All for what? To join the rat race of mediocrity?
There is so much more to life than school, school is unnecessary.
Why have kids and send them away for someone else to raise? Government schools are the worst place for children to grow up. They need love, nurture, respect, partnership, trust and freedom to grow up healthy, happy and whole people.
What topics are you interested in?
I'm doing a monthly article for An Unschooling Life, my next one comes out next week.
I'm looking for more ideas to write about.
Any questions about unschooling, parenting etc... that you have?
I'm looking for more ideas to write about.
Any questions about unschooling, parenting etc... that you have?
Monday, June 13, 2011
How do you Unschool?
There is a lot of information about unschooling on the internet. Some great and some not so great. Two favorites of mine are Sandra Dodd and Joyce Fetteroll
Many people new to the concept just want to know HOW to do it. Where to begin? What do we do if we don't do school.
My advice is to first deschool. It is imperative to rid yourself of the years of indoctrination. This can take time, hopefully not too long. While you are detoxing from the system allow your child the same courtesy. If they have been in school or homeschooled they need to to undo the damage of schooling.
Children learn through play if you have young kids you can check out my article.
Unschooling is living and learning, it is natural. School is artificial and school is what you need to leave behind.
Be with your kids, be interesting, curious and inquisitive. Talk about everything, discuss current events or your favorite thing.
We unschool by living our lives. My kids wake up each day and choose what they want to do. They play games, watch tv, look at books, maps, draw, create, imagine, talk, ask, research, explore etc... Each day is new, we all have a loose routine but we take each day as it comes.
Learning is happening all of the time, it's inevitable.
Many people new to the concept just want to know HOW to do it. Where to begin? What do we do if we don't do school.
My advice is to first deschool. It is imperative to rid yourself of the years of indoctrination. This can take time, hopefully not too long. While you are detoxing from the system allow your child the same courtesy. If they have been in school or homeschooled they need to to undo the damage of schooling.
Children learn through play if you have young kids you can check out my article.
Unschooling is living and learning, it is natural. School is artificial and school is what you need to leave behind.
Be with your kids, be interesting, curious and inquisitive. Talk about everything, discuss current events or your favorite thing.
We unschool by living our lives. My kids wake up each day and choose what they want to do. They play games, watch tv, look at books, maps, draw, create, imagine, talk, ask, research, explore etc... Each day is new, we all have a loose routine but we take each day as it comes.
Learning is happening all of the time, it's inevitable.
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