Not so long ago, in that little space between lockdowns, I was talking with two friends about the tension we sometimes feel when our children don't want to do things we think they'd enjoy. The context that day was simple. We'd planned to go for a hot chocolate and a walk with some of our... Continue Reading →
New to unschooling? Download ’20 ways to deschool’ to help you on your way
The term 'deschooling' is often used to refer to the time a child needs after leaving a school environment to reconnect with themselves and their inner curiosity and motivation. But, parents need to deschool too! And it's much harder after decades of believing in—or at least being surrounded by—certain paradigms about childhood, parenting and education.... Continue Reading →
A different kind of strength
I'm writing this post from the perspective of a parent of an autistic child with PDA. That isn't to say that my child's autism/PDA defines them. It doesn't at all. But it has certainly helped to define my journey as a parent. So far, that journey has led me to a few conclusions, and I'm... Continue Reading →
Unschooling and screen time
It's hard to let go of the fear of 'screen time, but here, on the other side, I can safely say that life is much nicer. We're enriched daily by everything technology brings us.
How to do nothing
My daughter is painting a picture and is intensely focused. The picture is of a castle on a hill, with the sun setting in the background. I'm about to proclaim what a beautiful painting it is, but stop myself in time. She isn't painting for me, and she's concentrating on her work. She doesn't need... Continue Reading →
That September feeling…
It's been a good few years since we last went back to school, but September energy is powerful. The idea that this is the month of new beginnings is deeply ingrained in me, and I can't quite shake the idea that we must all get busy again. And so, although I love reconnecting with people... Continue Reading →