I always enjoy connecting with other people who are already on this journey or just thinking about it. So please get in touch if you’ve any questions, or just to say Hi.
You can email me at: contact@esther-jones.com
PODCAST
I love Gabor Maté’s gardening analogy. If a plant isn’t thriving, we don’t blame it or shout at it. We probably check it has enough water and sunlight, and perhaps check the soil quality. We might move it to another spot or give it a larger pot. We know it has the capacity to thrive so we do what we can to give it the conditions it needs…
A day with old friends is balm for the soul ❤️
In the new episode of The Unschool Space, I chat with Melissa @mama.on.the.legogram from New Zealand. We talk about her family’s journey to unschooling through school trauma, severe health challenges and the resulting separation anxiety. And Melissa reflects on how, despite the challenges, unschooling is allowing them the space to heal together as a family and to each rediscover their interests and passions. And of course, we talk about what Melissa has found helpful to support herself during this journey, from stopping for some deep breaths, to finding community and a little alone time with a podcast.
❤️
I started this weaving project a few days ago and it has been reminding me how much more fun and interesting it is to model rather than coerce or motivate. My own spurt of autumnal creativity has led to my daughter getting creative too (in her case, making tiny accessories for her Schleich horses). We’ve spent hours together working on our different projects, with the radio or a podcast on, or just chatting. One of my sons has joined us making at the table and another has been happy just to make tea and join the conversations. It feels too simple (or selfish?), but sometimes the best thing you can do for everyone is just the thing you really want to do.
It’s often called deschooling, but I always think of it as unravelling. Layer after layer of old beliefs and thoughts falls away, sometimes easily and sometimes with a lot of resistance. It can be quite a rollercoaster, though it’s worth every moment.
A PLACE ON A HILL 