Just living and learning
“Anything we do out of fear of punishment, everybody pays for it. Anything we do for a reward, everybody pays for it. Anything we do out of shame, guilt, obligation, everybody pays for it. Anthing we do to make people like us, everybody pays for it. That isn't what we were designed for. We were... Continue Reading →
Our society celebrates compliant children. Every parent knows this, particularly if their own child doesn't rate compliance highly (and I speak from experience). Despite their best efforts, these parents are likely to have felt the critical gaze of people who thought their child was being disrespectful or "naughty". Even the most generous among us can... Continue Reading →
A parent recently asked me what kind of online resources I would suggest they get for their 11-year old son. Their child has been out of school for only a few weeks and, in the spirit of embracing self-directed learning, they are keen to make sure he has everything he needs to stay engaged. I... Continue Reading →
There’s often a turning point for families who have a child who could be considered neurodivergent. It usually happens when they move beyond the family nest and into wider society. It may happen at a play group or nursery, or perhaps a little later, when infant school begins. Until this time, traits and behaviours, that... Continue Reading →
Thinking of unschooling your PDA child? Congratulations and fasten your seatbelt! You may well be embarking on the most challenging, frustrating, joyful and healing journey of your life. And, if your child is not diagnosed PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), but school has been/would be a bad fit for them, this post is for you too.... Continue Reading →
An understandable fear people have about their children leaving formal education is that if they don't do well at school, they won't go far in life. Since school is really the only model that we all know well, and the model that the vast majority of us and our children pass through in order to... Continue Reading →
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A PLACE ON A HILL 