Just living and learning
At first glance, the idea of living in a non-coercive, consent-based way with our children may seem quite straightforward. We don’t “make” them do things they don’t want to do, we treat their opinions and needs as just as valid as our own, and we don’t assume we always know best just because we’re the... Continue Reading →
Now that my eldest two children are 18 and 16, they are grappling with all the myriad choices available to them as they move out into the world. And, as ideas about courses, journeys and careers are discussed, I’m struck by how endlessly interesting this phase of life is. I love to hear about all... Continue Reading →
“Is this enough?” Who hasn't asked that question? Perhaps triggered by a house that seems just a bit too quiet, by not seeing any friends for a couple of days, by a child saying they're bored, or just the feeling that maybe you could all do with a little more adventure. There's nothing wrong with... Continue Reading →
“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 →
Whenever I chat with other unschooling parents, we almost always end up talking about community. It’s a peculiar paradox that one of the values that many unschooling families hold most dear can also be the most elusive. Of course, all human beings are hardwired to seek out community—social connection with others makes us feel safer... Continue Reading →
Something I've noticed over the years is that even when other adults can appreciate the depth of a self-directed child's learning, they can rarely hold back their questions about how the child will turn this learning into something demonstrable, i.e. an exam score or a job. It is extremely hard for them to separate the... Continue Reading →
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A PLACE ON A HILL 