Just starting out

[Erica D.]

If I hadn't heard about unschooling, I would have never had the opportunity to critically look at the way I treat my children. I always considered myself to be a loving and responsible parent, but since my kids were born, it always came with a condition ... to do what I or my husband asks, with the rationale being that we know best. I'm figuring out that so much of that is ego-driven and a desire to correct what I disliked in myself as a child. My children DO know what they need & enjoy life in the present, but it was hard for me to realize or even accept that. This transition to loving and supporting them unconditionally is very exciting because the slight changes that I've noticed (and they are gradual because we're in the process of deschooling and will be for quite a while) are so positive.

 

In addition, I'm realizing more and more how much of a people-pleaser I tend to be, with adults in particular. I have been one of those moms who did listen more to adults than her children during social events out of "politeness" to the adults, not realizing that I wasn't being polite or caring enough to my children sometimes. I'm a newbie at real mindfulness, but this seems to be the key to keeping attune to my children and their needs.

 

Finally, I'm figuring out how important it is for my husband to be on the same page in terms of positive parenting & unschooling. He's very supportive of the change that's going to come (me quit my job to stay at home) but we're not going to see the changes we'd like if either of us reverts back to our ol' punishment/reward or yelling ways. I think it's time to get together after the kids have gone to bed, relax on the couch & talk.

 

I do wish I had read about unschooling years ago ... but thank goodness I did while there's time!! There's so much more to learn ...

[Candice Marie Thompson]

I know what you mean... We are also pretty new to US and it is tough but oh so worth while; I acknowledge that when I am stressed like during our recent moving whilst studying so Dad can be Stay at Home; I find old habits can come into play... I have found that if I acknowledge all that I am actually achieveing in comparrison to how many issues my children wil have if instead I send them to school unwillingly then I become oh so grateful. Dad is so good for them to be around to. Also I am gathering as much insight for case studies to form something for Pre-service teachers to access... would you be willing forme to use your blog if so email me at [e-mail] oh and if there is somewhere else I haven't yet acknowledge to get permission from please let me know. Candice 

[Meredith]

I love this. I'm really grateful to my stepson for giving me reasons to think critically about what I "knew" to be "true" about kids and parenting. It took me a long time to blunder my way into unschooling, but I'm so glad to be there, now.