A journey begins. Well, sorta....

[Laura Zarbock]

I am new to this site and new to unschooling in an official sense. I say that because my kids are young-5 and 3- so although we have largely unschooled up until now, this is the first year it matters in any official (legal) sense.

Although I have always known (even prior to having children) that I would homeschool, I wasn't completely sure what route I would take. It took getting over some personal insecurities and facing some unhelpful, generalized social opinions and "norms" for me to realize that unschooling is the only route for us. What really opened my eyes was the realization that those personal insecurities were the direct product of those generalized social opinions and "norms."

I spent many years trying to "fix" my ADHD brain. I have since learned through trial and much error that to be successful I do not need to "fix" the way I think. I can function successfully and happily. It isn't my brain that is wrong. Rather it is the societal expectation that in order to get to the required results everyone must follow the same exact steps. I challenged that and asked why it matters what steps I'm taking if I'm getting the required results. No reason? Well then, I'll do things my way.

It is still a challenge to trust my kids completely (at this very moment they feel they do not need to nap, however I can already see the whiny, cranky consequences of that decision). I keep reminding myself though, that the power and self-control that they are gaining reaches much farther than the few difficult hours that lay ahead. It is not my job to control their lives. It is my job to provide them with the tools of their choice to control their own lives.

As always, insight, information, opinions, and encouragement always welcome!

[Meredith]

Transitioning away from naps can take awhile and be frustrating for parents in the meantime. It may help to consider that your kids' bodies are "learning" how to get more energy from food rather than sleep - be sure to offer plenty of protein-rich snacks. It can also help to look for ways to help them rest and recoup without sleep - help them work with the natural ups and downs of the day by having soothing or resting things to do around the times they tend to fade. Depending on their needs, that might be a bath or a movie or snuggling up for a story.