This week, I’m talking about right and wrong… If we think something is right, should we do it? Do we have to push through any difficulties we might encounter? Perhaps we can’t give up unless we’re willing to do something we know is wrong. And if we do that, we won’t feel at peace. The big question is: is unschooling the right thing to do? If it is, we shouldn’t be concerned about the future. Whatever happens, regardless of the outcome, we’ll know we did what we should have done.  Also, how do kids learn right from wrong if we always love them regardless of their behaviour? Are the critics ..read more

Do good parents stay firmly in control of their children, demanding obedience, good behaviour and respect? Do they practise tough love? Or are there problems with this method of parenting? Is there some other way of raising kids to be good people who want to do what is right? Is it okay to parent with unconditional love?   This week, I’m sharing a few stories on this topic. I also have a request or plea for help.   Show Notes Please visit my blog, Stories of an Unschooling Family, to read my post,  Tough or Unconditional Love?Parent or Friend?  It contains today’s show note ..read more

Is unschooling about drifting aimlessly through each day? Do unschoolers waste time? Or do they live intentionally responding to their needs and making sure they achieve the things that are relevant and important to them? Do unschoolers direct their lives instead of letting life direct them? Is that the meaning of true freedom? Does the word ‘planning’ have a place in unschooling? This week, I’m discussing these questions and more while telling a few stories.   Show Notes Please visit my blog, Stories of an Unschooling Family, to read my post,  Do Unschoolers Drift Aimlessly Through ..read more

Recently, from the bottom of the misery pit that I seem to have fallen into, I’ve had doubts about the worth of what I have to say. Blogging and podcasting haven’t seemed important. But despite questioning the value of what I’m sharing, there’s one thing I’m absolutely sure about: kids need unconditional love. Adults do too. This episode starts with an extra introductory bit where I share a few personal things and a couple of extra stories. Then I get into the real episode about unconditional love and parenting.   Show Notes Please visit my blog, Stories of an Unschooling Family, to read ..read more

Is it irresponsible to trust and unschool teenagers? When unschoolers reach the teenage years, is it time for something else? Or could unschooling be exactly what our older kids need? Could it keep them safe? This week, I’m discussing these questions and more, sharing lots of thoughts, stories and resources. Show Notes Please visit my blog, Stories of an Unschooling Family, to read my post,  Could Unschooling Be Exactly What Teenagers Need to Do? It contains today’s show notes.   My Unschooling Books The Unschool Challenge: Kindle The Unschool Challenge: paperback Curious Unschoolers ..read more

Should children be responsible for their own educations? Or is that an irresponsible idea? This week, I’m exploring lots of questions including: Is learning an active activity that needs the learner’s cooperation? Is it impossible to force knowledge into a child without resorting to teaching methods that ultimately destroy their natural love of learning? Is forced learning real learning? Is it better to unschool and let children learn what’s important to them? But if we choose unschooling, will our kids, one day, accuse us of side-stepping our duty and not providing them with a good education ..read more

Is unschooling about staying in bed late, spending lazy days in the forest, and baking cookies?  Or is there more to unschooling than that? What does a typical unschooling day look like? Will it be different in different families? Will it change over time? Whatever it looks like, will it always be packed with deep learning, the kind that matters and makes a difference? I discuss these questions and more in episode 197. Show Notes Please visit my blog, Stories of an Unschooling Family, to read my post, What Do Unschoolers Do Each Day? It contains today’s show notes.   My Unschool ..read more

This week, I’m discussing the following questions: If we control our kids, will we affect their mental health? Can video games provide safe refuges from a difficult world? Do kids need to play games so they can learn how to handle them? Are video games valuable? Do we need to experience gaming if we want to understand it’s impact on our kids? I’m sharing a couple of stories and lots of thoughts.   Show Notes Please visit my blog, Stories of an Unschooling Family, to read my post, Video Games, Control, Mental Health and Freedom. It contains today’s show notes.   My Unschooling Books T ..read more

This week, I'm discussing chores. How do we encourage our kids to be generous and willing workers? I’m sharing two stories: How to Get Kids to Do the Chores The Radical Chore Roster Please visit my blog, Stories of an Unschooling Family, to read my post, Can Radical Unschoolers Use Chore Rosters? It contains today’s show notes.   My Unschooling Books The Unschool Challenge: Kindle The Unschool Challenge: paperback Curious Unschoolers: Kindle Curious Unschoolers: paperback Radical Unschool Love: Kindle Radical Unschool Love: paperback My Amazon Author Page ..read more

This week, I’m sharing a blog post, Should We Push Kids to Use Their Talents, Aim High and Impress? This post includes stories about people who have followed the pathway desired by their parents and ended up unhappy. And there’s one story about a man who, despite achieving the necessary grades to study medicine or law, chose to become a high school teacher. I’ve included lots of links to books, videos and other resources. Please visit my blog, Stories of an Unschooling Family, to read my post and look at these links. And I’d love you to check out my unschooling books, Curious Unschoolers, Rad ..read more