Ren Allen

~You see, I came to these unschooling lists to explore and learn and I
am happy to have lists like these to do so but I am being very honest
when I say that some of you come across very strongly with a sort of
elitism. ~

And you're exploring and asking great questions, that's why we can
have an effective dialogue.:)

It's not elitism as much as it's confidence. Strong confidence.

Almost ALL of us come from a background of at least
spankings/punishments in our childhoods (some from much worse) and
have had a lot of years and experiences to re-learn this very
different way of parenting. It wasn't always instinctual to me, it
still isn't always instinctual, but becoming more so. At least it's
NOT my instinct to smack my children any longer....so people can
definitely overcome "instinct" (which is really environmental training
actually..I don't believe it's instinct to hurt your young).

Unschooling is parenting is unschooling to me. It's all the same.
Learning is about all of life, not just "education"....so for us, the
journey is about being a better parent, a more effective parent a more
respectful parent.

Yes, I think kindness is better than meanness.
Yes, I think peace is better than dischord.
Yes, I think respectful parenting is better than disrespectful parenting.
Yes, I think trusting our children fully is better than not trusting them.
Yes, I think unschooling is a better way of learning and life, but NO,
I don't think it's for everyone.

If I didn't believe all of that, and fiercely, I wouldn't volunteer so
much of my time writing and talking and being an advocate for
unschooling.:) Also, I'm not trying to get everyone to listen, I
really don't WANT to share with someone that doesn't want the
information. What a waste of time that would be (people learn what
they need, when they need it, sound familiar? :)) I am more than
willing to share with those that WANT information about unschooling
and gentle parenting.

If it was elitism, I wouldn't think anyone else was worthy of joining.
If it was elitism, I would think myself better than others and NOT
share the information.
I'm trying to share the information that has transformed our lives. I
WANT other people to get it. I don't think I'm a better person, but I
think the ideals/philosophies are better..yep. Confidence, not elistism.

Ren
learninginfreedom.com

Rachell Skerlec

>It's not elitism as much as it's confidence. Strong confidence.



Well it feels like elitism to newcomers like me. And it does not feel good.


>Unschooling is parenting is unschooling to me. It's all the same.
Learning is about all of life, not just "education"....so for us, the
journey is about being a better parent, a more effective parent a more
respectful parent.



All is true of me despite the fact I am not an unschooler AND being a
better, more effective, more respectful human (not just parent) is a goal of
mine as well.


>Yes, I think kindness is better than meanness.
Yes, I think peace is better than dischord.
Yes, I think respectful parenting is better than disrespectful parenting.
Yes, I think trusting our children fully is better than not trusting them.



I just being honest to tell you I have not felt I have been treated with
kindness, peace, respect, or trust since speaking up in here. Maybe you
reserve that only for your kids and others that perfectly subscribe to your
belief systems?

>If I didn't believe all of that, and fiercely, I wouldn't volunteer so
much of my time writing and talking and being an advocate for
unschooling.:)

Well I do admire your passion and commitment. I truly do. But maybe fierce
is a god work because fierce is how some of you come across to me in here.

> Also, I'm not trying to get everyone to listen, I
really don't WANT to share with someone that doesn't want the
information. What a waste of time that would be (people learn what
they need, when they need it, sound familiar? :)) I am more than
willing to share with those that WANT information about unschooling
and gentle parenting.

but Ren, I WANTED the info. I came here to listen and learn and now ya lost
me, dear. How many times must that happen and you guys are either oblivious
to it because lots of folks are not as vocal as I am .or maybe you'll just
don't care. I am only responding at this point in case you do care and in
case any of you are interested in altering your presentation even a little.

>If it was elitism, I wouldn't think anyone else was worthy of joining.
If it was elitism, I would think myself better than others and NOT
share the information.



But I think it is elitism because the way newcomers are regarded (based on
my experience) is that WHEREEVER they are coming from, WHATEVER point they
are at currently, they are not worthy YET.

>I'm trying to share the information that has transformed our lives. I
WANT other people to get it. I don't think I'm a better person, but I
think the ideals/philosophies are better..yep. Confidence, not elistism.



Well if you truly want to be an advocate for the information that has
transformed your lives, you better not go running people off. I am far
harder to intimidate than most people, as a matter of fact, I don't really
feel intimidated at this point, I feel unfairly judged, disrespected by your
misinformed notions of me, bombarded in a rather incongruous way and just
generally offended and turned off.

Rachell__



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