Sandra Dodd

I cut the e-mail I was working on in two because Katherine objected
to long e-mails.
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Some parents come to this list and they want to be children here.
But the purpose of this list is to discuss unschooling in ways that
will help those who come to read. I was reminded recently that for
any discussion about one situation here, two hundred people probably
benefit. It's very likely. Of the 1800 or so people listed, I
figure 300-400 forgot they were on the list, another 200 might be
duplicates or bounces, and that still leaves 1000 and some reading.
Some scan for their favorite topics, or check in when it gets really
busy to see what the excitement way. Of those who do find life-
changing benefit, some write about it on their blogs and some to
their friends and some actually e-mail me and say something. Those
are collected (not all of them, but some) here:
http://sandradodd.com/feedback

So of that large number there are a few who are deeply angsty about
something or another. Some have unresolved or unexamined childhood
issues. Some are living with some dishonesty that's making them
touchy. Some are afraid for real or imagined reasons. Some of that
makes it difficult for them to contribute materially or substantially
to an unschooling discussion.

I think mental health can come from unschooling and sometimes people
for the first time in their lives feel right and good and whole, when
unschooling is going well. And by mental health I don't mean just
the absence of mental illness, I mean vibrant, strong, FULLness.
Joyous strength.

So I think successful unschooling can produce joy and health.
And I think this list can help people get to successful unschooling.
But I don't think it's the purpose of this list to get people to
mental health.

So when people are needy and insecure, we can help them with
unschooling, but those other needs should probably be dealt with in
places designed for that (IF the needs are really deep): church, 12
step programs, some kind of therapy, for the good of the kids.

Sandra