cmccaughren@...

We are staying with my parents while there's building work done on our house. We've been here nearly 4 weeks and it's likely to be another 2-3 months. I've also had baby number 5 last week, so there's a lot going on!


My parents are great, very supportive of home education, and they know how "relaxed" we are. And of course it's very generous of them to put us up for this time. But, naturally, living together is presenting some challenges!


I think one of the main issues is food. At home, the children are able to help themselves to anything we have in the house. My mum is not happy with this at all - she buys huge amounts of snacks and treats, but then only wants the children to have one a day, or a "reasonable" amount. As the children are not used to have so many goodies around (we do buy them, but not to the same extent) they are eating way more than they normally would. 


Please help - how can I continue to move forward on our unschooling journey, while still respecting the way Grandma wants to do things in her house? Thanks. 

K Pennell

When I was a kid, we lived with my grandparents in the summers for a few years. My parents had a stash of food (and a mini fridge) in their room for themselves (and me). If you can do that (without attracting bugs to the bedrooms) that may help.

I also knew that in Nana's kitchen, I had to follow her rules. Even as a kid, I got that the rules were different. I'm sure they explained it. My mom grew up with lots of food rules, and was really good about not controlling what I ate, so it was different. I think you can explain to the kids that your views haven't changed, but you need to respect the rules there while you're there. 

But maybe your mom could consider buying less snacks more often, instead of stocking way up? You could ask, I guess.

From: "cmccaughren@... [AlwaysLearning]" <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2015 1:55 PM
Subject: [AlwaysLearning] Please help - living with relatives for an extended period



We are staying with my parents while there's building work done on our house. We've been here nearly 4 weeks and it's likely to be another 2-3 months. I've also had baby number 5 last week, so there's a lot going on!

My parents are great, very supportive of home education, and they know how "relaxed" we are. And of course it's very generous of them to put us up for this time. But, naturally, living together is presenting some challenges!

I think one of the main issues is food. At home, the children are able to help themselves to anything we have in the house. My mum is not happy with this at all - she buys huge amounts of snacks and treats, but then only wants the children to have one a day, or a "reasonable" amount. As the children are not used to have so many goodies around (we do buy them, but not to the same extent) they are eating way more than they normally would. 

Please help - how can I continue to move forward on our unschooling journey, while still respecting the way Grandma wants to do things in her house? Thanks.