Shelly

Alright, here's the situation and the question is in the second
paragraph. I've been a homeschooling mom for 7 years now. In the
beginning we had one son, I used a curriculum, sat at the kitchen
table, said the pledge to the flag and the whole 9 yards. That was
then...Now I have 5 children. All boys who are ages 14, 9, 6 and
3 year old twins. Now that there are so many kids hanging
around our home, I have enough time to teach a little about reading
do some math worksheets and until recently felt overwhelmed with "Are
they learning enough." Then last month, our eldest son, who told me
that he doesn't think he's learning anything in homeschool, took a
college entrance exam and passed with flying colors. Our 9 year old,
who I tried to teach to read for the past year, learned to read only
when we were on a break from school. "How?" you ask...Pretty much by
playing video games online! I've recently been e-mailing some fun
unschooling families and they have given me some insight as to how
thier families unschool. I would love to hear from more seasoned
unschoolers. By that I mean parents whose children are grown.

Okay so here is my question to you seasoned unschoolers. How exactly
is the learning accomplished in unschooling? Is it sort of an
organized chaos? By that I mean, do you stack the odds in your home
in favor of learning? Do you place books around and ask them to
choose one or do you put limits on tv and games so they get bored
enough to read or do you ask them to write but write about whatever
tickles their fancy or do you just let them live and when they have a
question answer it?

I am tired of trying to teach only for them to figure it out on their
own. I am wasting my time and theirs, however I don't want to just
stop teaching, And by that I mean, I don't want them to be unable to
write an essay in college. Really that's my only fear. Maybe if I
make it "seem" like we aren't having class that will be
unschooling??? Like watch movies and discuss them? I obviously don't
know HOW TO DO THIS. LOL Help!

We are taking this month off school and I really want to re-organize
how our days go. I don't want to sit at a table anymore and I KNOW
they don't want that. The twins won't allow it anyway and really I'm
not sure that's where the learning is happening at all.

I will be thrilled to hear any input you guys have to offer. I'm
sure there are as many ways to unschool as there are unschoolers and
I'd like to hear them all! :-)

Thanks so much,
Shelly
(the ever-learning homeschooling parent)

Joanne

Hi Shelly,

>>>>How exactly is the learning accomplished in unschooling? Is it sort
of an organized chaos? By that I mean, do you stack the odds in your
home in favor of learning? Do you place books around and ask them to
choose one or do you put limits on tv and games so they get bored
enough to read or do you ask them to write but write about whatever
tickles their fancy or do you just let them live and when they have a
question answer it?>>>>>>

I'll answer how it is for us and I'm sure other members will post their
thoughts also.

In our home, learning is accomplished because it's part of our lives.
It sounds so simple...but it's true. They enjoy learning. :-)

Check the link section and read some of the blogs by unschooling
families to get an idea of how they learn. Read the older topics here
for a while and you'll start to get a clearer picture of how it works.

Yes, I place books around...along side the playstation games,
magazines, rocks and the sparklers leftover from July 4th. (That's
whats on my coffee table right now). My kids love reading as much as
they do bike riding.
No, I don't limit game time. My daughters can play when, and how long
they want. Most times they play about 3-4 hours a week. I think it's
because they don't have limits that they can easily walk away from it
and do something else. They know it'll be there for them whenever they
want it.

Here's the link to my blog if you want to read about us. I've been
blogging about our unschooling (and adoption) journey for about a year
now.

http://anunschoolinglife.blogspot.com/

Hope this helps!

~ Joanne ~
Mom to Jacqueline (8), Shawna (11) & Cimion (14)
Adopted into our hearts October 2003
************************************
Unschooling Voices ~ Add Your Voice
www.foreverparents.com/UnschoolingVoices.html

Shelly

Thank you Joanne,

I will read and learn. I'm so interested in this lifestyle
that I can't stand the thought of not reading about it right
now. LOL

Also, we adopted three of our sons also. It was final in
July. I'll definitly read your blog. I'm themomwithbrownies just
in case I happen to reply to one of your posts. :-)

Thank you again,
Shelly M.



--- In [email protected], "Joanne"
<billyandjoanne@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Shelly,
>
> >>>>How exactly is the learning accomplished in unschooling? Is it
sort
> of an organized chaos? By that I mean, do you stack the odds in
your
> home in favor of learning? Do you place books around and ask them
to
> choose one or do you put limits on tv and games so they get bored
> enough to read or do you ask them to write but write about whatever
> tickles their fancy or do you just let them live and when they have
a
> question answer it?>>>>>>
>
> I'll answer how it is for us and I'm sure other members will post
their
> thoughts also.
>
> In our home, learning is accomplished because it's part of our
lives.
> It sounds so simple...but it's true. They enjoy learning. :-)
>
> Check the link section and read some of the blogs by unschooling
> families to get an idea of how they learn. Read the older topics
here
> for a while and you'll start to get a clearer picture of how it
works.
>
> Yes, I place books around...along side the playstation games,
> magazines, rocks and the sparklers leftover from July 4th. (That's
> whats on my coffee table right now). My kids love reading as much
as
> they do bike riding.
> No, I don't limit game time. My daughters can play when, and how
long
> they want. Most times they play about 3-4 hours a week. I think
it's
> because they don't have limits that they can easily walk away from
it
> and do something else. They know it'll be there for them whenever
they
> want it.
>
> Here's the link to my blog if you want to read about us. I've been
> blogging about our unschooling (and adoption) journey for about a
year
> now.
>
> http://anunschoolinglife.blogspot.com/
>
> Hope this helps!
>
> ~ Joanne ~
> Mom to Jacqueline (8), Shawna (11) & Cimion (14)
> Adopted into our hearts October 2003
> ************************************
> Unschooling Voices ~ Add Your Voice
> www.foreverparents.com/UnschoolingVoices.html
>

Joanne

>>>>>Also, we adopted three of our sons also. It was final in
July. I'll definitly read your blog. I'm themomwithbrownies just
in case I happen to reply to one of your posts.>>>>>

That's great Shelly! We adopted our three in 2003, they were a sibling
group and had been in foster care for four years before they came home.

I help to run a private online group for adoptive and waiting parents
if you're interested. It's very supportive and has members that became
parents through different types of adoption. Here's the page from the
website that will give you information on how to join. If you have
trouble signing up, feel free to e-mail me.

http://www.foreverparents.com/AdoptionForums.html

~ Joanne ~
Mom to Jacqueline (8), Shawna (11) & Cimion (14)
Adopted into our hearts October 2003
************************************
Unschooling Voices ~ Add Your Voice
www.foreverparents.com/UnschoolingVoices.html

[email protected]

-----Original Message-----
From: bmabe4@...

Okay so here is my question to you seasoned unschoolers. How exactly
is the learning accomplished in unschooling?

-=-=-=-=-=-

Learning happens because we're hard-wired that way. How do *you* learn?
Lessons and classes and homework and workbooks? Or by doing and asking
and thinking?

-=-=-=-=-

Is it sort of an organized chaos?

-=-=-=-

Oh, God---I HATE chaos---ask anyone who knows me! But learning doesn't
require chaos or organization. I think a human naturally organizes
things in his own head---making connections and solving problems. Some
people work best without a schedule. Some can't work without one.
Learning HAPPENS though---and it happens BEST when there is no fear or
coercion.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

By that I mean, do you stack the odds in your home
in favor of learning?

-=-=-=-

Sure. I don't leave my children in sterile, padded, dimly lit rooms! <g>

I give them as rich a life as I can. New things, nre people, new
experiences---as often as possible.

-=-==-=-=

Do you place books around and ask them to
choose one or do you put limits on tv and games so they get bored
enough to read or do you ask them to write but write about whatever
tickles their fancy or do you just let them live and when they have a
question answer it?

-=-=-=-=-

Books are everywhere---AND we have a library membership! <g>

No limits on TV OR video games or computers-----OR books!

No limits on trampolines, on swimming, on cycling.

No limits on art or cooking or puzzles or clocks or dogs or music or
trees.

No setting them up so that the least interesting thing has to become
the most interesting thing in their lives (like the limits so that
reading becomes the best choice). ALL things are equally available as
much as I can make them so. If they choose to read, reading must be
what they want to do at that moment. And yes, both choose to read.

Yes, we let them live and answer questions.

-=-=-=-=-

I am tired of trying to teach only for them to figure it out on their
own.

-==-==-

Yeah---they're amazing like athat, aren't they? Little learning
machines!

That teaching is a waste of time!

-=-=--=-

I am wasting my time and theirs, however I don't want to just
stop teaching,

-=-=-=-=-

Because???? You see some value in it? Teaching when there's no
learning happening?

How's that working for you? <bwg>

-=-=-=-=-

And by that I mean, I don't want them to be unable to
write an essay in college. Really that's my only fear.

-=-=-=-=-

Puh-leeze!

OK---so your *only* fear is that one of your children won't be able to
write an essay?

Really?

I didn't make my son write a THING since we took him out of school at
the end of sixth grade. Yet he wrote an article for an e-zine---and was
published. It was an actual assignment and the first thing he'd written
since he turned 13.

He's written in his journal. He's written poetry. And yet, he was
capable of writing a published article. How do you think that happens?

Because he wanted to. It was important to him.

-=-=-=-=-

Maybe if I make it "seem" like we aren't having class that will be
unschooling???

-=-=-=

Maybe.

How smart are they? <bwg>

-=-=-=-=-

Like watch movies and discuss them?

-=-=-=-

Nice start. How about just watching movies---LOTS of them. Do a
"vertical"--- watch all the Johnny Depp movies or all the Jack
Nicholson movies. Or Steven Spielberg in order. Netflix all the movies
in a genre---horror (look at the old costumes with zippers vs the new
special FX), war (pick a war---zillions of each war), anime (in
Japanese), comedy (Tom Hanks), sci-fi, ittle Rascals/Three
Stooges/Buster Keaton/Charlie Chaplin--- or Shakespeare---go PLAY!

You don't need to set up a "compare and contrast" situaton or
discussion afterwards. It happens naturally as you move through the
movies.

DON'T make an issue out of it. Just watch for fun. I'm guessing your
kids are too smart to "buy" into a planned discussion. Just let it
flow. Have FUN!

-=-=-=-=-

I obviously don't know HOW TO DO THIS. LOL Help!

-=-=-=-=

From today onward, you are on vacation. School does not exist---LIVE as
if it did not exist! How would you show your children the WORLD??? Be
their guide and translator (of course in some things, they're be YOUR
guide and translator! <G>).

Bring home new things. Don't get upset if they don't find them
fascinating. They may not. Do You? Cool enough.

Do things YOU have always wanted. Plant a garden. Get bees. Chickens!
<g> Write a short story. Teach your dog trciks. Let your kids see that
you are learning too. They'll catch on.

-==-=---

We are taking this month off school and I really want to re-organize
how our days go. I don't want to sit at a table anymore and I KNOW
they don't want that. The twins won't allow it anyway and really I'm
not sure that's where the learning is happening at all.

-=--=-=-

Cool.

-=-=-=-=-

I will be thrilled to hear any input you guys have to offer. I'm
sure there are as many ways to unschool as there are unschoolers and
I'd like to hear them all! :-)

-=-=-=-=-

Yeah---but it all boils down to the fact that you can't teach what the
learner does not want to learn. He will learn when he is ready and when
he feels it's important to him. What teaching you do is all just a song
and dance.

~Kelly




________________________________________________________________________
Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and
security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from
across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

Shelly

You are a hoot! :-) Direct, straight to the point and you took
the time to really answer me! Thank you. I have the feeling we
aren't "taking a break from school" now. We are done...or just
beginning...depends on how ya look at it. LOL

Thank you for taking the time to answer me. I got
alot out of your experiences.

Shelly M.


--- In [email protected], kbcdlovejo@... wrote:
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: bmabe4@...
>
> Okay so here is my question to you seasoned unschoolers. How exactly
> is the learning accomplished in unschooling?
>
> -=-=-=-=-=-
>
> Learning happens because we're hard-wired that way. How do *you*
learn?
> Lessons and classes and homework and workbooks? Or by doing and
asking
> and thinking?
>
> -=-=-=-=-
>
> Is it sort of an organized chaos?
>
> -=-=-=-
>
> Oh, God---I HATE chaos---ask anyone who knows me! But learning
doesn't
> require chaos or organization. I think a human naturally organizes
> things in his own head---making connections and solving problems.
Some
> people work best without a schedule. Some can't work without one.
> Learning HAPPENS though---and it happens BEST when there is no fear
or
> coercion.
>
> -=-=-=-=-=-=-
>
> By that I mean, do you stack the odds in your home
> in favor of learning?
>
> -=-=-=-
>
> Sure. I don't leave my children in sterile, padded, dimly lit
rooms! <g>
>
> I give them as rich a life as I can. New things, nre people, new
> experiences---as often as possible.
>
> -=-==-=-=
>
> Do you place books around and ask them to
> choose one or do you put limits on tv and games so they get bored
> enough to read or do you ask them to write but write about whatever
> tickles their fancy or do you just let them live and when they have
a
> question answer it?
>
> -=-=-=-=-
>
> Books are everywhere---AND we have a library membership! <g>
>
> No limits on TV OR video games or computers-----OR books!
>
> No limits on trampolines, on swimming, on cycling.
>
> No limits on art or cooking or puzzles or clocks or dogs or music
or
> trees.
>
> No setting them up so that the least interesting thing has to
become
> the most interesting thing in their lives (like the limits so that
> reading becomes the best choice). ALL things are equally available
as
> much as I can make them so. If they choose to read, reading must be
> what they want to do at that moment. And yes, both choose to read.
>
> Yes, we let them live and answer questions.
>
> -=-=-=-=-
>
> I am tired of trying to teach only for them to figure it out on
their
> own.
>
> -==-==-
>
> Yeah---they're amazing like athat, aren't they? Little learning
> machines!
>
> That teaching is a waste of time!
>
> -=-=--=-
>
> I am wasting my time and theirs, however I don't want to just
> stop teaching,
>
> -=-=-=-=-
>
> Because???? You see some value in it? Teaching when there's no
> learning happening?
>
> How's that working for you? <bwg>
>
> -=-=-=-=-
>
> And by that I mean, I don't want them to be unable to
> write an essay in college. Really that's my only fear.
>
> -=-=-=-=-
>
> Puh-leeze!
>
> OK---so your *only* fear is that one of your children won't be able
to
> write an essay?
>
> Really?
>
> I didn't make my son write a THING since we took him out of school
at
> the end of sixth grade. Yet he wrote an article for an e-zine---and
was
> published. It was an actual assignment and the first thing he'd
written
> since he turned 13.
>
> He's written in his journal. He's written poetry. And yet, he was
> capable of writing a published article. How do you think that
happens?
>
> Because he wanted to. It was important to him.
>
> -=-=-=-=-
>
> Maybe if I make it "seem" like we aren't having class that will be
> unschooling???
>
> -=-=-=
>
> Maybe.
>
> How smart are they? <bwg>
>
> -=-=-=-=-
>
> Like watch movies and discuss them?
>
> -=-=-=-
>
> Nice start. How about just watching movies---LOTS of them. Do a
> "vertical"--- watch all the Johnny Depp movies or all the Jack
> Nicholson movies. Or Steven Spielberg in order. Netflix all the
movies
> in a genre---horror (look at the old costumes with zippers vs the
new
> special FX), war (pick a war---zillions of each war), anime (in
> Japanese), comedy (Tom Hanks), sci-fi, ittle Rascals/Three
> Stooges/Buster Keaton/Charlie Chaplin--- or Shakespeare---go PLAY!
>
> You don't need to set up a "compare and contrast" situaton or
> discussion afterwards. It happens naturally as you move through the
> movies.
>
> DON'T make an issue out of it. Just watch for fun. I'm guessing
your
> kids are too smart to "buy" into a planned discussion. Just let it
> flow. Have FUN!
>
> -=-=-=-=-
>
> I obviously don't know HOW TO DO THIS. LOL Help!
>
> -=-=-=-=
>
> From today onward, you are on vacation. School does not exist---
LIVE as
> if it did not exist! How would you show your children the WORLD???
Be
> their guide and translator (of course in some things, they're be
YOUR
> guide and translator! <G>).
>
> Bring home new things. Don't get upset if they don't find them
> fascinating. They may not. Do You? Cool enough.
>
> Do things YOU have always wanted. Plant a garden. Get bees.
Chickens!
> <g> Write a short story. Teach your dog trciks. Let your kids see
that
> you are learning too. They'll catch on.
>
> -==-=---
>
> We are taking this month off school and I really want to re-organize
> how our days go. I don't want to sit at a table anymore and I KNOW
> they don't want that. The twins won't allow it anyway and really I'm
> not sure that's where the learning is happening at all.
>
> -=--=-=-
>
> Cool.
>
> -=-=-=-=-
>
> I will be thrilled to hear any input you guys have to offer. I'm
> sure there are as many ways to unschool as there are unschoolers and
> I'd like to hear them all! :-)
>
> -=-=-=-=-
>
> Yeah---but it all boils down to the fact that you can't teach what
the
> learner does not want to learn. He will learn when he is ready and
when
> he feels it's important to him. What teaching you do is all just a
song
> and dance.
>
> ~Kelly
>
>
>
>
>
______________________________________________________________________
__
> Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and
> security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from
> across the web, free AOL Mail and more.
>

[email protected]

-----Original Message-----
From: bmabe4@...

You are a hoot! :-) Direct, straight to the point and you took
the time to really answer me! Thank you. I have the feeling we
aren't "taking a break from school" now. We are done...or just
beginning...depends on how ya look at it. LOL

Thank you for taking the time to answer me. I got
alot out of your experiences.

-=-=-

Schtick around, darrlin'--- we're just warmin' up! <g>

I'll remind you of this post when I start pissing you off next month!
<bwg>

~Kelly
________________________________________________________________________
Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and
security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from
across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

Rue Kream

>>I don't want them to be unable to write an essay in college. Really that's
my only fear.

**My daughter Dagny just turned 14 last month, so she's not 'grown', but I'm
going to answer anyway :o).

A couple of weeks ago a reporter asked if my kids wanted to be interviewed
for an article about unschooling. Rowan (who's 10) was not interested, but
Dagny said sure. The reporter interviewed her via email. It was the night
before we left for a vacation, so Dagny was busy getting ready. She had no
time between reading the questions and responding, and not much time to
write. Here's what she sent him:

*********************************************************
What do you remember of school?
Since it was 9 years ago, there are only bits and pieces left of what I
remember. I remember a lot of feeling confused. I remember the first day,
when I met one of my best friends who I still keep in touch with. I remember
wondering why these adults would yell at us for feeling like learning
something besides what we "needed" to know. I remember being bullied. I
remember having my birthday at school, having to wait in line for food and
having to ask to go to the bathroom - and sometimes being told no, which is
unfathomable to me. I remember being warned there would be a fire drill that
day and not being able to sit still because I was so stressed out about it,
the day my parents asked me if I wanted to "home school" and the day I
decided to wait until the end of the year because I didn't want to lose
touch with my friends (after nine years, I still know most of them).

How did it compare to your daily life since then?

My daily life now is whatever I want it to be. It can involve anything from
hiking up a hill with my friends and taking pictures and enjoying the cool
air and lovely view to lying in bed reading for half of the day, to doing a
bunch of errands, to learning how to sew a zipper on a bag. But it always
involves, through every minute - even every second of it - learning
something new.


What do you like about being an unschooler?

I like being respected by adults and 2 year olds alike and I like being able
to have the time and resources to be very interested in what I like doing
(Sewing, Photography, Makeup Art, Writing, Creating Music, Learning how to
be friendlier to our environment).

************************************************************

I typed papers for other kids in college. Many were not as well written as
what Dagny wrote, and *very* few were spelled as well or used words like
'unfathomable'.

But forget writing skills and read what she wrote. She likes her life!
She's happy. That's my priority. ~Rue
















[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[email protected]

-----Original Message-----
From: skreams@...


How did it compare to your daily life since then?

My daily life now is whatever I want it to be. It can involve anything
from
hiking up a hill with my friends and taking pictures and enjoying the
cool
air and lovely view to lying in bed reading for half of the day,

************************

I typed papers for other kids in college. Many were not as well
written as
what Dagny wrote, and *very* few were spelled as well or used words like
'unfathomable'.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

That she knows the difference between laying and lying is enough for
*me*! <bwg>

~Kelly
________________________________________________________________________
Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and
security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from
across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

Rue Kream

>>That she knows the difference between laying and lying is enough for *me*!
<bwg>

**And as you may remember (my sadly underpaid editor <G>), years and years
of schooling did not help me with that one bit! ~Rue


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Rebecca

--- In [email protected], kbcdlovejo@... wrote:
>
> Snip>
> Yeah---but it all boils down to the fact that you can't teach what
the
> learner does not want to learn. He will learn when he is ready and
when
> he feels it's important to him. What teaching you do is all just a
song
> and dance.
>
> ~Kelly
>

Hi there Kelly. I know your reply was meant for someone else but I
have to say *thank you* so much. It was very inspiring. I have read
some John Holt stuff and some unschooling books but have still beenI
grappling recently with letting go *completely* and letting my
children seek out their own education. I have held onto a feeling of
needing to teach reading basics and still put restrictions on some
food.

I don't know how to let go of food restrictions with having a DD who
is sensitive to chemicals. We will work on it. No doubt some would
say this is all the more reason to let her learn what she needs. If
anyone has experience with a chemically sensitive child who has no
food restrictions could they please give me some input.

When our DD was younger she would naturally avoid the things that
gave her reactions as we would talk about how she was feeling after
certain foods. Now however reactions are much more subtle and build
up so it's harder for her to pinpoint problem foods and deal with
craving certain things. Anyway if anyone can offer any advice for
withdrawing the restrictions completly and how that went for your
family I'd really appreciate it.

I haven't posted here before so *hello* and thank you all for the
wonderful posts. I feel cheeky asking for help straight up - but hope
that's ok! :-)


Kind Regards Rebecca
______________________________________________________________________
__
> Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and
> security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from
> across the web, free AOL Mail and more.
>

[email protected]

-----Original Message-----
From: daintreepixie@...

I don't know how to let go of food restrictions with having a DD who
is sensitive to chemicals. We will work on it. No doubt some would
say this is all the more reason to let her learn what she needs. If
anyone has experience with a chemically sensitive child who has no
food restrictions could they please give me some input.

When our DD was younger she would naturally avoid the things that
gave her reactions as we would talk about how she was feeling after
certain foods. Now however reactions are much more subtle and build
up so it's harder for her to pinpoint problem foods and deal with
craving certain things. Anyway if anyone can offer any advice for
withdrawing the restrictions completly and how that went for your
family I'd really appreciate it.

-=-=-=-=-

I think the two big questions are

1) how old is she?

2) does it make her feel bad or is it life threatening?

If she's too young to keep it away from her and old enough to talk with
her seriously about it, then get her some literature and discuss
it---and ALL the ways it can effect her.

If it just makes her feel a little itchy or gives her a small
tummy-ache, it *may* be worth it to her.

Wine turns my nose bright red. I choose whether it's worth it to me to
have a glass. The redness lasts several days---how badly do I want that
wine? <g> I could never be a closet drunk---my Rudolf-nose would give
me away every time! <bwg> Sometimes it's worth it; sometimes it's not!
But I understand what causes it, so I can make an informed decision.

Maybe she needs a lot more information. But if it's not
life-threatening, I would help her figure out her own limits/comfort
zone.

~Kelly


________________________________________________________________________
Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and
security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from
across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

Joanne

Hi Rebecca,

>>>>I don't know how to let go of food restrictions with having a DD
who is sensitive to chemicals. We will work on it. No doubt some
would say this is all the more reason to let her learn what she
needs. If anyone has experience with a chemically sensitive child
who has no food restrictions could they please give me some
input.>>>>

When we adopted our three, our middle child came to us with some
emotional eating issues. She was filling her emotional needs with
food and always worrying if she was going to get enough to eat. So
although she's not a chemically sensative child, I also was told to
place restrictions on her eating to "teach" her how to eat healthy.

I'd like to share a blog post that I wrote a while back on this
topic. Here's the link:
http://tinyurl.com/ycjwbd

I believe that because your child has food sensativites, that's more
reason to help her so that she can make good choices for herself. It
didn't happen overnight for us but my daughter now eats healthier
(emotionally healthier) than a lot of adults I know.

~ Joanne ~
Mom to Jacqueline (8), Shawna (11) & Cimion (14)
Adopted into our hearts October 2003
************************************
Unschooling Voices ~ Add Your Voice
www.foreverparents.com/UnschoolingVoices.html

Rebecca

Thanks Joanne - that was interesting reading. We have discussed her
sensitivities with her many times but perhaps need to go into more
detail. Her reactions certainly aren't life threatening but do have a
big impact on her health and happiness.

We don't tell our children when or how much they should eat. We don't
limit very many foods either but perhaps just need to have the
problem foods not available as an option for a while?

Thanks for responding,
Rebecca






--- In [email protected], "Joanne"
<billyandjoanne@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Rebecca,
>
> >>>>I don't know how to let go of food restrictions with having a
DD
> who is sensitive to chemicals. We will work on it. No doubt some
> would say this is all the more reason to let her learn what she
> needs. If anyone has experience with a chemically sensitive child
> who has no food restrictions could they please give me some
> input.>>>>
>
> When we adopted our three, our middle child came to us with some
> emotional eating issues. She was filling her emotional needs with
> food and always worrying if she was going to get enough to eat. So
> although she's not a chemically sensative child, I also was told to
> place restrictions on her eating to "teach" her how to eat healthy.
>
> I'd like to share a blog post that I wrote a while back on this
> topic. Here's the link:
> http://tinyurl.com/ycjwbd
>
> I believe that because your child has food sensativites, that's
more
> reason to help her so that she can make good choices for herself.
It
> didn't happen overnight for us but my daughter now eats healthier
> (emotionally healthier) than a lot of adults I know.
>
> ~ Joanne ~
> Mom to Jacqueline (8), Shawna (11) & Cimion (14)
> Adopted into our hearts October 2003
> ************************************
> Unschooling Voices ~ Add Your Voice
> www.foreverparents.com/UnschoolingVoices.html
>

Rebecca

Hi Kelly,

Our DD is 8 years old. Perhaps I need to show her through some of the
research I've done on her sensitivities. We've had many discussions
on it over the last few years but perhaps it's too much to take in
the big picture when we only discuss parts of it at a time.

Thanks for your idea's,
Rebecca



--- In [email protected], kbcdlovejo@... wrote:
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: daintreepixie@...
>
> I don't know how to let go of food restrictions with having a DD who
> is sensitive to chemicals. We will work on it. No doubt some would
> say this is all the more reason to let her learn what she needs. If
> anyone has experience with a chemically sensitive child who has no
> food restrictions could they please give me some input.
>
> When our DD was younger she would naturally avoid the things that
> gave her reactions as we would talk about how she was feeling after
> certain foods. Now however reactions are much more subtle and build
> up so it's harder for her to pinpoint problem foods and deal with
> craving certain things. Anyway if anyone can offer any advice for
> withdrawing the restrictions completly and how that went for your
> family I'd really appreciate it.
>
> -=-=-=-=-
>
> I think the two big questions are
>
> 1) how old is she?
>
> 2) does it make her feel bad or is it life threatening?
>
> If she's too young to keep it away from her and old enough to talk
with
> her seriously about it, then get her some literature and discuss
> it---and ALL the ways it can effect her.
>
> If it just makes her feel a little itchy or gives her a small
> tummy-ache, it *may* be worth it to her.
>
> Wine turns my nose bright red. I choose whether it's worth it to me
to
> have a glass. The redness lasts several days---how badly do I want
that
> wine? <g> I could never be a closet drunk---my Rudolf-nose would
give
> me away every time! <bwg> Sometimes it's worth it; sometimes it's
not!
> But I understand what causes it, so I can make an informed decision.
>
> Maybe she needs a lot more information. But if it's not
> life-threatening, I would help her figure out her own
limits/comfort
> zone.
>
> ~Kelly
>
>
>
______________________________________________________________________
__
> Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and
> security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from
> across the web, free AOL Mail and more.
>

Kelly Weyd

I have a daughter who is chemically sensitive. She is also allergic to food dye, corn, gluten and wheat. Bottom line for us is keeping healthy food in the house. Whole foods, not much processed, or packaged stuff. I keep foods that are within her diet around. I spend a lot of money at the health food store. I've kindly asked my neighbors not to feed her that she is allergic. Most candy has corn syrup and dye in it so if a neighbor is handing that stuff out I've told Mariah she can come home for some homemade cookies or organic chocolate. We pack a cooler practically everywhere we go, so we won't be tempted to stop at McDonalds.......but we do eat at McDonald's occasionally for a treat. I don't limit what or how much food she eats here at the house. Right now she is in a growth spurt and eating me out of house or home. Both my girls eat mostly whole foods with lots of fruits and vegy's so I know they are healthy and I don't worry.

Kelly

Rebecca <daintreepixie@...> wrote:
--- In [email protected], kbcdlovejo@... wrote:
>
> Snip>
> Yeah---but it all boils down to the fact that you can't teach what
the
> learner does not want to learn. He will learn when he is ready and
when
> he feels it's important to him. What teaching you do is all just a
song
> and dance.
>
> ~Kelly
>

Hi there Kelly. I know your reply was meant for someone else but I
have to say *thank you* so much. It was very inspiring. I have read
some John Holt stuff and some unschooling books but have still beenI
grappling recently with letting go *completely* and letting my
children seek out their own education. I have held onto a feeling of
needing to teach reading basics and still put restrictions on some
food.

I don't know how to let go of food restrictions with having a DD who
is sensitive to chemicals. We will work on it. No doubt some would
say this is all the more reason to let her learn what she needs. If
anyone has experience with a chemically sensitive child who has no
food restrictions could they please give me some input.

When our DD was younger she would naturally avoid the things that
gave her reactions as we would talk about how she was feeling after
certain foods. Now however reactions are much more subtle and build
up so it's harder for her to pinpoint problem foods and deal with
craving certain things. Anyway if anyone can offer any advice for
withdrawing the restrictions completly and how that went for your
family I'd really appreciate it.

I haven't posted here before so *hello* and thank you all for the
wonderful posts. I feel cheeky asking for help straight up - but hope
that's ok! :-)

Kind Regards Rebecca
__________________________________________________________
__
> Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and
> security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from
> across the web, free AOL Mail and more.
>






---------------------------------
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Deb Lewis

***I don't know how to let go of food restrictions with having a DD who
is sensitive to chemicals.***


Sensitive how? What are the symptoms of chemical sensitivity? Which
chemicals?

Deb Lewis

Rebecca

--- In [email protected], "Deb Lewis" <d.lewis@...>
wrote:
>

> Sensitive how? What are the symptoms of chemical sensitivity?
Which
> chemicals?
>
> Deb Lewis
>

Deb our DD is sensitive to a long list of chemicals in food mostly.
We have eliminated many chemicals from our home environment but she
doesn't have reactions that are severe or necessarily immediate so
pinpointing the culprits can be difficult.
Symtoms are again many, but mostly behavioural/moods and minor health
issue's.

We don't limit or control "when" or "how much" our children should
eat. The limits come in with "what" - with a small amount of the
foods in our pantry that we call "sometimes" foods.

WE will, as I said in my post to Julie, have some more talks on how
we are going with our food choices and see how we go coming up with
ways to give them more freedom with the "what" aspect of how they eat.

Kind Regards
Rebecca

[email protected]

Something that makes me think as I look at myself...

How *sane* do unschooling parents have to be?

I'm not talking about the craziness some people opposed to US would attribute to us, but real psychic sanity.

- Are parents' issues an obstacle to US?

- Can the will to US overcome those?

- Is US a *cure* for parents?

Like, is the decission to do something new, to overcome the old patterns instilled in one's own childhood, enough? When is it, when is it not?
Do you think that there are people who want to US, but *shouldn't* do it *for* their children's sake?

'Cause, US really *can* turn your life upside down, for better, and also for worse?

Well, just trying to sort things out.

Anastasia (Elisabeth, 6yo, and Joanna, 4yo)


...............................................................

--
"Ein Herz für Kinder" - Ihre Spende hilft! Aktion: www.deutschlandsegelt.de
Unser Dankeschön: Ihr Name auf dem Segel der 1. deutschen America's Cup-Yacht!

[email protected]

-----Original Message-----
From: lin.an@.....

How *sane* do unschooling parents have to be?

I'm not talking about the craziness some people opposed to US would
attribute to
us, but real psychic sanity.

-=-=-=-=--

I'm not sure I understand the question.

-=-=-=-=-

- Are parents' issues an obstacle to US?

-=-=-=-=

DEFINITELY!

Humans are natural learners. If the adults in a child's life can *back
off* and allow him to learn, he's fine.

-=-=-=-=-

- Can the will to US overcome those?

-=-==-=-

Uh huh. I'm proof! <g>

-=-=-=-=-=-

- Is US a *cure* for parents?

-=-=-=-=-

Again, most definitely!

-=-=-=--

Like, is the decission to do something new, to overcome the old
patterns
instilled in one's own childhood, enough? When is it, when is it not?

-=-=-=-=-=-

When you actually DO it. Talking about it and thinking about it are
just the start. You have to actually put it into practice for it to
happen.

-=-=-=-=-=-

Do you think that there are people who want to US, but *shouldn't* do
it *for*
their children's sake?

-=-=-=-=-

No, I think there are children who want to do it but shouldn't for the
parents' sake.

Well, almost! <bwg>

The children can handle it---it's the parents with the baggage. If a
parent can wrap his head around the idea, the children will be fine.
It's the parents who *can't* get it that damage/hinder their children.

-=-=-=-=-=-

'Cause, US really *can* turn your life upside down, for better, and
also for
worse?

--==-=-=-=-=-

Can you give me the "worse" scenario? 'Cause I can't think of the
downside---seriously!

OK. OK---maybe my *tongue* has more bite marks than it used to! <g> But
they're healing. <BWG>

Unschooling has made me a better mom, better spouse, better friend, and
better person.


~Kelly




________________________________________________________________________
Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and
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across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

[email protected]

-----Original Message-----
From: lin.an@...

- Is US a *cure* for parents?

--=--=-=-

I missed this one, and it was the one I most wanted to answer.

YES!

Healing the child inside you can be the BEST part! Being the parent you
wished *you* had had!

It's hard for me to step into a schooled world now because of the fear
and anger and denial and frustration I hear in the voices of the
parents---and their children.

I feel dirty when I leave the home of a friend who is still schooling.
Or my in-laws. Or when I visit my best bud at work---she is the HEAD of
a SCHOOL! <g> It's as if I need to scrub that anger and meanness off
me. Just going to the grocery store can be awful. I try really hard NOT
to go out after school hours (I need to be home by three pm! <g>)
because all the kids are out shopping with their parents and being
yelled at/talked down to/kept in line.

When I DO, I am so thankful to have found unschooling and
gentle/mindful parenting. AND it makes me nicer to my own kids! <g>

Yes, it's healing and curative!

~Kelly
________________________________________________________________________
Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and
security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from
across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

Mara

Oh Kelly, you speak straight from my heart - always
do, it seems.
Unschooling has been such a healing journey for me as
it has been fun for my kids (who had not much to heal
from since they have never been exposed to any
schooling - except the big boys).
Just watching their happy and ever busy exuberance,
their love of learning anything about life, and their
sweetness and curiousity etc. etc. lots of very
hurtful memories of my own schooling came back, but
also the realization that I am nothing that school
make me out to be, to reclaim my own love of learning
and it is finally clicking that I too, can do just
what I love to do - and now my partner is getting
there as well and life is now this totally exciting
jouney again, the way I would dream it sometimes as a
kid, but so unreasonable, so impossible, locked up in
this cruel prison - now I can reclaim my life and
sanity - I am slowly feeling that I can move from
deschooling to unschooling myself.
The conference and all the great articles in magazines
and many things I read here have helped greatly in
this journey.
Thanks everyone!
Mara


--- kbcdlovejo@... wrote:

>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: lin.an@...
>
> - Is US a *cure* for parents?
>
> --=--=-=-
>
> I missed this one, and it was the one I most wanted
> to answer.
>
> YES!
>
> Healing the child inside you can be the BEST part!
> Being the parent you
> wished *you* had had!
>
> It's hard for me to step into a schooled world now
> because of the fear
> and anger and denial and frustration I hear in the
> voices of the
> parents---and their children.
>
> I feel dirty when I leave the home of a friend who
> is still schooling.
> Or my in-laws. Or when I visit my best bud at
> work---she is the HEAD of
> a SCHOOL! <g> It's as if I need to scrub that anger
> and meanness off
> me. Just going to the grocery store can be awful. I
> try really hard NOT
> to go out after school hours (I need to be home by
> three pm! <g>)
> because all the kids are out shopping with their
> parents and being
> yelled at/talked down to/kept in line.
>
> When I DO, I am so thankful to have found
> unschooling and
> gentle/mindful parenting. AND it makes me nicer to
> my own kids! <g>
>
> Yes, it's healing and curative!
>
> ~Kelly
>
________________________________________________________________________
> Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of
> free safety and
> security tools, free access to millions of
> high-quality videos from
> across the web, free AOL Mail and more.
>
>


__________________________________________________
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janne hunter

I strongly believe that unschooling is for the best -
always. Because what you are trying to do is
respecting the needs of the child, and that can never
be wrong.

Many times our own wounds may be deeper than we can
get hold of because we were not respected as children
and we only had those parents and we needed to
survive. Here is an link for you, take care of the
child you have inside of you also. You deserve that :
http://www.alice-miller.com


--- lin.an@... wrote:

> Something that makes me think as I look at myself...
>
> How *sane* do unschooling parents have to be?
>
> I'm not talking about the craziness some people
> opposed to US would attribute to us, but real
> psychic sanity.
>
> - Are parents' issues an obstacle to US?
>
> - Can the will to US overcome those?
>
> - Is US a *cure* for parents?
>
> Like, is the decission to do something new, to
> overcome the old patterns instilled in one's own
> childhood, enough? When is it, when is it not?
> Do you think that there are people who want to US,
> but *shouldn't* do it *for* their children's sake?
>
> 'Cause, US really *can* turn your life upside down,
> for better, and also for worse?
>
> Well, just trying to sort things out.
>
> Anastasia (Elisabeth, 6yo, and Joanna, 4yo)
>
>
>
...............................................................
>
> --
> "Ein Herz für Kinder" - Ihre Spende hilft! Aktion:
> www.deutschlandsegelt.de
> Unser Dankeschön: Ihr Name auf dem Segel der 1.
> deutschen America's Cup-Yacht!
>






___________________________________________________________
All new Yahoo! Mail "The new Interface is stunning in its simplicity and ease of use." - PC Magazine
http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

Deb Lewis

***she doesn't have reactions that are severe or necessarily immediate so
pinpointing the culprits can be difficult.***

I asked because I have seen parents blame perfectly normal kid behaviors on
foods or chemical additives when the kid is FINE and the parent happens to
be extremely sensitive. So a parent who is sensitive to noise or motion or
who can't stand repeated sounds, cant stop the kid from doing those things
and goes about trying to fix the kid.

I've seen it enough to question it. Lots of people seem to have a very
small view of what normal kid behavior is and anything that falls outside
that window is wrong, abnormal, obsessive - whatever.

It's worth thinking about and reconsidering. Especially for people who are
interested in the unschooling philosophy. Because when adults affix a
label to a kid it alters that kid's psychology. That's no small thing.
When we convince little people who trust and believe us that they have some
type of problem we change how they think of themselves.


Deb Lewis

Rebecca

--- In [email protected], "Deb Lewis" <d.lewis@...>
wrote:
>

> When we convince little people who trust and believe us that they
have some
> type of problem we change how they think of themselves.
>
>
> Deb Lewis
>
******My daughters challenges in life are very real.
We have gone about meeting her needs with the **utmost** care for her
emotional wellbeing.

Thanks
Rebecca

plaidpanties666

--- In [email protected], janne hunter
<thetrueself@...> wrote:
>
> I strongly believe that unschooling is for the best -
> always. Because what you are trying to do is
> respecting the needs of the child, and that can never
> be wrong.

Hmmmm, what about the so called "need" for structure or discipline? Or
the so called "need" for "total freedom"?

> Many times our own wounds may be deeper than we can
> get hold of because we were not respected as children

Sometimes those wounds get in the way of unschooling. Unschooling
itself isn't a panacea. There are people who are too badly hurt to see
past their own damage to their real children.

---Meredith (Mo 5, Ray 13)

Joyce Fetteroll

On Dec 16, 2006, at 1:31 PM, plaidpanties666 wrote:

> Hmmmm, what about the so called "need" for structure or discipline? Or
> the so called "need" for "total freedom"?

Unschooling is about meeting the child's needs. I wouldn't call them
"needs". They're real needs.

If a child enjoys a structured day we can help them create that. But
craving structure doesn't mean it needs developed and imposed by
someone else.

I'm not sure what you mean by "need" for "total freedom". It's better
to talk about real kids than hypothetical kids. Regardless of how
plausible a scenario seems, real kids are motivated by real needs. A
kid who wants "total freedom" (whatever that is) wants it for a
reason. If the reason is a negative one, the cause needs addressed.

But whatever a child's needs are, we're there to help them explore
them and meet them.

Joyce

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Ren Allen

~~
I'm not sure what you mean by "need" for "total freedom". It's better
to talk about real kids than hypothetical kids~~

I believe Meredith had that in quotes because she was referring to
some parents using it as an excuse to NOT unschool, or to impose
certain things. I could be wrong, but that's how I read it.

I know she's a radical unschooler so I doubt she was trying to say
children's needs are just "needs".:)

I've heard some parents claim their child had NO interests as the
child was playing a pokemon game right in front of us. I've heard
parents say THEIR child "needs" structure (which really gave them an
excuse to impose their own teaching agenda) and other such reasons to
ignore the very real damage they were perpetuating.

Ren
learninginfreedom.com

plaidpanties666

Thanks for clarifying that, Ren!

Y'know, I think that's the first time I've seen someone else refer to
me as a radical unschooler - it was kind of a thrill!

---Meredith


--- In [email protected], "Ren Allen"
<starsuncloud@...> wrote:
> I believe Meredith had that in quotes because she was referring to
> some parents using it as an excuse to NOT unschool, or to impose
> certain things. I could be wrong, but that's how I read it.

Schuyler

There is no link between sugar and behavioural issues in children. None,
zero, zip. There was a great study, that I went looking for, but didn't find
(I probably didn't look long enough, really) that found that parents who
were told their children had sugar found that they had hyperactive children
even if the children hadn't had sugar, and vice versa. In looking for
studies I found this (
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=6&url=http%3A%2F%2Frepositories.cdlib.org%2Fcgi%2Fviewcontent.cgi%3Farticle%3D1008%26context%3Duclabiolchem%2Fnutritionbytes&ei=N4WFRdCIGJ2WnQOI5ul_&usg=__nTZOn7yQXgvAiX8bHYLVkgNoBok=&sig2=XECgP_84etJnDlVUK6QEsA )
article that concludes by saying:
Sugar continues to be condemned as a source of hyperactivity in children.
When I casually asked 10 of myfellow medical school classmates to tell me
their opinions on the sugar-hyperactivity issue, seven of themdescribed at
length the detrimental powers of sugar on childhood behavior. Clearly, these
attitudes need tobe corrected so that they are not communicated to future
patients. Again, there is no available evidence thatsugar precipitates or
even contributes to elevated activity in children who are normal or those
who sufferfrom ADHD. Accordingly, it would be inappropriate and
unnecessarily burdensome to pursue a sugar-freediet in the hope of
ameliorating a child's disordered behavior. In fact, in light of the
foregoing discussion, itis probably safe to conclude that withholding sweet
food from youngsters is probably more likey toprovoke disruptive behavior
than serving it to them.Sugar continues to be condemned as a source of
hyperactivity in children. When I casually asked 10 of myfellow medical
school classmates to tell me their opinions on the sugar-hyperactivity
issue, seven of themdescribed at length the detrimental powers of sugar on
childhood behavior. Clearly, these attitudes need tobe corrected so that
they are not communicated to future patients. Again, there is no available
evidence thatsugar precipitates or even contributes to elevated activity in
children who are normal or those who sufferfrom ADHD. Accordingly, it would
be inappropriate and unnecessarily burdensome to pursue a sugar-freediet in
the hope of ameliorating a child's disordered behavior. In fact, in light of
the foregoing discussion, itis probably safe to conclude that withholding
sweet food from youngsters is probably more likey toprovoke disruptive
behavior than serving it to them.Sugar continues to be condemned as a source
of hyperactivity in children. When I casually asked 10 of myfellow medical
school classmates to tell me their opinions on the sugar-hyperactivity
issue, seven of themdescribed at length the detrimental powers of sugar on
childhood behavior. Clearly, these attitudes need tobe corrected so that
they are not communicated to future patients. Again, there is no available
evidence thatsugar precipitates or even contributes to elevated activity in
children who are normal or those who sufferfrom ADHD. Accordingly, it would
be inappropriate and unnecessarily burdensome to pursue a sugar-freediet in
the hope of ameliorating a child's disordered behavior. In fact, in light of
the foregoing discussion, itis probably safe to conclude that withholding
sweet food from youngsters is probably more likey toprovoke disruptive
behavior than serving it to them.Sugar continues to be condemned as a source
of hyperactivity in children. When I casually asked 10 of myfellow medical
school classmates to tell me their opinions on the sugar-hyperactivity
issue, seven of themdescribed at length the detrimental powers of sugar on
childhood behavior. Clearly, these attitudes need tobe corrected so that
they are not communicated to future patients. Again, there is no available
evidence thatsugar precipitates or even contributes to elevated activity in
children who are normal or those who sufferfrom ADHD. Accordingly, it would
be inappropriate and unnecessarily burdensome to pursue a sugar-freediet in
the hope of ameliorating a child's disordered behavior. In fact, in light of
the foregoing discussion, itis probably safe to conclude that withholding
sweet food from youngsters is probably more likey toprovoke disruptive
behavior than serving it to them.Sugar continues to be condemned as a source
of hyperactivity in children. When I casually asked 10 of myfellow medical
school classmates to tell me their opinions on the sugar-hyperactivity
issue, seven of themdescribed at length the detrimental powers of sugar on
childhood behavior. Clearly, these attitudes need tobe corrected so that
they are not communicated to future patients. Again, there is no available
evidence thatsugar precipitates or even contributes to elevated activity in
children who are normal or those who sufferfrom ADHD. Accordingly, it would
be inappropriate and unnecessarily burdensome to pursue a sugar-freediet in
the hope of ameliorating a child's disordered behavior. In fact, in light of
the foregoing discussion, itis probably safe to conclude that withholding
sweet food from youngsters is probably more likey toprovoke disruptive
behavior than serving it to them.Sugar continues to be condemned as a source
of hyperactivity in children. When I casually asked 10 of myfellow medical
school classmates to tell me their opinions on the sugar-hyperactivity
issue, seven of themdescribed at length the detrimental powers of sugar on
childhood behavior. Clearly, these attitudes need tobe corrected so that
they are not communicated to future patients. Again, there is no available
evidence thatsugar precipitates or even contributes to elevated activity in
children who are normal or those who sufferfrom ADHD. Accordingly, it would
be inappropriate and unnecessarily burdensome to pursue a sugar-freediet in
the hope of ameliorating a child's disordered behavior. In fact, in light of
the foregoing discussion, itis probably safe to conclude that withholding
sweet food from youngsters is probably more likey toprovoke disruptive
behavior than serving it to them.Sugar continues to be condemned as a source
of hyperactivity in children. When I casually asked 10 of myfellow medical
school classmates to tell me their opinions on the sugar-hyperactivity
issue, seven of themdescribed at length the detrimental powers of sugar on
childhood behavior. Clearly, these attitudes need tobe corrected so that
they are not communicated to future patients. Again, there is no available
evidence thatsugar precipitates or even contributes to elevated activity in
children who are normal or those who sufferfrom ADHD. Accordingly, it would
be inappropriate and unnecessarily burdensome to pursue a sugar-freediet in
the hope of ameliorating a child's disordered behavior. In fact, in light of
the foregoing discussion, itis probably safe to conclude that withholding
sweet food from youngsters is probably more likey toprovoke disruptive
behavior than serving it to them.Sugar continues to be condemned as a source
of hyperactivity in children. When I casually asked 10 of myfellow medical
school classmates to tell me their opinions on the sugar-hyperactivity
issue, seven of themdescribed at length the detrimental powers of sugar on
childhood behavior. Clearly, these attitudes need tobe corrected so that
they are not communicated to future patients. Again, there is no available
evidence thatsugar precipitates or even contributes to elevated activity in
children who are normal or those who sufferfrom ADHD. Accordingly, it would
be inappropriate and unnecessarily burdensome to pursue a sugar-freediet in
the hope of ameliorating a child's disordered behavior. In fact, in light of
the foregoing discussion, itis probably safe to conclude that withholding
sweet food from youngsters is probably more likey toprovoke disruptive
behavior than serving it to them.Sugar continues to be condemned as a source
of hyperactivity in children. When I casually asked 10 of myfellow medical
school classmates to tell me their opinions on the sugar-hyperactivity
issue, seven of themdescribed at length the detrimental powers of sugar on
childhood behavior. Clearly, these attitudes need tobe corrected so that
they are not communicated to future patients. Again, there is no available
evidence thatsugar precipitates or even contributes to elevated activity in
children who are normal or those who sufferfrom ADHD. Accordingly, it would
be inappropriate and unnecessarily burdensome to pursue a sugar-freediet in
the hope of ameliorating a child's disordered behavior. In fact, in light of
the foregoing discussion, itis probably safe to conclude that withholding
sweet food from youngsters is probably more likey toprovoke disruptive
behavior than serving it to them.Sugar continues to be condemned as a source
of hyperactivity in children. When I casually asked 10 of myfellow medical
school classmates to tell me their opinions on the sugar-hyperactivity
issue, seven of themdescribed at length the detrimental powers of sugar on
childhood behavior. Clearly, these attitudes need tobe corrected so that
they are not communicated to future patients. Again, there is no available
evidence thatsugar precipitates or even contributes to elevated activity in
children who are normal or those who sufferfrom ADHD. Accordingly, it would
be inappropriate and unnecessarily burdensome to pursue a sugar-freediet in
the hope of ameliorating a child's disordered behavior. In fact, in light of
the foregoing discussion, itis probably safe to conclude that withholding
sweet food from youngsters is probably more likey toprovoke disruptive
behavior than serving it to them.Sugar continues to be condemned as a source
of hyperactivity in children. When I casually asked 10 of myfellow medical
school classmates to tell me their opinions on the sugar-hyperactivity
issue, seven of themdescribed at length the detrimental powers of sugar on
childhood behavior. Clearly, these attitudes need tobe corrected so that
they are not communicated to future patients. Again, there is no available
evidence thatsugar precipitates or even contributes to elevated activity in
children who are normal or those who sufferfrom ADHD. Accordingly, it would
be inappropriate and unnecessarily burdensome to pursue a sugar-free"it is
probably safe to conclude that withholding sweet food from youngsters is
probably more likely to provoke disruptive behaviors than serving it to
them."
The one study that I found to show a link between sugar and behavior was
done in 1980 and has not been replicated since.

There is a link between behavior and food coloring. But it is slight and
barely replicated. That is, the effect seems to be very slight, and only
occurs in very tight studies of behavior and ADHD children and not within
the population as a whole, and it is only occasionally found by researchers.
And even among ADHD participants the results seem to not be particularly
tight. And while there are allergies to foods, things like celiacs, or the
milk allergy I had as a child, it doesn't always remain, I can drink milk
tell the cows come home, and then drink what they bring. Nor is it something
that all children have.

That is all to say that Deb is absolutely right, it is easy to blame
external factors (I blame PMS at least once a month) when it is something
that a parent could address more readily, more directly, with care and
attention. It seems that if someone's child isn't reacting to anything
severely than maybe it isn't a culprit anymore. And making the world
smaller, shrinking the food available to them, deciding that video games are
inherently violent, unschooling everything but math and reading, it isn't
unschooling anymore.

Schuyler
www.waynforth.blogspot.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Deb Lewis" <d.lewis@...>
To: "unschoolingbasics" <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, December 15, 2006 7:33 PM
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Re: Questions from an absolute newcomer to this
idea...


> ***she doesn't have reactions that are severe or necessarily immediate so
> pinpointing the culprits can be difficult.***
>
> I asked because I have seen parents blame perfectly normal kid behaviors
> on
> foods or chemical additives when the kid is FINE and the parent happens to
> be extremely sensitive. So a parent who is sensitive to noise or motion
> or
> who can't stand repeated sounds, cant stop the kid from doing those things
> and goes about trying to fix the kid.
>
> I've seen it enough to question it. Lots of people seem to have a very
> small view of what normal kid behavior is and anything that falls outside
> that window is wrong, abnormal, obsessive - whatever.
>
> It's worth thinking about and reconsidering. Especially for people who
> are
> interested in the unschooling philosophy. Because when adults affix a
> label to a kid it alters that kid's psychology. That's no small thing.
> When we convince little people who trust and believe us that they have
> some
> type of problem we change how they think of themselves.
>
>
> Deb Lewis
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>