Newbie Introduction
Sarah
Hi I'm Sarah, 24, from Ontario, Canada. I'm happily engaged to df
Andrew, and mom to 4 yr old Lissa, and 10 wks pregnant with baby #2.
Our wedding is March 28, 2008.
There, that takes care of the basics.
I had decided before I met my fiance, that I wanted to homeschool my
daughter (she's from a previous relationship, btw), and lucky for me,
my fiance comes from a background where that is normal, accepted, and
encouraged -- Mennonite, actually (think Amish, but with cars).
I unschool, frankly, because I'm too lazy to be bothered with coming
up with lesson plans and worksheets, and making my extremely active
preschooler sit down and do them. Too much energy, too much work. I
figure if she wants to know something or needs to know it, she'll ask,
or figure it out for herself.
I work from home, so I'm home all day with the flexibility to do
whatever we feel like. Currently, I've chosen to go to a college for a
year, and complete a diploma program (6 months to go!), but other than
that.. we are free and easy!
So ya.. wedding planning, prenatal appointments, school for me, and
family time are all that take up my time.
So that's me.. Hi all!
Andrew, and mom to 4 yr old Lissa, and 10 wks pregnant with baby #2.
Our wedding is March 28, 2008.
There, that takes care of the basics.
I had decided before I met my fiance, that I wanted to homeschool my
daughter (she's from a previous relationship, btw), and lucky for me,
my fiance comes from a background where that is normal, accepted, and
encouraged -- Mennonite, actually (think Amish, but with cars).
I unschool, frankly, because I'm too lazy to be bothered with coming
up with lesson plans and worksheets, and making my extremely active
preschooler sit down and do them. Too much energy, too much work. I
figure if she wants to know something or needs to know it, she'll ask,
or figure it out for herself.
I work from home, so I'm home all day with the flexibility to do
whatever we feel like. Currently, I've chosen to go to a college for a
year, and complete a diploma program (6 months to go!), but other than
that.. we are free and easy!
So ya.. wedding planning, prenatal appointments, school for me, and
family time are all that take up my time.
So that's me.. Hi all!
[email protected]
-----Original Message-----
From: Sarah <niteflower2000@...>
I unschool, frankly, because I'm too lazy to be bothered with coming
up with lesson plans and worksheets, and making my extremely active
preschooler sit down and do them. Too much energy, too much work.
-=-=-=-
Frankly, this is disturbing.
Unschooling requires a lot more work and energy than worksheets and
lesson plans. It's just a different kind of work and energy. It's more
fun, to be sure. But "lazy" is not an adjective I use when talking
about unschooling.
And depending on your state, you may have to do a lot of record-keeping
to boot.
Please don't think that unschooling is the lazy mom's way out. There
are "lazy days' to be sure, but it requires MUCH more in the way of
work and energy than school or school-at-home!
-=-=-=-==-
I figure if she wants to know something or needs to know it, she'll
ask,
or figure it out for herself.
-=-=-=-=-=-
So...hands OFF parenting/homeschooling?
Good luck with that.
But it's not unschooling---nor mindful parenting.
You might want to read the archives here a bit---as well as at
www.SandraDodd.com and www.JoyfullyRejoycing.com. Rue Kream's book,
Parenting a Free Child, an Unschooled Life would also be a great place
to start.
~Kelly
Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://www.LiveandLearnConference.org
________________________________________________________________________
More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! -
http://webmail.aol.com
From: Sarah <niteflower2000@...>
I unschool, frankly, because I'm too lazy to be bothered with coming
up with lesson plans and worksheets, and making my extremely active
preschooler sit down and do them. Too much energy, too much work.
-=-=-=-
Frankly, this is disturbing.
Unschooling requires a lot more work and energy than worksheets and
lesson plans. It's just a different kind of work and energy. It's more
fun, to be sure. But "lazy" is not an adjective I use when talking
about unschooling.
And depending on your state, you may have to do a lot of record-keeping
to boot.
Please don't think that unschooling is the lazy mom's way out. There
are "lazy days' to be sure, but it requires MUCH more in the way of
work and energy than school or school-at-home!
-=-=-=-==-
I figure if she wants to know something or needs to know it, she'll
ask,
or figure it out for herself.
-=-=-=-=-=-
So...hands OFF parenting/homeschooling?
Good luck with that.
But it's not unschooling---nor mindful parenting.
You might want to read the archives here a bit---as well as at
www.SandraDodd.com and www.JoyfullyRejoycing.com. Rue Kream's book,
Parenting a Free Child, an Unschooled Life would also be a great place
to start.
~Kelly
Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://www.LiveandLearnConference.org
________________________________________________________________________
More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! -
http://webmail.aol.com
Sarah
--- In [email protected], kbcdlovejo@... wrote:
things with my child, like reading stories and playing with magnets,
and painting, and running, and getting messy and asking questions
than "school-at-home" that was what I thought of when I first
considered homeschooling. To me, what we do at home isn't "school" its
just life. Definitely energetic and work, but it doesn't seem like
work, because its a whole lot more fun. Which is what I understand the
spirit of unschooling to be -- lifelong learning, and not making it
"work" (dull, boring, and uninteresting) but "fun" (interesting,
exciting, and maybe hard, but worth it).
record keeping required. If she at some point chooses to go to college
or university, then there are tests she can take to prove her
competency, at that point.
difficult to do as finding lessons and drilling children. Learning
through play and choice seems a heck of a lot more ... natural. Like
breathing. Breathing requires muscles to work too, but you don't
notice the energy and work required to breathe, simply because its
natural. That's the way we live.. learning is as natural as breathing
here.
myself, my partner and information, seems to us to have produced a
bright, happy, talented, healthy little girl, with a boundless energy
and curiosity.
reading the archives, taking what I want/applies to me and my family,
and leaving the rest. As I was recommended when first joining this group.
Hope the clarification of philosophies and styles helped, since you
seemed curious. Always glad to help in satisfying someone's curiosity.
Sarah.. off to boring school herself.. *sigh*
>I guess what I meant is that I'd rather spend my energy doing "fun"
> Frankly, this is disturbing.
>
> Unschooling requires a lot more work and energy than worksheets and
> lesson plans. It's just a different kind of work and energy. It's more
> fun, to be sure. But "lazy" is not an adjective I use when talking
> about unschooling.
things with my child, like reading stories and playing with magnets,
and painting, and running, and getting messy and asking questions
than "school-at-home" that was what I thought of when I first
considered homeschooling. To me, what we do at home isn't "school" its
just life. Definitely energetic and work, but it doesn't seem like
work, because its a whole lot more fun. Which is what I understand the
spirit of unschooling to be -- lifelong learning, and not making it
"work" (dull, boring, and uninteresting) but "fun" (interesting,
exciting, and maybe hard, but worth it).
> And depending on your state, you may have to do a lot of record-keepingLucky for me, since my child has not been in the school system, no
> to boot.
record keeping required. If she at some point chooses to go to college
or university, then there are tests she can take to prove her
competency, at that point.
> Please don't think that unschooling is the lazy mom's way out. ThereBelieve me, I know that quite well. However, it doesn't *seem* as
> are "lazy days' to be sure, but it requires MUCH more in the way of
> work and energy than school or school-at-home!
difficult to do as finding lessons and drilling children. Learning
through play and choice seems a heck of a lot more ... natural. Like
breathing. Breathing requires muscles to work too, but you don't
notice the energy and work required to breathe, simply because its
natural. That's the way we live.. learning is as natural as breathing
here.
> -=-=-=-==-It's worked for us so far. Modeling behaviour and availability of
>
> I figure if she wants to know something or needs to know it, she'll
> ask,
> or figure it out for herself.
>
> -=-=-=-=-=-
>
> So...hands OFF parenting/homeschooling?
>
> Good luck with that.
myself, my partner and information, seems to us to have produced a
bright, happy, talented, healthy little girl, with a boundless energy
and curiosity.
> You might want to read the archives here a bit---as well as atThanks for the recommendation. I'll add it to my list. I am currently
> www.SandraDodd.com and www.JoyfullyRejoycing.com. Rue Kream's book,
> Parenting a Free Child, an Unschooled Life would also be a great place
> to start.
reading the archives, taking what I want/applies to me and my family,
and leaving the rest. As I was recommended when first joining this group.
Hope the clarification of philosophies and styles helped, since you
seemed curious. Always glad to help in satisfying someone's curiosity.
Sarah.. off to boring school herself.. *sigh*
[email protected]
-----Original Message-----
From: Sarah <niteflower2000@...>
Believe me, I know that quite well. However, it doesn't *seem* as
difficult to do as finding lessons and drilling children. Learning
through play and choice seems a heck of a lot more ... natural. Like
breathing. Breathing requires muscles to work too, but you don't
notice the energy and work required to breathe, simply because its
natural. That's the way we live.. learning is as natural as breathing
here.
-=-=-
Right.
And many of us find that the hassle of getting kids ready for the bus
and completing homework assignments WAAAY more work than unschooling.
It's just that we've had folks stop by the list before who figure that
unschooling means letting the kids do "whatever" while mom eats bonbons
and watches Oprah. I know moms who do that and call it unschooling, but
what it *is* is neglect. As if unschooling were meant for the lazy.
-=-=-=-=-=-
It's worked for us so far. Modeling behaviour and availability of
myself, my partner and information, seems to us to have produced a
bright, happy, talented, healthy little girl, with a boundless energy
and curiosity.
-=-=-=-=-
But as she gets older, you'll probably find you need to be *more*
available and do *more* with the children, not less. In many ways,
school and school-at-home are easier.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Thanks for the recommendation. I'll add it to my list. I am currently
reading the archives, taking what I want/applies to me and my family,
and leaving the rest. As I was recommended when first joining this
group.
-=-=-=-=-
It's a lot to read, but it's really very helpful---both in terms of
content and of getting to know the posters.
~Kelly
Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://www.LiveandLearnConference.org
________________________________________________________________________
More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! -
http://webmail.aol.com
From: Sarah <niteflower2000@...>
Believe me, I know that quite well. However, it doesn't *seem* as
difficult to do as finding lessons and drilling children. Learning
through play and choice seems a heck of a lot more ... natural. Like
breathing. Breathing requires muscles to work too, but you don't
notice the energy and work required to breathe, simply because its
natural. That's the way we live.. learning is as natural as breathing
here.
-=-=-
Right.
And many of us find that the hassle of getting kids ready for the bus
and completing homework assignments WAAAY more work than unschooling.
It's just that we've had folks stop by the list before who figure that
unschooling means letting the kids do "whatever" while mom eats bonbons
and watches Oprah. I know moms who do that and call it unschooling, but
what it *is* is neglect. As if unschooling were meant for the lazy.
-=-=-=-=-=-
It's worked for us so far. Modeling behaviour and availability of
myself, my partner and information, seems to us to have produced a
bright, happy, talented, healthy little girl, with a boundless energy
and curiosity.
-=-=-=-=-
But as she gets older, you'll probably find you need to be *more*
available and do *more* with the children, not less. In many ways,
school and school-at-home are easier.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Thanks for the recommendation. I'll add it to my list. I am currently
reading the archives, taking what I want/applies to me and my family,
and leaving the rest. As I was recommended when first joining this
group.
-=-=-=-=-
It's a lot to read, but it's really very helpful---both in terms of
content and of getting to know the posters.
~Kelly
Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://www.LiveandLearnConference.org
________________________________________________________________________
More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! -
http://webmail.aol.com
Ren Allen
~~Please don't think that unschooling is the lazy mom's way out. There
are "lazy days' to be sure, but it requires MUCH more in the way of
work and energy than school or school-at-home!~~
I agree and disagree.
Unschooling isn't the lazy Mum's way out, that is for SURE. But I
think it requires a lot more work to come up with lesson plans and
curriculum crap. Work, because trying to get kids to do some contrived
"educational" activity is usually going against the natural flow and
it takes SO much energy to try and coerce or manipulate other humans.
It's exhausting.
Unschooling is so much easier even though it takes a lot of energy and
time and mindfulness. Easier, because you are going with the natural
flow of a day, of a person's interests etc.... It takes more
creativity, more mindfulness, more presence and willingness to pursue
something at the drop of a hat! But that's easier to me than trying to
"teach" other people . And it's a LOT more fun too.:)
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
are "lazy days' to be sure, but it requires MUCH more in the way of
work and energy than school or school-at-home!~~
I agree and disagree.
Unschooling isn't the lazy Mum's way out, that is for SURE. But I
think it requires a lot more work to come up with lesson plans and
curriculum crap. Work, because trying to get kids to do some contrived
"educational" activity is usually going against the natural flow and
it takes SO much energy to try and coerce or manipulate other humans.
It's exhausting.
Unschooling is so much easier even though it takes a lot of energy and
time and mindfulness. Easier, because you are going with the natural
flow of a day, of a person's interests etc.... It takes more
creativity, more mindfulness, more presence and willingness to pursue
something at the drop of a hat! But that's easier to me than trying to
"teach" other people . And it's a LOT more fun too.:)
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
Ren Allen
~~That's the way we live.. learning is as natural as breathing
here.~~
Absolutely!!:)
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
here.~~
Absolutely!!:)
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
Sarah
> Unschooling is so much easier even though it takes a lot of energy andThank you for that. You said it way better than I was expressing
> time and mindfulness. Easier, because you are going with the natural
> flow of a day, of a person's interests etc.... It takes more
> creativity, more mindfulness, more presence and willingness to pursue
> something at the drop of a hat! But that's easier to me than trying to
> "teach" other people . And it's a LOT more fun too.:)
myself, and that's exactly the way I feel. Exhausting some days, but
SOO much more fun, and the energy we were already devoting to our
connection as mother and daughter and exploring life (how much you
learn after looking at it from a toddler and preschooler's
perspective!!) was more than enough, that I didn't want to and
couldn't devote more to developing curriculum. Bah.. let's learn
together, through shared experiences, and different experiences and
life in general.
Sarah.. sleepily in Ontario..
Adrean Clark
> it takes SO much energy to try and coerce or manipulate other humans.It seems like the times when either the kids or I had meltdowns were
> It's exhausting.
when I felt like I had to coerce the kids to do something -- time
constraints, appointments, multiplication, etc.
My youngest has issues with getting his hair cut. We went to the salon
twice to no avail. It reinforced the idea that we really can't force our
kids to do something - something gives in that power struggle. I made
the mistake of snapping at him the last time (we took so long the place
closed on us) but in the subsequent conversation after I calmed down I
realized that here is a sensitive soul - all my boys are sensitive and
have their own coping mechanisms.
My son was afraid and it was pretty insensitive of me to bulldoze over
that for the end goal. We ended up with a home cut, just plain trimming
around the ears and back. Both of us were comfortable with that.
I value looking at my kids as partners instead of antagonists but I need
a lot more practice in doing it! We're only on month two of unschooling
:D I look forward to more...
--Adrean
havenwood30
I agree with you. I am a newbie to unschooling, (have been attempting
school-at-home for a year-and-a-half now), and I think that
unschooling is an adjustment because it requires one to be mindful,
alive in the present moment, always be on the ball, and open for
opportunities as they present themselves. You can't just say, school
time is over and learning is done. You have to be willing to answer
questions at all times, as soon as they present themselves, or you'll
miss the moment when the child is ripe for the information. It's a
lifestyle change, a big adjustment, but I think it is going to be
worth it!
Stacie
school-at-home for a year-and-a-half now), and I think that
unschooling is an adjustment because it requires one to be mindful,
alive in the present moment, always be on the ball, and open for
opportunities as they present themselves. You can't just say, school
time is over and learning is done. You have to be willing to answer
questions at all times, as soon as they present themselves, or you'll
miss the moment when the child is ripe for the information. It's a
lifestyle change, a big adjustment, but I think it is going to be
worth it!
Stacie
BRIAN POLIKOWSKY
I have a ds like that. But I have a question.
Did he want this hair cut?
Mine only gets his hair cut when he wants. He actully had long hair for a year until he told me to cut it all out a few months ago.
Alex
----- Original Message ----
From: Adrean Clark <adrean@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, January 4, 2008 10:44:52 PM
Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] Re: coercing
when I felt like I had to coerce the kids to do something -- time
constraints, appointments, multiplication, etc.
My youngest has issues with getting his hair cut. We went to the salon
twice to no avail. It reinforced the idea that we really can't force our
kids to do something - something gives in that power struggle. I made
the mistake of snapping at him the last time (we took so long the place
closed on us) but in the subsequent conversation after I calmed down I
realized that here is a sensitive soul - all my boys are sensitive and
have their own coping mechanisms.
My son was afraid and it was pretty insensitive of me to bulldoze over
that for the end goal. We ended up with a home cut, just plain trimming
around the ears and back. Both of us were comfortable with that.
I value looking at my kids as partners instead of antagonists but I need
a lot more practice in doing it! We're only on month two of unschooling
:D I look forward to more...
--Adrean
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Did he want this hair cut?
Mine only gets his hair cut when he wants. He actully had long hair for a year until he told me to cut it all out a few months ago.
Alex
----- Original Message ----
From: Adrean Clark <adrean@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, January 4, 2008 10:44:52 PM
Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] Re: coercing
> it takes SO much energy to try and coerce or manipulate other humans.It seems like the times when either the kids or I had meltdowns were
> It's exhausting.
when I felt like I had to coerce the kids to do something -- time
constraints, appointments, multiplication, etc.
My youngest has issues with getting his hair cut. We went to the salon
twice to no avail. It reinforced the idea that we really can't force our
kids to do something - something gives in that power struggle. I made
the mistake of snapping at him the last time (we took so long the place
closed on us) but in the subsequent conversation after I calmed down I
realized that here is a sensitive soul - all my boys are sensitive and
have their own coping mechanisms.
My son was afraid and it was pretty insensitive of me to bulldoze over
that for the end goal. We ended up with a home cut, just plain trimming
around the ears and back. Both of us were comfortable with that.
I value looking at my kids as partners instead of antagonists but I need
a lot more practice in doing it! We're only on month two of unschooling
:D I look forward to more...
--Adrean
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Adrean Clark
I asked him about the haircut because he was looking shaggy and unkempt.
He didn't want it cut because he was shy of the stylist. He didn't feel
comfortable. That's fine with me. We worked out something in the end.
He didn't want it cut because he was shy of the stylist. He didn't feel
comfortable. That's fine with me. We worked out something in the end.
On Sat, 5 Jan 2008 11:26 am, BRIAN POLIKOWSKY wrote:
> I have a ds like that. But I have a question.
> Did he want this hair cut?
> Mine only gets his hair cut when he wants. He actully had long hair for
> a year until he told me to cut it all out a few months ago.
> Alex
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Adrean Clark <adrean@...>
> To: [email protected]
> Sent: Friday, January 4, 2008 10:44:52 PM
> Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] Re: coercing
>
>> it takes SO much energy to try and coerce or manipulate other humans.
>> It's exhausting.
>
> It seems like the times when either the kids or I had meltdowns were
> when I felt like I had to coerce the kids to do something -- time
> constraints, appointments, multiplication, etc.
>
> My youngest has issues with getting his hair cut. We went to the salon
> twice to no avail. It reinforced the idea that we really can't force
> our
> kids to do something - something gives in that power struggle. I made
> the mistake of snapping at him the last time (we took so long the place
> closed on us) but in the subsequent conversation after I calmed down I
> realized that here is a sensitive soul - all my boys are sensitive and
> have their own coping mechanisms.
>
> My son was afraid and it was pretty insensitive of me to bulldoze over
> that for the end goal. We ended up with a home cut, just plain trimming
> around the ears and back. Both of us were comfortable with that.
>
> I value looking at my kids as partners instead of antagonists but I
> need
> a lot more practice in doing it! We're only on month two of unschooling
> :D I look forward to more...
> --Adrean
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
--Adrean
Vickisue Gray
Lol, I've always taken the same attitude about my son's hair.
He gets it cut when he wants to. Once, he asked to have
it cut as he was getting tired of waitresses thinking he was
a GIRL! Yuck! He couldn't have that.
My husband went near bald by age 19, so he has always encouraged
our son to enjoy his mane to it's full glory.
Vicki
_
____________________________________________________________________________________
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
He gets it cut when he wants to. Once, he asked to have
it cut as he was getting tired of waitresses thinking he was
a GIRL! Yuck! He couldn't have that.
My husband went near bald by age 19, so he has always encouraged
our son to enjoy his mane to it's full glory.
Vicki
_
____________________________________________________________________________________
Looking for last minute shopping deals?
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Joni Zander
" My youngest has issues with getting his hair cut. "
I'm just wondering why he would have to have his hair cut at all if he
doesn't like it?
--
Joni Zander
PhotoCEO@...
ChoosingFreedom@...
Life/Parent Coaching at http://choosingfreedomjoy.blogspot.com
blogging at http://ajoyfuljourney.blogspot.com
website = www.MyCMSite.com/Joni
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I'm just wondering why he would have to have his hair cut at all if he
doesn't like it?
--
Joni Zander
PhotoCEO@...
ChoosingFreedom@...
Life/Parent Coaching at http://choosingfreedomjoy.blogspot.com
blogging at http://ajoyfuljourney.blogspot.com
website = www.MyCMSite.com/Joni
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Adrean Clark
Because he is four years old and requires my participation in his
upkeep. :)
upkeep. :)
On 01/05/08 at 2:06 PM you wrote:
> " My youngest has issues with getting his hair cut. "
>
> I'm just wondering why he would have to have his hair cut at all if he
> doesn't like it?
>
> --
> Joni Zander
> PhotoCEO@...
> ChoosingFreedom@...
>
> Life/Parent Coaching at http://choosingfreedomjoy.blogspot.com
> blogging at http://ajoyfuljourney.blogspot.com
> website = www.MyCMSite.com/Joni
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
--Adrean
ENSEMBLE S-WAYNFORTH
---------------
Because he is four years old and requires my participation in his
upkeep. :)
---------------------
Telling someone what they have to do and participating in what they do are very different things. If he likes his hair long and is uncomfortable at the idea of having it cut why do you feel a need to dictate his hair length to him?
I don't think I've ever made Simon or Linnaea get haircuts. I gave Simon a horrible haircut once, the bangs kept getting shorter and shorter, but it wasn't me telling him he needed a haircut, he didn't like his hair in his eyes. Poor fellow, it was a long time 'til his hair made it back to clouding his vision. It is hard to not see your children as a reflection of your parenting and attention. It is hard to walk into a store with a child whose hair looks unkempt, uncared for and not feel as though others will judge you wanting. I know, I have two children who love long hair but only occasionally want it brushed. David has a harder time with it than I do. My real failing is when they are willing to let me brush their hair I get so invested in the idea of getting out every tangle that I don't listen very well when they ask me to stop. The funny thing is that I have had people comment on how beautiful their hair is on days when all I see are tangles and
matted messes. I can remember being the outsider, as well. I can remember going to La Montanita Coop in Albuquerque and seeing these two beautiful children, maybe they were 5 or 6, with visibly tangled hair, ringlets becoming dreadlocks hair, and thinking how wonderful that their parents were able to allow them that freedom.
Both Simon and Linnaea know that how they look may change how people respond to them, but they aren't particularly worried about it yet. When they are going to something where their lackadaisical approach to grooming may end up costing us somehow, like through customs and immigration or to the U.S. embassy to renew their passports, they are absolutely willing to be combed and curried. But I don't ask that they humor my fears in that area very often. It is very important to me that I recognize that they are the masters of their own bodies, their own hair and their own appearance. I am happy to give information, but am equally willing to have them choose to come up with their own conclusions about how they want to look.
Schuyler
www.waynforth.blogspot.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Because he is four years old and requires my participation in his
upkeep. :)
---------------------
Telling someone what they have to do and participating in what they do are very different things. If he likes his hair long and is uncomfortable at the idea of having it cut why do you feel a need to dictate his hair length to him?
I don't think I've ever made Simon or Linnaea get haircuts. I gave Simon a horrible haircut once, the bangs kept getting shorter and shorter, but it wasn't me telling him he needed a haircut, he didn't like his hair in his eyes. Poor fellow, it was a long time 'til his hair made it back to clouding his vision. It is hard to not see your children as a reflection of your parenting and attention. It is hard to walk into a store with a child whose hair looks unkempt, uncared for and not feel as though others will judge you wanting. I know, I have two children who love long hair but only occasionally want it brushed. David has a harder time with it than I do. My real failing is when they are willing to let me brush their hair I get so invested in the idea of getting out every tangle that I don't listen very well when they ask me to stop. The funny thing is that I have had people comment on how beautiful their hair is on days when all I see are tangles and
matted messes. I can remember being the outsider, as well. I can remember going to La Montanita Coop in Albuquerque and seeing these two beautiful children, maybe they were 5 or 6, with visibly tangled hair, ringlets becoming dreadlocks hair, and thinking how wonderful that their parents were able to allow them that freedom.
Both Simon and Linnaea know that how they look may change how people respond to them, but they aren't particularly worried about it yet. When they are going to something where their lackadaisical approach to grooming may end up costing us somehow, like through customs and immigration or to the U.S. embassy to renew their passports, they are absolutely willing to be combed and curried. But I don't ask that they humor my fears in that area very often. It is very important to me that I recognize that they are the masters of their own bodies, their own hair and their own appearance. I am happy to give information, but am equally willing to have them choose to come up with their own conclusions about how they want to look.
Schuyler
www.waynforth.blogspot.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/6/2008 7:55:49 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
adrean@... writes:
Because he is four years old and requires my participation in his
upkeep. :)
adrean@... writes:
Because he is four years old and requires my participation in his
upkeep. :)
On 01/05/08 at 2:06 PM you wrote:
> " My youngest has issues with getting his hair cut. "
>
> I'm just wondering why he would have to have his hair cut at all if he
> doesn't like it?
___________________
I'm just wondering, why not have long hair though if he wants it? just
curious, not trying to attack...
Karen
**************Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape.
http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/6/2008 11:52:00 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
s.waynforth@... writes:
Schuyler
_________________
I just wanted you to know I saved this letter and also forwarded it to my
DH. This was GREAT, just GREAT. I now feel armed with advice and help (waterless
shampoo, a good brush and thinning shears and a how-to-do that) AND with
compassion and support to just let my son BE until HE is ready. THANK YOU (and I
know this post wasn't even aimed at me, lol!)
Feelin' pretty good right about now...
Karen
**************Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape.
http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
s.waynforth@... writes:
Schuyler
_________________
I just wanted you to know I saved this letter and also forwarded it to my
DH. This was GREAT, just GREAT. I now feel armed with advice and help (waterless
shampoo, a good brush and thinning shears and a how-to-do that) AND with
compassion and support to just let my son BE until HE is ready. THANK YOU (and I
know this post wasn't even aimed at me, lol!)
Feelin' pretty good right about now...
Karen
**************Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape.
http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Cameron Parham
Stacie, We have been unschooling or deschooling now for 10 months. We are very happy. Friends generally tell me I look happy, younger, less stressed. I have to say that I am happy! I used to have a certain nightmare as a child whenever I had a fever. I'd be trying to stuff a whole elephant into a little bitty matchbox. I'd try and try, and wake exhausted. When I was getting well, I'd suddenly realize that-Hey! This elephant doesn't belong in that matchbox! I don't have to try to get him in!! That's how I feel about our lives now...the children and I never belonged in the matchbox I was trying to stuff us in! Now all the gyrations and worry just seem so pointless. It doesn't feel like I have to be 'always on the ball' nor could I be! And yes, it's SO worth it!
Cameron
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Cameron
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
That's really cool!
Keep the elephant out of the matchbox! <bwg>
~Kelly
Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://www.LiveandLearnConference.org
-----Original Message-----
From: Cameron Parham <acsp2205@...>
Stacie, We have been unschooling or deschooling now for 10 months. We
are very
happy. Friends generally tell me I look happy, younger, less stressed.
I have
to say that I am happy! I used to have a certain nightmare as a child
whenever
I had a fever. I'd be trying to stuff a whole elephant into a little
bitty
matchbox. I'd try and try, and wake exhausted. When I was getting well,
I'd
suddenly realize that-Hey! This elephant doesn't belong in that
matchbox! I
don't have to try to get him in!! That's how I feel about our lives
now...the
children and I never belonged in the matchbox I was trying to stuff us
in! Now
all the gyrations and worry just seem so pointless. It doesn't feel
like I have
to be 'always on the ball' nor could I be! And yes, it's SO worth it!
Cameron
________________________________________________________________________
More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! -
http://webmail.aol.com
Keep the elephant out of the matchbox! <bwg>
~Kelly
Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://www.LiveandLearnConference.org
-----Original Message-----
From: Cameron Parham <acsp2205@...>
Stacie, We have been unschooling or deschooling now for 10 months. We
are very
happy. Friends generally tell me I look happy, younger, less stressed.
I have
to say that I am happy! I used to have a certain nightmare as a child
whenever
I had a fever. I'd be trying to stuff a whole elephant into a little
bitty
matchbox. I'd try and try, and wake exhausted. When I was getting well,
I'd
suddenly realize that-Hey! This elephant doesn't belong in that
matchbox! I
don't have to try to get him in!! That's how I feel about our lives
now...the
children and I never belonged in the matchbox I was trying to stuff us
in! Now
all the gyrations and worry just seem so pointless. It doesn't feel
like I have
to be 'always on the ball' nor could I be! And yes, it's SO worth it!
Cameron
________________________________________________________________________
More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! -
http://webmail.aol.com
Jodi Bezzola
I love the this ridiculous image of trying to stuff an elephant into a matchbox. I've actually felt like this most of my life - trying to 'fit' and not fitting at all! I feel like I've finally found my tribe, even though I have yet to meet even one unschooler in person. I've been eyeing with longing the different events so I could meet some of you, but I doubt there is even a possibility of that any time soon. Firstly, I'm not too anxious to go travelling alone with my 3 year old twin girls, and secondly, my dh still thinks there is nothing wrong with public school, and isn't currently open to spending any money on anything to do with unschooling.
We just returned from a week at my sister's house, and my mind is on overdrive about all these issues again. I thought before we left that I had put all my doubts to rest, but I understand now that this is a work in progress. I am in huge deschooling mode myself, and likely will be for some time. I need to cut myself some slack and remember that the first time I read anything/heard anything about unschooling was only about 4 months ago. Even though everything in me shouted 'YES' when I started reading John Holt, I still have a lot of years of experience of school and quite rigid upbringing to let go of. Again, I thought I'd dealt with most of my past stuff, but in light of doing something so outside the conventional box, there are definitely more layers coming up to work through.
I find myself wishing that Waldorf or something like it felt like 'IT' for us, because that would be so easy to explain to relatives. My sister and her husband are very schooled, both veterenarians, and big believers education being the be all and end all. We ended up having a discussion about homeschooling (I didn't even mention the word unschooling since I'm sure you would have felt the shock waves all the way from that one!). The discussion went okay, I felt pretty confident in what I believe for MY KIDS, and was aware that I wasn't at all trying to convince them about what to do with their daughter. So...in my head while we were there I was okay, but then after leaving there my mind has just been going nuts with 'is this the right thing', 'are all these unschoolers nuts', 'do I really have the guts to tell people I'm not sending my kids to school AND we're not planning to follow a curriculum??? and on and on it goes! :o)
Anyway, just had to ramble about all that in the hopes that someone else has been through this process and made it out the other end with their convictions intact. The night we got home my inbox had 112 emails in it from this group and it did my heart alot of good to be reminded about what we want for our kids...freedom to just BE who they are. What a gift!!! I look back on my school years and wish someone had the courage to yank me out of that prison and give me the gift of freedom too.
Thanks for listening, and Happy New Year everyone,
Jodi
Mom to Jade and Skye (3)
Cameron Parham <acsp2205@...> wrote:
Stacie, We have been unschooling or deschooling now for 10 months. We are very happy. Friends generally tell me I look happy, younger, less stressed. I have to say that I am happy! I used to have a certain nightmare as a child whenever I had a fever. I'd be trying to stuff a whole elephant into a little bitty matchbox. I'd try and try, and wake exhausted. When I was getting well, I'd suddenly realize that-Hey! This elephant doesn't belong in that matchbox! I don't have to try to get him in!! That's how I feel about our lives now...the children and I never belonged in the matchbox I was trying to stuff us in! Now all the gyrations and worry just seem so pointless. It doesn't feel like I have to be 'always on the ball' nor could I be! And yes, it's SO worth it!
Cameron
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
---------------------------------
Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
We just returned from a week at my sister's house, and my mind is on overdrive about all these issues again. I thought before we left that I had put all my doubts to rest, but I understand now that this is a work in progress. I am in huge deschooling mode myself, and likely will be for some time. I need to cut myself some slack and remember that the first time I read anything/heard anything about unschooling was only about 4 months ago. Even though everything in me shouted 'YES' when I started reading John Holt, I still have a lot of years of experience of school and quite rigid upbringing to let go of. Again, I thought I'd dealt with most of my past stuff, but in light of doing something so outside the conventional box, there are definitely more layers coming up to work through.
I find myself wishing that Waldorf or something like it felt like 'IT' for us, because that would be so easy to explain to relatives. My sister and her husband are very schooled, both veterenarians, and big believers education being the be all and end all. We ended up having a discussion about homeschooling (I didn't even mention the word unschooling since I'm sure you would have felt the shock waves all the way from that one!). The discussion went okay, I felt pretty confident in what I believe for MY KIDS, and was aware that I wasn't at all trying to convince them about what to do with their daughter. So...in my head while we were there I was okay, but then after leaving there my mind has just been going nuts with 'is this the right thing', 'are all these unschoolers nuts', 'do I really have the guts to tell people I'm not sending my kids to school AND we're not planning to follow a curriculum??? and on and on it goes! :o)
Anyway, just had to ramble about all that in the hopes that someone else has been through this process and made it out the other end with their convictions intact. The night we got home my inbox had 112 emails in it from this group and it did my heart alot of good to be reminded about what we want for our kids...freedom to just BE who they are. What a gift!!! I look back on my school years and wish someone had the courage to yank me out of that prison and give me the gift of freedom too.
Thanks for listening, and Happy New Year everyone,
Jodi
Mom to Jade and Skye (3)
Cameron Parham <acsp2205@...> wrote:
Stacie, We have been unschooling or deschooling now for 10 months. We are very happy. Friends generally tell me I look happy, younger, less stressed. I have to say that I am happy! I used to have a certain nightmare as a child whenever I had a fever. I'd be trying to stuff a whole elephant into a little bitty matchbox. I'd try and try, and wake exhausted. When I was getting well, I'd suddenly realize that-Hey! This elephant doesn't belong in that matchbox! I don't have to try to get him in!! That's how I feel about our lives now...the children and I never belonged in the matchbox I was trying to stuff us in! Now all the gyrations and worry just seem so pointless. It doesn't feel like I have to be 'always on the ball' nor could I be! And yes, it's SO worth it!
Cameron
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
---------------------------------
Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
Jodi Bezzola <jodibezzola@...> wrote: My sister and her husband are very schooled, both veterenarians, and big believers education being the be all and end all. We ended up having a discussion about homeschooling (I didn't even mention the word unschooling since I'm sure you would have felt the shock waves all the way from that one!). The discussion went okay, I felt pretty confident in what I believe for MY KIDS, and was aware that I wasn't at all trying to convince them about what to do with their daughter. So...in my head while we were there I was okay, but then after leaving there my mind has just been going nuts with 'is this the right thing', 'are all these unschoolers nuts', 'do I really have the guts to tell people I'm not sending my kids to school AND we're not planning to follow a curriculum?? ? and on and on it goes! :o)
Hi Jodi,
Believe me, you are not alone in your thoughts and feelings. Our DD went to PS for 4 years before we decided to homeschool, out of everybody we know, I just knew, I would have bet my life on the fact that my ex- sister in-law would stand behind me, back me up...Boy, was I wrong. We used to talk everyday on the computer and on the phone. Now we hardly even speak and if we do, I do not bring up homeschooling. I have not even told her we are now Unschooling..... I used to get up wondering if we are doing the right thing, and everyday the kids show me a reason to say "Yes, we are doing the right thing. I see how our kids are growing by leaps and bounds. Now I know we are doing the right thing
Oneida
Wife to John
Mom to
DS 25 married with a family of his own
DS 18 lives on his own
DD 11
DS 6
Raising our nephew 19 with Asperger Syndrome
---------------------------------
Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Hi Jodi,
Believe me, you are not alone in your thoughts and feelings. Our DD went to PS for 4 years before we decided to homeschool, out of everybody we know, I just knew, I would have bet my life on the fact that my ex- sister in-law would stand behind me, back me up...Boy, was I wrong. We used to talk everyday on the computer and on the phone. Now we hardly even speak and if we do, I do not bring up homeschooling. I have not even told her we are now Unschooling..... I used to get up wondering if we are doing the right thing, and everyday the kids show me a reason to say "Yes, we are doing the right thing. I see how our kids are growing by leaps and bounds. Now I know we are doing the right thing
Oneida
Wife to John
Mom to
DS 25 married with a family of his own
DS 18 lives on his own
DD 11
DS 6
Raising our nephew 19 with Asperger Syndrome
---------------------------------
Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Vickisue Gray
~~big believers education being the be all and end all...
~~Now we hardly even speak and if we do, I do not bring up homeschooling.
I have not even told her we are now Unschooling. ....
These comments made me think of my younger sister. She's nine years younger
then me and memories of her doing homework with my mother are a big
reminder why unschooling is a MUCH better path. Nothing ever was accomplished
except a very loud screaming match every night. My sister's grades were
always failing till she dropped out after eighth grade.
She never strived to do much with her life until she was twenty-five, single,
and pregnant. Something clicked at that point and she decided that she
needed to learn to read better and get a real career so she could provide
for her child. She put herself into a junior college.
After six or more years of college, she now works at a local public high school
teaching the ESE classes. Today was her first day back after the Christmas
break. She was telling me how her students have no drive nor interest in
learning anything. She was also telling me how she will force her son not to
be like her students. The part that amazes me is she can't see that she was
just like that and once she decided to learn, she did.
I have my days of 'doubt' but then I come here, post, someone opens my eyes,
or I read the archives, and sometimes even review http://joyfullyrejoycing.com/
along with a few others. Then I sit back and observe my children and see they
are doing just fine. I never want to be like my mother screaming like a banshee
at her kids to clean up or do homework or anything else.
Not healthy for anyone.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
~~Now we hardly even speak and if we do, I do not bring up homeschooling.
I have not even told her we are now Unschooling. ....
These comments made me think of my younger sister. She's nine years younger
then me and memories of her doing homework with my mother are a big
reminder why unschooling is a MUCH better path. Nothing ever was accomplished
except a very loud screaming match every night. My sister's grades were
always failing till she dropped out after eighth grade.
She never strived to do much with her life until she was twenty-five, single,
and pregnant. Something clicked at that point and she decided that she
needed to learn to read better and get a real career so she could provide
for her child. She put herself into a junior college.
After six or more years of college, she now works at a local public high school
teaching the ESE classes. Today was her first day back after the Christmas
break. She was telling me how her students have no drive nor interest in
learning anything. She was also telling me how she will force her son not to
be like her students. The part that amazes me is she can't see that she was
just like that and once she decided to learn, she did.
I have my days of 'doubt' but then I come here, post, someone opens my eyes,
or I read the archives, and sometimes even review http://joyfullyrejoycing.com/
along with a few others. Then I sit back and observe my children and see they
are doing just fine. I never want to be like my mother screaming like a banshee
at her kids to clean up or do homework or anything else.
Not healthy for anyone.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Jodi Bezzola
Thanks Oneida, it means alot to hear from people whose kids were in school and are doing much better since they've been taken out. I need to hear about that, because my girls will likely never be in school...so nothing to compare our unschooling experience to either. I just know in my heart though that this is the right decision for our girls. Thanks for the support :o)
Jodi
"scofield62001@..." <scofield62001@...> wrote:
Jodi Bezzola <jodibezzola@...> wrote: My sister and her husband are very schooled, both veterenarians, and big believers education being the be all and end all. We ended up having a discussion about homeschooling (I didn't even mention the word unschooling since I'm sure you would have felt the shock waves all the way from that one!). The discussion went okay, I felt pretty confident in what I believe for MY KIDS, and was aware that I wasn't at all trying to convince them about what to do with their daughter. So...in my head while we were there I was okay, but then after leaving there my mind has just been going nuts with 'is this the right thing', 'are all these unschoolers nuts', 'do I really have the guts to tell people I'm not sending my kids to school AND we're not planning to follow a curriculum?? ? and on and on it goes! :o)
Hi Jodi,
Believe me, you are not alone in your thoughts and feelings. Our DD went to PS for 4 years before we decided to homeschool, out of everybody we know, I just knew, I would have bet my life on the fact that my ex- sister in-law would stand behind me, back me up...Boy, was I wrong. We used to talk everyday on the computer and on the phone. Now we hardly even speak and if we do, I do not bring up homeschooling. I have not even told her we are now Unschooling..... I used to get up wondering if we are doing the right thing, and everyday the kids show me a reason to say "Yes, we are doing the right thing. I see how our kids are growing by leaps and bounds. Now I know we are doing the right thing
Oneida
Wife to John
Mom to
DS 25 married with a family of his own
DS 18 lives on his own
DD 11
DS 6
Raising our nephew 19 with Asperger Syndrome
---------------------------------
Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
---------------------------------
Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Jodi
"scofield62001@..." <scofield62001@...> wrote:
Jodi Bezzola <jodibezzola@...> wrote: My sister and her husband are very schooled, both veterenarians, and big believers education being the be all and end all. We ended up having a discussion about homeschooling (I didn't even mention the word unschooling since I'm sure you would have felt the shock waves all the way from that one!). The discussion went okay, I felt pretty confident in what I believe for MY KIDS, and was aware that I wasn't at all trying to convince them about what to do with their daughter. So...in my head while we were there I was okay, but then after leaving there my mind has just been going nuts with 'is this the right thing', 'are all these unschoolers nuts', 'do I really have the guts to tell people I'm not sending my kids to school AND we're not planning to follow a curriculum?? ? and on and on it goes! :o)
Hi Jodi,
Believe me, you are not alone in your thoughts and feelings. Our DD went to PS for 4 years before we decided to homeschool, out of everybody we know, I just knew, I would have bet my life on the fact that my ex- sister in-law would stand behind me, back me up...Boy, was I wrong. We used to talk everyday on the computer and on the phone. Now we hardly even speak and if we do, I do not bring up homeschooling. I have not even told her we are now Unschooling..... I used to get up wondering if we are doing the right thing, and everyday the kids show me a reason to say "Yes, we are doing the right thing. I see how our kids are growing by leaps and bounds. Now I know we are doing the right thing
Oneida
Wife to John
Mom to
DS 25 married with a family of his own
DS 18 lives on his own
DD 11
DS 6
Raising our nephew 19 with Asperger Syndrome
---------------------------------
Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
---------------------------------
Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Robert Saxon
One thing that I find so engaging about unschooling is that I'm learning as
well.
I'm learning how to engage with, be with, just hang out with my kids in a
way I wish most adults would with each other. I'm practicing every day to
be present, to listen, and to keep my temper and be sane. I'm learning how
to come back from the Red Zone when I've lost it. I'm practicing
mindfulness and consideration, both for my kids as well as for myself (if I
don't practice it for myself, I cannot appreciate it in my kids).
If I'm forcing my kids to "learn" math or writing, then the activities I'm
engaged in at that point are coercion, and going over information I already
know (boring). And since I'm forcing them, I seriously doubt we'll explore
anything new together.
--Rob Saxon
DH to Seana for 11 years
"Daddy!" to Genevieve (6) and Elissa (4.5)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
well.
I'm learning how to engage with, be with, just hang out with my kids in a
way I wish most adults would with each other. I'm practicing every day to
be present, to listen, and to keep my temper and be sane. I'm learning how
to come back from the Red Zone when I've lost it. I'm practicing
mindfulness and consideration, both for my kids as well as for myself (if I
don't practice it for myself, I cannot appreciate it in my kids).
If I'm forcing my kids to "learn" math or writing, then the activities I'm
engaged in at that point are coercion, and going over information I already
know (boring). And since I'm forcing them, I seriously doubt we'll explore
anything new together.
--Rob Saxon
DH to Seana for 11 years
"Daddy!" to Genevieve (6) and Elissa (4.5)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Lisa
My 12 yr old was in the hospital last spring following scoliosis
surgery... my mom bought some of the waterless shampoo (she found it
in a beauty supply store like Sally's) I was amazed at how well it
worked and how little it takes! We used it a few times, my mom then
used it after her foot surgery and then my SIL to be used it recently
following a surgery and there's still some left in the bottle!
Basically you just dampen the hair with it and rub with a towel... my
child had MAJOR back surgery so I was rubbing VERY gently and after it
was shiny and clean and smelled MUCH nicer! I think it was less than
$5 for the bottle too so definitely a reasonable option!
Lisa B
surgery... my mom bought some of the waterless shampoo (she found it
in a beauty supply store like Sally's) I was amazed at how well it
worked and how little it takes! We used it a few times, my mom then
used it after her foot surgery and then my SIL to be used it recently
following a surgery and there's still some left in the bottle!
Basically you just dampen the hair with it and rub with a towel... my
child had MAJOR back surgery so I was rubbing VERY gently and after it
was shiny and clean and smelled MUCH nicer! I think it was less than
$5 for the bottle too so definitely a reasonable option!
Lisa B
--- In [email protected], Kidgie@... wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> _________________
>
> I just wanted you to know I saved this letter and also forwarded it
to my
> DH. This was GREAT, just GREAT. I now feel armed with advice and
help (waterless
> shampoo, a good brush and thinning shears and a how-to-do that) AND
with
> compassion and support to just let my son BE until HE is ready.
THANK YOU (and I
> know this post wasn't even aimed at me, lol!)
>
> Feelin' pretty good right about now...
> Karen
>
>
>
> *
arijahankhkhalid
i love what you said here: "if I
don't practice it for myself, I cannot appreciate it in my kids".
exactly....or expect it...this is so true.
Children do indeed learn what they live.
If I'm stressed, and growly, I've learned how contagious that can be.
--- In [email protected], "Robert Saxon"
<TheSaxons@...> wrote:
don't practice it for myself, I cannot appreciate it in my kids".
exactly....or expect it...this is so true.
Children do indeed learn what they live.
If I'm stressed, and growly, I've learned how contagious that can be.
--- In [email protected], "Robert Saxon"
<TheSaxons@...> wrote:
>learning as
> One thing that I find so engaging about unschooling is that I'm
> well.kids in a
>
> I'm learning how to engage with, be with, just hang out with my
> way I wish most adults would with each other. I'm practicing everyday to
> be present, to listen, and to keep my temper and be sane. I'mlearning how
> to come back from the Red Zone when I've lost it. I'm practicingmyself (if I
> mindfulness and consideration, both for my kids as well as for
> don't practice it for myself, I cannot appreciate it in my kids).activities I'm
>
> If I'm forcing my kids to "learn" math or writing, then the
> engaged in at that point are coercion, and going over information Ialready
> know (boring). And since I'm forcing them, I seriously doubt we'llexplore
> anything new together.
>
> --Rob Saxon
> DH to Seana for 11 years
> "Daddy!" to Genevieve (6) and Elissa (4.5)
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>