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My husband and I are leaning toward unschooling once we hit the road,
hopefully this fall. Right now my mother homeschools the kids. She
really wanted to do this (have been homeschooling seven years) so I
let her. I "substitute" teach LOL. We just purchased a 35' GMC
transit bus and are going to start converting it to a motorhome soon.
We (DH and I) have been discussing how on earth we are going to
continue with schooling the way we are now. We have come to the
conclusion that there is no way we will be able to. We have decided
that unschooling is going to be the best for our family at this time.
We plan on putting a "library" on the bus and I have already begun
buying up appropriate books for when they want to read, lots of games,
and of course our computer.

I DREAD telling my mother. She already thinks I don't care about the
schooling of my kids because I generally step aside and let her do it.
I know, some out there will be wondering why I just don't "take over".
She doesn't think I do a complete enough job. She never comes right
out and says so but I'll hear muttered comments about how "behind" my
kids are. And I always feel that since she is the main "teacher" it
isn't on my shoulders that they're "behind". It will be an
interesting conversation to say the least!!

I totally understand the relative interogation. In fact, we have
quite a few that "suggest" we put them in public school for high
school, and a lot of other well meant advice. I just nod and say "Oh
ya. Uh-huh. Hmmm." I say just ignore them. I do!

Molly

A

Oh Molly how wonderful for your children to travel and really see life. I do
not have the courage to do such a thing...I'm a hermit/homebody.
Your children can only benefit...and anyone who cannot see that is living in
a very small (self centered) world....
Enjoy!
And if your coming near us in NC, let us know!
Ann

Mary Hickman

I have been thinking what else you might be able to do when people question
unschooling. My favorite by far is to remind the questioner that everyone
has something to show us, because our world is where we learn, so if you
are really concerned my kids need something, plan to hang out with them.
Show them what you are afraid they are missing. Allowing my once skeptical
family to also facilitate in our adventure has shown the family my kids have
meaningful questions, they think, they talk, they make eye contact. They
know how to play at the park and order from menues. They can help with
little kids and set a table.

I'm having my own struggle with other ps kids not treating my kids too well.
I'm using the same comments to them, even telling the worst of the bunch
things like your baby sisters teach us things. These girls are barely 4
months and were premature. Everyone has something to show us and it is
important to listen and believe eachother.

I also make scrap books, or provide the materials for the kids to make their
own. Mainly for momentoes in the future. We write letters too, as a family
documenting our adventures.

Hope you stop getting hassled and your family starts trusting you more,

Mary



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