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Brenda had "Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Digest Number 3031" which means zip to
the e-mail receivers among us. <g>


In a message dated 2/14/03 9:42:25 AM, abtleo@... writes:

<< I think there's a point where you're only
considering the child, and ignoring your opinion of the games, the tv,
whatever, and making a decision based on the child. >>

Brenda's son got in a frightening funk a few weeks ago. His dad is in the
military. They're living in Germany. There's a war imminent. His dad's not
home. He needs to stay connected with a human instead of escaping into his
own six year old fear.

He knows where the Gameboy is and when that seems more important again than
what he's doing, he'll play again.

I had a whole sick family. I with my still-swelling, often hurting,
October-broken leg and sick myself, was still the healthiest one here for a
couple of days. People drank juice. They ate chicken soup I made. They
used kleenex I brought them, and they got their sheets changed when *I* said
it was time. They washed their hands extra much. They called people to say
they were sick if they were going to need to miss something (I didn't have to
enforce that, because they all remembered. Kirby missed a day of work and
one session of teaching karate, but he called in advance so people could
arrange around him. Holly missed a Harry Potter tournament she usually goes
to, and a visit she had arranged. Marty missed a usual get-together, but he
cancelled by e-mail. Keith missed two days of work.)

Because the conditions were special and unusual, they were totally willing to
be directed. If one of them had said "I really don't want soup and juice,
I'd rather have a Dr Pepper and a hot dog," I would have brought it to them,
but they had no reason to believe I was being pushy for any reason other than
that I really thought it was the best way I knew to take care of them.

I rented favorite videos, kept a fire in the fireplace, and brought people
heated up "corn bags" and blankets if they wanted to sit in the den.

Exceptions and emergencies are different from baseline philosophy and
practice, pretty much!
And kids whose relationship with a parent is based on mutual communication
and trust will be receptive to parentl advice in problem situations.

Sandra

Have a Nice Day!

>>>>Exceptions and emergencies are different from baseline philosophy and
practice, pretty much!
And kids whose relationship with a parent is based on mutual communication
and trust will be receptive to parentl advice in problem situations.<<<<

My son got into some trouble because of some friends he was hanging out with.

I asked him if he wanted my advice and he said "ok". I told him I think he needs to find other friends. He agreed, and in the past month he's done just that.

I couldn't be prouder of him.

Kristen



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