Just a moment of satisfaction
Have A Nice Day!
I just have to say....for all the time I spent "getting to" unschooling was worth it, the best part was when I actually just did it (fears and all). Only THEN is when you actually get the confidence to continue. I was lucky that I had one child who had never been formally schooled. She was my example and my inspiration to let the other two alone.
The change is absolutely amazing...and its not just a change in perception on my part because I've changed some of my expectations. The kids are really changing "who they are". They are taking active interests in things of their own choosing. They are becoming such responsible young adults (well except for some of the usual immature friend stuff I've already posted about).
I could see the difference today when we went to a restaurant with two other kids. The owner made it pretty clear that she saw a difference without actually saying so.
Recently I started giving them an allowance each week. There are no real strings attatched other than it would be nice if they would help me out with stuff...no requirements, just a general request.
Since I am now giving them each an allowance, I do not have extra money to "stretch" to buy "extra" stuff for them. That is what the allowance is for. And I am VERY happy to say that they are MUCH more content with generic stuff now that it is *their* money they are spending :o).
We no longer have to go the mall, the Dollar Store will do just fine. My daughter just bought a pair of sandals at the Dollar STore today. No more "pigging out" at a restaurant when we could have eaten lunch at home. "Just ice cream" is enough so they have their money for other stuff.
They just seem so much more content in general (except where the friend issues are concerned, but I'm expecting that to improve in the next few weeks as we get more involved in other things).
And this week was such a treat for me. NO SPORTS! I was able to just relax, go for evening walks with my dog, and sit at the pool or swim if I wanted to. No rushing around. It was *almost* a vacation!
Well, anyway...Just wanted to share :O).
Kristen
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The change is absolutely amazing...and its not just a change in perception on my part because I've changed some of my expectations. The kids are really changing "who they are". They are taking active interests in things of their own choosing. They are becoming such responsible young adults (well except for some of the usual immature friend stuff I've already posted about).
I could see the difference today when we went to a restaurant with two other kids. The owner made it pretty clear that she saw a difference without actually saying so.
Recently I started giving them an allowance each week. There are no real strings attatched other than it would be nice if they would help me out with stuff...no requirements, just a general request.
Since I am now giving them each an allowance, I do not have extra money to "stretch" to buy "extra" stuff for them. That is what the allowance is for. And I am VERY happy to say that they are MUCH more content with generic stuff now that it is *their* money they are spending :o).
We no longer have to go the mall, the Dollar Store will do just fine. My daughter just bought a pair of sandals at the Dollar STore today. No more "pigging out" at a restaurant when we could have eaten lunch at home. "Just ice cream" is enough so they have their money for other stuff.
They just seem so much more content in general (except where the friend issues are concerned, but I'm expecting that to improve in the next few weeks as we get more involved in other things).
And this week was such a treat for me. NO SPORTS! I was able to just relax, go for evening walks with my dog, and sit at the pool or swim if I wanted to. No rushing around. It was *almost* a vacation!
Well, anyway...Just wanted to share :O).
Kristen
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Tim and Maureen
Listening to David Whyte - he makes the point that waiting for life to line up and fears to disappear means we get stuck. Life must be lived without the contingencies. Without waiting - I just quit a 7 year career working in business and technology. Values conflict got to me. Now I;m at a library helping my boss de-school 65 staff. Now that's fun!
Good for you jumping in, fear and all. Fun like whitewater rafting and elevates you to the next "place" to boot!
My (non-contingent) thots
Tim T
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Good for you jumping in, fear and all. Fun like whitewater rafting and elevates you to the next "place" to boot!
My (non-contingent) thots
Tim T
>>>the best part was when I actually just did it (fears and all). Only THEN is when you actually get the confidence to continue. <SNIP> Well, anyway...Just wanted to share :O).Kristen
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~~~~ Don't forget! If you change topics, change the subject line! ~~~~
If you have questions, concerns or problems with this list, please email the moderator, Joyce Fetteroll (fetteroll@...), or the list owner, Helen Hegener (HEM-Editor@...).
To unsubscribe from this group, click on the following link or address an email to:
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Visit the Unschooling website: http://www.unschooling.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
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