It is absolutely essential that we are curious people who are excited about the possibilities in life. The atmosphere in our homes gets picked up by our kids so they think it’s normal to learn, to be curious, to follow thoughts and ideas and try things out…
I was battling with my kids for a while. They kept saying, ‘Why do we have to do this, Mum?” And I replied, “Because I said so.” And I thought, “It’s your turn to get an education. It’s your turn to suffer.” Then I realised that this approach to learning was never going to work.
What unschooling gave me was the idea that education or learning is for everybody. It’s not just for children. It’s not just for school-aged children. It’s for all of us. That was my turning point.
I thought, “This is wonderful. I get a second chance to go out there and learn stuff that I’ve always wanted to know about. We’re a team. We’re going to inspire each other and share stuff…”
I’m really grateful for that second chance, because the education I got first time around was awful, even though I got a science degree, and on paper it looks pretty good. The education I’ve gained from learning with my kids has been wonderful.
Edited transcript from S2E5 of The Ladies Fixing the World podcast.
Cecilie, Sandra and I talked about learning to read and trust in the latest Ladies podcast episode. But we also shared our personal unschooling stories. How did we arrive at unschooling? What have our experiences taught us about learning? What opportunities have we encountered because of unschooling? Has unschooling changed us? What is our role in our unschooling families? What can we offer parents who want to know more about unschooling?
I enjoyed this conversation so much. I hope you enjoy it, too. Let me know what you think by leaving a comment!
The Podcast
The Video Version
The Audio Version
Show Notes
Sandra Dodd, Sue Elvis, and Cecilie Conrad come together to discuss their personal journeys into unschooling, focusing on natural learning, curiosity, and redefining educational expectations.
Sandra shares her transition from a public-school teacher to embracing unschooling with her family, exploring how her upbringing influenced her parenting choices. Sue reflects on her experiences returning to unschooling after attempts to follow structured educational methods, and how her understanding evolved with each child. Cecilie offers insights from her journey, including learning experiences through family travel and navigating seasonal challenges.
Their conversation delves into how children naturally learn to read without formal instruction, highlighting personal examples of different ages and experiences. They examine the risks associated with pushing children to reach educational milestones prematurely, sharing stories related to reading and swimming. The discussion challenges traditional educational norms, questioning standardized testing, IQ assessments, and rigid developmental timelines.
Throughout the episode, they explore how parents can support their children’s individual paths and curiosity without imposing external standards. Reflections on parenting, intelligence, and the continuous nature of learning throughout life underscore the conversation.
This episode provides practical experiences and observations for parents and educators interested in understanding and applying the principles of unschooling.
🔗 Links & Resources:
https://sandradodd.com
https://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.com
https://cecilieconrad.com
Blog Posts
Do You Need to Follow an Older Unschooler (Part 1)?
Do You Need to Follow an Older Unschooler (Part 2)?
Video Chapters
