Why It’s Important to Allow Kids to Follow Their Interests and Passions

12 December 2017

After my recent series of short unschooling blog post story podcasts, I now have a longer episode. It’s jam-packed full of thoughts, ideas and news!

In episode 116, I’m discussing the following questions:

  • Does planning have any place in unschooling?
  • Can we make attractive planners using Evernote?
  • Will I continue my Evernote workshop series?
  • How does balance fit into an unschooling life?
  • Why is it very important that we let our kids follow their passions and interests?
  • Is it okay to acknowledge our kids’ talents?
  • Can we praise our kids?
  • Are we obliged to develop and use our own talents?
  • Can reality, lifestyle and documentary TV series provide us with lots of wonderful learning experiences?
  • How do we make homeschool record notes about TV shows we’ve watched?

Show Notes

My Evernote workshop series

50 Coloured Evernote Background Note Templates (to download)

Evernote and homeschool record keeping

My unschooling book series

Are We Incomplete Without Our Interests and Passions?

Should Unschooled Kids Live Balanced Lives?

Unschooling Sausages

The Big Painting Challenge (episodes available on Youtube at time of posting)

Blog posts about The Big Painting Challenge

Imogen Elvis on Youtube

Podcast music: Twombly by Podington Bear(CC BY-NC 3.0)


Image: Gemma-Rose is approaching the end of the 5K race. There’s just time for a quick wave before she sprints over the finish line!


Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling!

And if you’d like to stop by and share your plans for 2018 or just say hello, please do!

2 Comments Leave a Reply

  1. Loved the podcast Sue! It’s always a good day when I can open up your blog and see that you have a new podcast up. You always provide inspiration. It made me so happy when you talked about Gemma-Rose running and the wonderful experience it was for her. I have had similar experiences with my children and know just what you mean!

    I liked what you had to say about complimenting our children. A relative of mine can be a bit mean when handing out gifts. One time when I asked her about this she said, “life isn’t fair.” I had the chance to talk to my mom about this later because it upset me and she had a clever response. She said, “but that doesn’t mean we need to make it unfair. There are enough unfair things in the world.” I think there are many opportunities to honestly praise and encourage our children and that is very good because there are enough hard things in this world without us tripping our kids up. They need our encouraging words.

  2. Hi Sue! Did you add your template for your planner as well? I really appreciate your Evernote helps. Also, I was hoping to send your family a Christmas card. Do you have a P.O. box or a publisher’s addrss?

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