Saturday, April 24, 2010

Unschooling means parenting with care and respect. To me it also about collaboration and love.

I can ask my kids to help load the dishwasher and they will very often, or I could insist and bring on guilt trips, make less desirable foods, or deduct allowances. It is really a choice.

Presumably anyone who starts with little choices will continue to relate to their children positively and the children will reciprocate. As they get older they may smoke or make choices we wouldn't make for them, but if the present is any indication they will be receptive to opinions from mom and dad. They will know that people who love you are respectful and anyone who uses punishment/coercion isn't interest in a relationship built on mutual respect. That's all they know from people they grew up with about love, being entwined with respect:)

I have a connection to my kids based on love and trust. My partner, my kids and l know one another to be doing our best and so we all are inspired to contribute more to one another's contentment. Less energy is wasted on negative things.

Ultimately, that's what soured me on tools or gimmicks. If you have an agenda other than honesty, and love unschooling won't work. More than money and fancy trips unschooling is about connection, honesty and gentle nurturing parenting. The product of that home(your child) will know they were loved and cherished and given all possible opportunities!

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