Pam Laricchia's Blog, page 12
October 20, 2021
EU300: In Celebration of Unschooling, Part 2
To mark the occasion of hitting 300 episodes, I decided to share the draft of an as yet unpublished book I wrote a few years ago. The book looks at unschooling through the lens of parenting and with an audience in mind who are curious, but maybe haven’t yet made the leap. And I was trying to bring in ideas that I’d come across out in the world that, likely unbeknownst to the authors, resonated well with unschooling.
Last week, I shared the book’s Introduction, Chapter 1: What is Unschooling?, and Chapter 2: Our Parenting Mindset.
This week, we’re diving into Chapter 3: Nurturing Curiosity.
Video
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I deeply appreciate all my patrons! Your generous support helps pay for the hosting and transcription, as well as my time spent creating new episodes each week. It’s instrumental in keeping the growing podcast archive freely available to anyone who’s curious and wants to explore the fascinating world of unschooling. If you’d like to join my community of patrons and scoop up some great rewards along the way, check out the Exploring Unschooling page on Patreon.
October 13, 2021
EU299: In Celebration of Unschooling, Part 1
Episode 299! Wow.
For the last few weeks, I’ve been pondering what I’d like to do to mark the milestone of 300 episodes. Maybe a compilation episode, maybe a solo episode. Hmm. I’ve been doing those regularly for the last while (which I’m loving), so I planted that seed and let it bubble around in the back of my mind as I went about my days. I had a title I loved, though, In Celebration of Unschooling.
And then (at pretty much the last possible moment, of course) … CLICK!
But first, I need to share a bit of backstory.
Earlier this year I came across a draft of a book I wrote back in 2015 and 2016, completely re-organizing it three times before putting it on the back burner to simmer and shifting my focus to writing The Unschooling Journey, which I published in 2018.
I wrote this book through the lens of parenting and with an audience in mind who’s curious about unschooling, but maybe haven’t yet made the leap. And I was trying to bring in ideas about children and learning that I’d come across out in the world that, likely unbeknownst to the authors, resonated well with unschooling. So, trying to meet new-to-the-idea-of-unschooling parents where they are.
I wasn’t sure how well I did that, which is why I put it in the metaphorical drawer of first drafts to marinate. Fast forward to now and I’m spending most of my time producing the podcast and supporting the Living Joyfully Network community, so I don’t know when, or even if, I’ll dive back into the book. And yet, there are ideas and connections in there that I’d like to share.
And, in case you haven’t yet guessed the punchline, this podcast milestone seems like a fitting opportunity in which to do that!
This book has also changed titles quite a few times—from Free to Think, to The Art of Unschooling, to The Art of Parenting, to The Art of Being a Parent—but, you know what, In Celebration of Unschooling feels just fine right now.
So, over the next seven weeks I’m going to be sharing the book with you! The hook, the build, the twist, the payoff. And even if you’re not smack in the middle of the intended audience, as you’ve heard me say many times before, I think that no matter where you are on your unschooling journey, you can still get a lot out of revisiting ideas you’ve encountered before.
It might help remind you and reground you in why you’ve chosen unschooling for your family. And that often helps us stay more fully in the moment with our children. Maybe it’ll spark some new connections, helping you understand and appreciate the beauty of unschooling more deeply. Which in turn may bring new possibilities to your family’s days.
Let’s find out. I hope you enjoy accompanying me on the ride!
Video
Consider becoming a patron
I deeply appreciate all my patrons! Your generous support helps pay for the hosting and transcription, as well as my time spent creating new episodes each week. It’s instrumental in keeping the growing podcast archive freely available to anyone who’s curious and wants to explore the fascinating world of unschooling. If you’d like to join my community of patrons and scoop up some great rewards along the way, check out the Exploring Unschooling page on Patreon.
October 6, 2021
EU298: Unschooling Stories with Megan Valnes
Megan Valnes, an unschooling mom of six, joins me this week to talk about her unschooling journey. Megan was on the podcast once before, way back in 2018, and it was so fun to catch up and see how her life has unfolded since then.
She shares some of the challenges of having a large family, as well as many of the mindset shifts and creative solutions that have helped her meet so many varied needs. We talk a lot about the inner work of deschooling and how it is an ongoing part of her life, even after all of these years of unschooling. Megan reflects on how she has seen trust weave through her journey: trust in her children, their trust in her, as well as her trust in the lifestyle itself. She also shares an example of the healing and relationship repairs that are possible when she focuses on connection instead of control.
It was a beautiful conversation with so many valuable insights!
Questions for Megan
Can you share with us a bit about you and your family? What is everybody interested in right now?
In our earlier conversation back in March 2018, we spoke about how you found unschooling and focused on deschooling. Looking back now, how important was that more focused deschooling phase as part of your journey?
I’d love to hear your experience with navigating the different needs and personalities of six kids. How do you find your unschooling days flow?
I remember reading a book about attachment and the author mentioned that even sensitive caregivers get it right only about 50 percent of the time. What stands out is that they actively acknowledge and repair the disconnecting moments. What has repairing relationships looked like for you?
What has surprised you most about how unschooling has unfolded for your family so far?
What is your favorite thing about your unschooling days right now?
Things mentioned in the episode
Podcast episode 113 – Deschooling with Megan Valnes
Megan’s email is momwifesuperstar at gmail dot com
Stacey Valnes’ Instagram
Transcript
Video
Consider becoming a patron
I deeply appreciate all my patrons! Your generous support helps pay for the hosting and transcription, as well as my time spent creating new episodes each week. It’s instrumental in keeping the growing podcast archive freely available to anyone who’s curious and wants to explore the fascinating world of unschooling. If you’d like to join my community of patrons and scoop up some great rewards along the way, check out the Exploring Unschooling page on Patreon.
September 29, 2021
EU297: Cultivating Trust with Anna Brown
Anna Brown joins me this week to talk about our theme in the Living Joyfully Network this month, Cultivating Trust. This has been such a valuable theme to explore because trust really is foundational to unschooling—I can’t imagine unschooling thriving without trust!
We begin by looking at how we can develop trust with our children, which goes both ways: our trust in them and their trust in us. We also explore how we can similarly cultivate trust with our partner, which in turn helps to create a strong team spirit in our family.
From there, we consider the inner work that turns out to be such a powerful and important aspect of our unschooling journey: cultivating trust in ourselves. And finally, as our trusting and connected relationships continue to weave more strongly together with our growing understanding of and trust in ourselves, our trust and confidence in unschooling grows.
It was so interesting to dive into all of these overlapping layers of cultivating trust!
Things we discuss
Cultivating trust with our children. Cultivating trust with our partner.Cultivating trust in ourselves.Cultivating trust in unschooling as our family’s chosen lifestyle.Things mentioned in the episode
Learn more about and join the Living Joyfully Network community!
Transcript
Video
Consider becoming a patron
I deeply appreciate all my patrons! Your generous support helps pay for the hosting and transcription, as well as my time spent creating new episodes each week. It’s instrumental in keeping the growing podcast archive freely available to anyone who’s curious and wants to explore the fascinating world of unschooling. If you’d like to join my community of patrons and scoop up some great rewards along the way, check out the Exploring Unschooling page on Patreon.
September 22, 2021
EU296: Deschooling Discoveries
This week, I want to dive into another question that I get pretty regularly, and that’s whether I have podcast episodes with unschooling parents that used to be teachers.
It’s fun to ponder the why behind the question. Does it seem like a strange leap to make? To me, choosing teaching indicates an interest in children and in learning, so to dive into that even more deeply with their own children through unschooling does seem like a rather natural next step to take.
But whatever the reason behind this pretty common question, the answer is a resounding yes! On the podcast to this point, there have been 22 guests who were, or are, teachers or university professors, who study education at the post-secondary level, or even teach education courses.
In this episode, I’ve gathered a few snippets from teachers turned unschoolers sharing about their experience and how that journey came about for them. It’s so interesting!
Audio clips taken from these episodes …
EU088: Deschooling – A Year Later with Jennie Gomes
EU206: Deschooling with Kinsey Norris
EU216: Deschooling with Nikki Zavitz
EU284: Deschooling with Lane Clark
EU261: Deschooling with Joss Goulden
EU281: Going Deep with Unschooling with Talia Bartoe
EU272: Our Unschooling Journey with the Beck Family, Part 2
Transcript
Video
Consider becoming a patron
I deeply appreciate all my patrons! Your generous support helps pay for the hosting and transcription, as well as my time spent creating new episodes each week. It’s instrumental in keeping the growing podcast archive freely available to anyone who’s curious and wants to explore the fascinating world of unschooling. If you’d like to join my community of patrons and scoop up some great rewards along the way, check out the Exploring Unschooling page on Patreon.
September 15, 2021
EU295: Unschooling Dads with Jesper Conrad
Jesper Conrad joins me this week to talk about his experience as an unschooling dad. Jesper shares his perspective of their family’s decision to unschool, which began when their now 15-year-old son tried kindergarten. We talk about Jesper’s move from an office job to working from home and some of the paradigm shifts that he’s experienced over the years as a result of questioning the mainstream path. He also reflects on the benefits of being a traveling family and what he enjoys the most about their unschooling life now.
After speaking with his wife, Cecilie, last week on the podcast, it was so interesting to hear about the family’s journey through Jesper’s lens!
Questions for Jesper
Can you share a bit about you and what you’re interested in right now?
What inspired you to embrace unschooling and what did your family’s move to unschooling look like from your perspective?
What has been your biggest paradigm shift or a-ha moment so far? How did it come about?
What do you love about combining unschooling with your more nomadic lifestyle?
What is your favorite thing about your unschooling days right now?
As an unschooling dad, what piece of advice would you like to share with dads who are considering or just starting out on this journey?
Things mentioned in the episode
Worldschooling Nomads Facebook page, Instagram, and YouTube
Cecilie’s episode, 294: Worldschooling Nomads
Transcript
Video
Consider becoming a patron
I deeply appreciate all my patrons! Your generous support helps pay for the hosting and transcription, as well as my time spent creating new episodes each week. It’s instrumental in keeping the growing podcast archive freely available to anyone who’s curious and wants to explore the fascinating world of unschooling. If you’d like to join my community of patrons and scoop up some great rewards along the way, check out the Exploring Unschooling page on Patreon.
September 8, 2021
EU294: Worldschooling Nomads with Cecilie Conrad
Cecilie Conrad joins me from Istanbul this week to talk about her unschooling, worldschooling life with her family. Cecilie shares about her path to unschooling, which started when her second child began attending school. We talk about how her family’s love of travel has enriched their lives and how the unschooling lifestyle fits so well with their choice to explore. Cecilie also reflects on the amazing relationships that she has been able to cultivate with her four children as a result of diving deep into their loves and interests together.
Questions for Cecilie
Can you share with us a bit about you and your kids? What is everybody interested in right now?
How did your family discover unschooling and what did your move to unschooling look like?
You have a wonderful essay on your website titled, ‘I used to be a feminist.’ Can you share a bit about that journey?
What do you love about combining unschooling with your more nomadic lifestyle?
What has surprised you most about how unschooling has unfolded for your family so far?
Things mentioned in the episode
Cecilie’s blog, Worldschooling Nomads and her website, CecilieConrad.com
Worldschooling Nomads Facebook page, Instagram, and YouTube
‘I used to be a feminist‘ article by Cecilie Conrad
‘Are You Playing the Role of Mother?‘ article by Pam Laricchia
Check out the Living Joyfully Network
Transcript
Video
Consider becoming a patron
I deeply appreciate all my patrons! Your generous support helps pay for the hosting and transcription, as well as my time spent creating new episodes each week. It’s instrumental in keeping the growing podcast archive freely available to anyone who’s curious and wants to explore the fascinating world of unschooling. If you’d like to join my community of patrons and scoop up some great rewards along the way, check out the Exploring Unschooling page on Patreon.
September 1, 2021
EU293: Raising Free People with Akilah S. Richards
Akilah S. Richards joins me again to talk about her most recent book, Raising Free People: Unschooling as Liberation and Healing Work. We talk about her definitions of unschooling and deschooling and dive deep into the far-reaching impacts of choosing an unschooling lifestyle. We also dive into some of the profound realizations she’s had about schoolishness, adultism, and the way our culture treats children, as well as how questioning all of that has allowed her to create deeper relationships with her own children.
Akilah also shares how the pandemic has given many families the opportunity to pause and see their children in a new way, and the changes that ripple out from there are transformative.
Our conversation was powerful and inspiring!
Questions for Akilah
Can you share with us a bit about you and your family and what everybody’s interested in right now?
You wrote, “Unschooling is a way of life that is based on freedom, respect, and autonomy. Listening and witnessing help parents to facilitate learning by offering resources for their child to pursue their interests and to follow their curiosity, without the restrictions of time limitations or judgment by way of testing.” You mentioned the key elements there in your description, following their curiosity, pursuing their interests, no time limitations. Let’s start there. How have you seen that playing out in your family?
You wrote about viewing your relationships with your children through the lens of post-colonial parenting and how that helped you move beyond that adult-centric perspective on those relationships and what it means to be a parent. That is just a bigger lens on adultism. I was hoping you could share a little bit more about how that’s looked for you.
Let’s dive into the importance of developing “mad question-asking” skills! For years, my mantra has been “open and curious.” Not assuming our way is the “best” way and instead asking questions really opens us up to learning so much about our kids, doesn’t it?
What is your favorite thing about your unschooling days right now?
Things mentioned in the episode
Akilah’s website, Raising Free People
Akilah’s book, Raising Free People: Unschooling as Liberation and Healing Work
Akilah’s podcast, Fare of the Free Child
Our earlier conversation, Ten Questions with Akilah S. Richards (episode 57)
Check out the Living Joyfully Network
Transcript
Consider becoming a patron
I deeply appreciate all my patrons! Your generous support helps pay for the hosting and transcription, as well as my time spent creating new episodes each week. It’s instrumental in keeping the growing podcast archive freely available to anyone who’s curious and wants to explore the fascinating world of unschooling. If you’d like to join my community of patrons and scoop up some great rewards along the way, check out the Exploring Unschooling page on Patreon.
August 25, 2021
EU292: Embracing Cocoons and Bubbles with Anna Brown
Anna Brown joins me this week to talk about our monthly theme in the Living Joyfully Network, Embracing Cocoons and Bubbles. It is part of the human experience to have periods of introspection, of pulling inward, processing, and integrating. Our children may lose interest in their usual activities while not yet knowing what’s next for them, or they may choose to stay home more, spending time in a comforting nest.
We look at some common seasons in which our children may choose to cocoon and ways to approach those times with curiosity, connection, and joy. We also dive into the idea of our unschooling bubble and ways to build that protective, confident mindset that helps us move out into the world as our authentic selves.
Things we discuss
A cocoon is a season in which a child is choosing to pull inward.Some common cocooning seasons and ways to approach them.A bubble is like a protective aura we bring with us out into the world.Over time, our bubble strengthens and shines, attracting other like-minded families.Things mentioned in the episode
Learn more about and join the Living Joyfully Network community!
My Living Joyfully with Unschooling Box Set is half price right now to celebrate NOT back-to-school season. Click here to buy it at your favorite online retailer. Three ebooks to help you learn more about unschooling and what your family will be doing INSTEAD of school.
Podcast episode 288: Sitting with Fear and Discomfort
Transcript
Video
Consider becoming a patron
I deeply appreciate all my patrons! Your generous support helps pay for the hosting and transcription, as well as my time spent creating new episodes each week. It’s instrumental in keeping the growing podcast archive freely available to anyone who’s curious and wants to explore the fascinating world of unschooling. If you’d like to join my community of patrons and scoop up some great rewards along the way, check out the Exploring Unschooling page on Patreon.
August 18, 2021
EU291: What to Do Instead of School
This week, I have a solo episode for you!
As the back-to-school energy hits its peak this month, I thought it might be helpful to re-commit to our choice to NOT go back to school.
It’s completely understandable to feel a bit off-kilter as the “back to school” messages ramp up around us—be kind to yourself. We can use it as a nudge to remember why we chose this path in the first place. So, with all the schooly messages around us, let’s focus on what we’re doing instead of school.
I hope you find it helpful, especially if this is your first time experiencing it!
I also want to mention that to celebrate this NOT back to school season, I’ve put my Living Joyfully with Unschooling Box Set on sale for half price for the next couple of weeks! The box set includes my first three books, Free to Learn, Free to Live, and Life through the Lens of Unschooling.
Discussion areas
Unschooling doesn’t look like school at all.What to do instead of school.Do classes hinder deschooling?Keep learning about unschooling.Things mentioned in the episode
My Living Joyfully with Unschooling Box Set is half price to celebrate NOT back to school! Click here to find it at your favorite online retailer.
Transcript
Video
Consider becoming a patron
I deeply appreciate all my patrons! Your generous support helps pay for the hosting and transcription, as well as my time spent creating new episodes each week. It’s instrumental in keeping the growing podcast archive freely available to anyone who’s curious and wants to explore the fascinating world of unschooling. If you’d like to join my community of patrons and scoop up some great rewards along the way, check out the Exploring Unschooling page on Patreon.
