3 February 2015

If You are Looking for the Perfect Example of Unschooling…

wet bleeding hearts by liz west(CC BY 2.0)
If you are looking for the perfect example of unschooling – a perfect unschooling family with the perfect unschooling mother – this is the wrong place. You won’t find it here.

It is very sad but true.

Unschooling itself isn’t even perfect. It doesn’t produce perfect children who will never make mistakes.

Even though we love, trust and respect, sometimes things go wrong. Children who do know right from wrong, choose to avert their eyes. They have free will. And there is nothing a parent can do about it…

Except to keep on loving and praying, and recognising this job of bringing up children isn’t ours alone.

Maybe one day those children will turn back in the right direction. They might be pulled back by their consciences, by memories of joyful, happy times, by the ties of belonging to a family who loves them unconditionally…

They might remember all that unschooling gave them.

When things go wrong we can be tempted to jump ship, change our minds, go searching for something else that might turn out to be perfect. But nothing is perfect: no mothering style, no method of homeschooling. We can’t bring up our children perfectly.

This is very sad but true.

So what do we do?

We continue to trust, respect, forgive and love unconditionally. I think that’s what we are all called to do. We continue to unschool.
And we pray.

Yes, this role isn’t ours alone, which is just as well because I could never come up with the perfect plan for my children’s lives. Only God can do that. All I can do is listen and do my best, accept and trust, be at peace and carry on.

So if you are looking for that perfect example of perfect unschooling, it isn’t here. All you’ll find on my blog are stories written by a mother, who makes mistakes, about her children who also make mistakes. Despite everything, we live an amazing life. 

READ  Unschooling: Kippers and Other Conversations

I want to share that with you. Do you want to follow along?


I hope so.

The Angels of Abbey Creek

The Angels of Abbey Creek: Great Family Fun for All Ages!

“… This is a dear and gentle book full of living characters and their delightful adventures. I know you’ll love it – only I warn you, be ready to read aloud or you’ll be in trouble too!…”

from a review of my children’s novel by unschooling author, Suzie Andres. I hope you’ll visit Amazon to read the rest!

Thank you so much, Suzie!

If you are on Facebook you could join me on my Stories of an Unschooling Family Facebook page. I’d like that!

Sue Elvis

I'm an Australian blogger, podcaster, and Youtuber. I write and speak about unschooling, parenting and family life. I'm also the author of the unschooling books 'Curious Unschoolers', 'Radical Unschool Love' and ‘The Unschool Challenge’. You'll find them on Amazon!

6 Comments

  1. I sometimes think when people are so passionate about what they are doing they can come across as being "perfect" examples of whatever it is they are passionate about. It is always so helpful and beneficial to everyone to show just because what they are doing is working for them, that there are times when it still all goes to custard, especially when someone's personality and needs are different to the rest of the clan . It is quite human after all. Always love what you have to say Sue and I no matter what you say I still think you are a pretty perfect and positive example of unschooling. (PS – Yes of course I want to share your journey. xx)

    • Lisa,

      I am certainly passionate! When things do 'go to custard' and we carry on regardless, it reaffirms what is truly important to us. I guess we're going to continue unschooling regardless of any hiccups! btw, I love those words: 'go to custard'. I shall remember them for future usage!

      Thank you so much for your kind words and for wanting to keep sharing. The journey wouldn't be the same without you!

  2. Sue, I'm loving it. You're so right..you're so genuine and honest. Really.
    Hey none of us are the perfect ex of Hsing/unschooling….I hear ya.

    Isn't it great how sharing our ideas, thoughts, experiences a tiny bit on our blogs and on soc media makes us sort of one ig genuine patchwork of Hsing "wonderful-ness," you know?

    Ideas, perspective, tips, resources and methods…just a little here and there shared sort of "representing" what we're all about—- that's so awesome….and sometimes I stumble on great stuff quite by accident! Here and at other friends' blogs…… I do love sharing what we do, simply bc it's fun and wow, when ppl stop by and say, Hey' I'm trying that! Wow, on one hand what an honor. And the other: yikes– I want to say, pls don't think I actually know what I'm doing most of the time but I'm thrilled you found one nugget of fun/etc to try out with your own kids!! LOL

    My kids have not gone out on their own yet as some of your have….so I can only hope that the foundation we're giving them is strong enough to lead them to the best choices for them…you know, in so many arenas: faith, social, academic, career….. I do worry a lot about each of them bc they have their own set of circumstances and challenges…as do all our kids.

    Sue~ love it, my friend.

    I also came by to tell you that I wrote up a bit about your wonderful Angels of Abbey Creek. I so hope I did the book justice! Reallydo ! And still, I'm not finished! I'm savoring it and rereading here and there…..still have the final two chapters to go!

    Here's the link: http://campfiresandcleats.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-angels-of-abbey-creek-year-with.html

    I'm sharing on pinterest, fb and such. (Actually, I got rid of twitter and G+ so it's just fb groups and my blog page on Fb)
    Hey I guess I should share a rev on amazon? Can anyone click over there and do that? I believe I've done it before for another book or two
    Sue, always a pleasure to stop over!!
    xoxox

    "See" you very soon!!
    xoxo
    ~Chris

    • Chris,

      You are so right about how great it is to share ideas, thoughts, experiences… on our blogs. None of us is perfect but we all have something to offer. We all worry about our kids at times but I think they'll get there in the end, despite our imperfect methods!

      I was so thrilled to see your review of my Angels book. Thank you so much. I do appreciate it. You have made me smile! It was kind of you to share on FB and Pinterest too. I'd love you to share a review on Amazon. That would help so much. Yes, anyone can click over and leave a review. I've left a few myself.

      Chris, I love receiving your comments. Thank you so much for stopping by and for all you do for me! xxx

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