Unschooling Poster Kids
All seven of my unschooled kids went to university when they were 14 and got their degrees before they reached adulthood.
No they didn’t. That’s wrong. I lie! But wouldn’t it be impressive if they had all done that? I could have written a book called Brainy Unschoolers: how to get your kids into university at a young age. I might have sold a million copies.
Is it necessary that I impress? Do I need to prove my kids are well educated before expecting anyone to read my blog or my books or my IG posts? “Hey, Sue, why should we listen to you? Did your kids go to uni? Do they have safe and secure jobs?” Are they unschooling poster kids worthy of being written about?
Yes, academic achievements attract a lot of attention. Maybe people want to be reassured that their kids will be able to get into university at the end of their unschooling experience. Will they be able to get good jobs? Will they be set for life, be financially secure?
But are there things other than money that we should be thinking about when we consider the homeschooling and parenting options?
Do we want to bring up kids who know they’re okay because we’ve accepted them for who they are? Do we want them to pursue work that’s important to them and brings them joy? Would we like our children to live purposeful lives, doing what they think God wants them to do?
Would we like our kids to feel unconditionally loved and then love in return?
A couple of days ago, my son Duncan appeared on our doorstep with two foil-covered dishes still warm from the oven: “I’ve cooked a sausage meat and apple pie for you. And there’s some potato wedges as well.” Hearing that sister Gemma-Rose has covid and is isolated at home, and wondering if the rest of us will get sick too, Duncan had decided to take away one concern of our day: what shall we have for dinner?
As I took the meal, I thanked Duncan and told him I appreciate his concern, his thoughtfulness, his love.
His love? It’s love that makes a difference, isn’t it? It’s love that will change the world.
Should we try to impress each other with our kids’ achievements? Or is it more important to encourage each other to do what is right: love unconditionally, forgive mistakes, accept and respect one another, and trust?
btw, you might be interested to hear that Duncan has two degrees. Unschooled kids can go to university if that’s what they want to do. Further education is definitely an option for some people. But it’s not essential. Unlike love.
Love is for everyone.
Will a book about unconditional love attract hearts and attention? I hope so because I’ve written one. It’s called Radical Unschool Love. If you read it, I hope it brings you joy.