What if Unschooling is Wrong?

Today, I’m sharing an incomplete thought. Some thoughts are like that. They sit at the edge of our minds, refusing to enter completely. We could dismiss them, but they might hold something of value. If only we could grasp them properly and put them into the right words.

Do you ever wonder: “What if unschooling is wrong?”

We could be quite happy, and then one day, out of the blue, doubt descends. Our trust begins to waver. We think: “What if the critics are right? What if my kids don’t learn all they need to know? What if we’re jeopardising their futures? What if… ?”

So what do we do? Do we jump ship quickly while we still have the chance? There’s time to try something else.

Or do we think about what unschooling is really all about?

Now some people might think unschooling is just about kids having the freedom to learn what they like when they like. Nice and simple. But that’s not the most important part of the story.

Unschooling is about connecting with our kids so we can guide and encourage them as they grow into the people they are meant to be. We do this by loving unconditionally.

The question is this: Can it be wrong to love our kids unconditionally?

But let’s imagine that unschooling is wrong. Then something else must be right. What is that something else? What would we do if we weren’t unschooling? Would our alternative to unschooling have to involve such things as unconditional love, respect, trust, self-sacrifice, forgiveness, and kindness? Can we live differently and still incorporate all these unschooling essentials into the foundations of our lives?

Or should we stay with unschooling? Perhaps unschooling is indeed the way we are meant to live?

The other thought I want to ponder: “Is unkindness ever justified? If we have to battle with our kids to get them to do what we like and we wind up being unkind, is that okay? Surely we have to do what it takes? Is it our duty? Or is there a better way?

Can you see what I’m trying to say in my very muddled way? Maybe I’m having trouble because I don’t want to offend anyone who might think I’m claiming, as an unschooler, exclusive ownership of such things as unconditional love, trust and respect. I’d love to hear your thoughts!