Unschooling Mom2Mom: Recent Episodes
Sue Patterson
The Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast is a quick conversation with Sue Patterson, coach, author, and mother of 3 grown unschoolers. Sue shares inspiration and tips to help you find the unschooling confidence you're looking for! Even if you’re more of a “homeschooler” than an “unschooler,” these 5-10 minute podcasts can help you find more joy in parenting, educating and connecting with your children!
A recent Parents.com article explaining the pros and cons of unschooling raises an important question: Are these really problems with unschooling—or signs that we’re still defining learning through a school lens?
In this episode, Sue Patterson looks at the concerns raised about basic skills, parental involvement, free time, and schedules—and explores where homeschooling parents may need to pivot.
Are children really learning only when they’re completing lessons? Does making them study subjects they dislike prepare them for the future? And what might they lose when their curiosity is repeatedly interrupted by an adult’s curriculum checklist?
We’ll also explore what involved unschooling parenting actually looks like—and why starting with the learner may make more sense in today’s world than starting with a predetermined body of knowledge.
If you’re ready to move away from the school version of learning but aren’t sure what to do next, Unschooling 101 and Learning Math Without Curriculum can help. Both courses are included in the Unschooling Starter Bundle for $99 through July.
Find the Unschooling Starter Bundle:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Unschooling-Starter-Bundle
More about the July Special:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/build-your-unschooling-confidence
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Would an unschooling course you can work through step by step—or a library of resources you can pull from when you need them—fit you better?
Some unschooling parents want a clear path they can follow from beginning to end. Others want trusted help waiting for them when questions about deschooling, technology, math, or doing enough appear.
In this short episode, Sue explains the difference between two kinds of self-paced unschooling support:
• The Unschooling Starter Bundle—with Unschooling 101 and Learning Math Without Curriculum
• The Unschooling Parent Toolkit—with all 25 unschooling guides
Both options are $99 through July 31.
See both options and choose the one that fits you:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/build-your-unschooling-confidence
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Why does it feel like unschooling isn’t working—even when you can see learning happening? The problem may be the school timelines you’re still using to measure your child.
Many homeschooling and unschooling parents worry that their children aren’t reading, doing math, becoming independent, or preparing for the future soon enough. We may have left school behind, but its milestones can still shape how we define progress—and turn ordinary uncertainty into fear.
In this episode, Sue looks at why timelines make unschooling so difficult to trust, how today’s concern can become a frightening story about the future, and what parents can use instead of grade levels and curriculum benchmarks.
Through July:
Get Unschooling 101 and Learning Math Without Curriculum together for $99. Learn how to reframe education and put learning without curriculum into practice.
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Unschooling-Starter-Bundle
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Is your child really behind... or are you comparing them to the wrong timeline?
When we leave school, do we have to carry the school's timeline with us?
Doesn't the freedom to learn outside a classroom give us a different way to measure growth?
In this episode, we're exploring one of the most common fears homeschooling and unschooling parents face: the worry that their child is falling behind. But before we answer that question, I want to challenge the assumptions behind it.
If you've ever found yourself wondering whether your child is learning enough, reading soon enough, or keeping pace with everyone else, this conversation will help you see learning—and your child—through a different lens.
If this episode has you looking at your own child a little differently, you may have questions that are unique to your family.
That's exactly what we talk through inside my Creating Confidence Community.
https://cc.unschoolingmom2mom.com/checkout/creating-confidence-membership
Every week, parents bring questions about reading, math, teenagers, motivation, transcripts, screens... and yes, those worries about whether their child is "behind."
If you'd like to experience those conversations for yourself, I'd love to invite you to come spend a week with us.
You can join a coaching call, meet other unschooling parents, browse the resource library, or simply listen in.
Your first week is free, so you'll have plenty of time to see whether it's the kind of support you've been looking for.
I hope to see you there.
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Summer has a funny way of making homeschooling parents feel like they should have a plan. Even unschooling parents can start worrying about filling the time, finding a routine, or doing... more.
Being between one school year and the next can feel surprisingly uncomfortable. Maybe it's the extra space.
In this episode, we're exploring why those in-between seasons make us want to rush into decisions—to buy something, fix something, or make a plan—and why slowing down to observe your child may bring more clarity than planning ever could.
It's almost as if creating a plan will fill the space and stop the worrying.Read at the Blog:https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/summer-the-in-between-season
NEW! Try Sue's Creating Confidence Community for a week - for Free!
https://cc.unschoolingmom2mom.com/checkout/creating-confidence-membership
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
When your kid won't get off screens, even a simple request can quickly turn into a battle.
Many homeschooling and unschooling parents find themselves caught in this frustrating pattern. What starts as "time for dinner" or "we need to leave" suddenly becomes an argument, leaving everyone wondering why it escalated so quickly.
In this episode, Sue Patterson explores why screen time battles happen, what children experience when they're deeply engaged in gaming, and how understanding those transitions can help reduce conflict without relying on more rules or consequences.
In this episode you'll learn:
- Why screen time battles escalate so quickly
- What children experience when they're deeply engaged in video games and gaming
- Why transitions away from screens can feel so difficult
- How repeated conflicts create predictable family patterns
- Practical ways to reduce power struggles around screen time
- Why understanding your child's perspective often changes everything
Whether you're homeschooling, unschooling, or simply trying to create a healthier relationship with screens, this episode will help you understand why these moments happen—and how to make them feel less like a battle.
Read transcript at the blog:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/when-your-kid-wont-get-off-screens-why-it-turns-into-a-battle
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
What if fear is influencing more of your homeschooling decisions than you realize?
When we're anxious about our children's future, it's easy to mistake fear for wisdom and urgency for insight.
In this episode, Sue Patterson explores how fear can cloud our judgment, shape our homeschooling decisions, and make it difficult to separate what we're actually observing from what we're afraid might happen.
If you've ever wondered whether you're responding to your child—or to your fear—this episode is for you.
Need help sorting through your specific situation?
Throughout June, Sue's 30-minute coaching calls are half price.
Sometimes a conversation can help you separate what's actually happening from what fear is telling you might happen.
http://www.suepatterson.as.me/june-special
________________________________
Read the transcript here:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/making-homeschooling-decisions-out-of-fear
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
They're playing all the time - is there anything worthwhile that we can count for homeschooling transcript?
The answer may surprise you.
In this episode, Sue Patterson explores how gaming can support learning in subjects like history, science, math, philosophy, leadership, and communication—and shares real examples of how those experiences can be documented on a transcript.
Many parents worry that gaming is "just entertainment," especially when their teen spends hours immersed in Minecraft, Civilization, Kerbal Space Program, Factorio, Discord communities, or competitive gaming. But when you look beyond the label and focus on what a student is actually learning, a very different picture begins to emerge.
In this episode, you'll discover:
• How to identify academic learning hidden inside gaming interests
• Real examples of transcript-worthy subjects connected to video games
• Why philosophy, ethics, history, science, and math often show up through gaming
• How leadership and communication skills develop in online communities
• Why "video games" isn't a course title—but can lead to many legitimate high school credits
• Tips for translating interest-led learning into transcript language
Whether you're homeschooling, unschooling, or creating a non-traditional high school transcript, this episode will help you recognize learning that may already be happening right in front of you.
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES MENTIONED:
- Unschooling Transcript Course
https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/unschooling-transcripts - Creating Confidence Daily APP - Talking about Technology this month!
https://cc.unschoolingmom2mom.com/checkout/creating-confidence-daily - Creating Confidence COMMUNITY - Full Support for the journey!https://cc.unschoolingmom2mom.com/checkout/creating-confidence-membership-2
If you've ever wondered how to document gaming, screen time, or interest-led learning on a high school transcript, this episode is for you.
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Are you wondering whether it's time to make a change in your child's education?
Many parents spend the whole summer questioning what's working, what's not, and whether a different approach to learning might be a better fit for their family. Some are considering leaving the school system. Others are rethinking traditional homeschooling. Still others are exploring unschooling for the first time.
They aren't just looking for answers about academics, motivation, socialization, or learning gaps. They're trying to decide what comes next—and what they need to know before making a change.
In this episode of Unschooling Mom2Mom, Sue Patterson explores the questions parents often ask when considering homeschooling, unschooling, or a more individualized approach to learning, and shares how coaching can help families move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
You'll hear stories from parents who:
• Had a teen who seemed interested only in gaming
• Felt like their child didn't fit the traditional homeschooling mold
• Were curious about unschooling but afraid to make the leap
• Needed reassurance that they weren't ruining their children
• Wanted a clearer path forward before the new school year began
Whether you're new to homeschooling, curious about unschooling, transitioning away from curriculum, or simply looking for reassurance, this episode will help you approach the new school year with more confidence and less stress.
Special Resource mentioned:
• 1:1 Coaching Calls (50% off during June)
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Are we preparing kids for adulthood… or preparing them for school expectations?
Parents worry about grades, gaps, transcripts, screen time, and whether their kids will be successful adults. But real adult life often depends on something else entirely: adaptability, communication, confidence, initiative, emotional regulation, and problem solving.
In this episode, Sue Patterson explores how real-life experiences, play, curiosity, gaming, technology, and pursuing interests can help kids develop the skills they actually need for adulthood.
Also:
- why school expectations still shape our fears
- how unschooling builds real-world problem-solving skills
- the difference between memorizing information and learning how to navigate life
- reducing power struggles around technology
- helping parents feel more confident taking an unconventional path
If you’ve ever wondered whether unschooling truly prepares kids for adult life, this episode will help you rethink what “life prep” really means.
→ Creating Confidence Community and Daily Confidence App:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-sign-up
→ Read transcript at the blog
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/the-life-prep-unschooling-homeschooling-kids-really-need
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Mother's Day can be a lot of things — wonderful, disappointing, emotional, or somewhere in between. For unschooling and homeschooling moms, there's an added twist: your kids aren't sitting in a classroom getting reminded to make something for you. No teacher. No craft. No school newsletter nudging dad to pick up flowers.
So this year? You become the Mother's Day Fairy. 🧚♀️
In this episode, Sue Patterson — mom to three now-grown unschooled kids and founder of Unschooling Mom2Mom — shares why unschooling really is a Mother's Movement, and how you can reclaim Mother's Day so it actually fits YOU and your family.
You'll hear:
- Why waiting and seeing is a recipe for disappointment
- The Mother's Day Fairy concept and how to make it a family tradition
- A practical night-before checklist so the day doesn't just arrive like a regular Sunday
- Why appreciation is an inside job — and what to do about it
- How to set your kids up for success without doing it all for them
Whether your Mother's Day has been wonderful, meh, or a total flop in the past — this episode will help you create something that actually feels good. No comparisons. No "what will people think." Just a day that fits the actual humans in your family.
Because that's what unschoolers do.
🌸 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- The Mother's Day Collection Page — bookmarkable, comes back every year: UnschoolingMom2Mom.com/mothersday
- Mother's Day Fairy Checklist @blog: Link
- Mother's Day Songs Playlist on YouTube: Link
- Mother's Day Playlist on Spotify: Link
- Printables for Kids or Moms: Links
- Bazillion Memes to share with other moms: Link
- Join the Unschooling Mom2Mom App Community
Try it for FREE for 7 days
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
What does an unschooling day actually look like?
If you’ve been searching for a routine, a schedule, or some kind of structure you can follow… and keep coming up empty, this episode will give you something more useful.
Instead of a rigid plan, we’re walking through real-life examples of unschooling days—what it looks like for younger kids, older kids, and teens—and why it can feel so unstructured (even when learning is happening all day long).
Inside this episode:
- What unschooling looks like in real life (by age)
- Why “structure” feels missing at first
- How learning shows up without curriculum
- What’s actually happening during gaming, YouTube, and downtime
- How to recognize patterns, rhythms, and progress
This is the shift most parents need:From trying to create structure… to learning how to see it.
If your days feel open-ended, uncertain, or like you’re “not doing enough,” this will help you reframe what’s really going on.
🎧 Want daily support like this?
The Creating Confidence Daily app gives you short, practical voice notes each day to help you stop second-guessing and feel more grounded in your unschooling.
Try it free for 7 days.
📝 Prefer to read or revisit this later?
You can find the full transcript on the blog.
Looking for those Seasonal Unschooling Guides Sue mentioned?
See all 4 Guides here.
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
What does unschooling look like day to day—and how do you know it’s enough?This is where most parents start to second-guess everything.
If you’ve ever lwondered, “Is this enough?”—you’re not alone.
We’re unpacking one of the most common fears in unschooling:
What learning actually looks like when it doesn’t look like school.
With no worksheets, no visible lessons, and no clear benchmarks… it can feel like nothing is happening. But that’s not what’s going on.
We’ll talk about:
- Why unschooling feels “too unstructured”
- Where that pressure to do more comes from
- What learning actually looks like in everyday real life
- Why confidence comes and goes—and how to handle that
If you’ve been second-guessing your choices or worried your child is falling behind, let's reframe what you’re seeing—and what really counts.
🎧 Listen in, then take a closer look:
Full transcript and resources
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/is-unschooling-enough-what-it-really-looks-like-day-to-day
Want daily support instead of figuring this out on your own?
Inside the Creating Confidence Daily app, I walk alongside you for a couple minutes each morning—helping you reset your thinking and build real confidence over time.
Try it free for 7 days.
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-daily
Podcasts Mentioned:
Unschooling Doubts: Why Unschooling Parents Feel They Aren't Doing Enough
The Real Reason Unschooling Confidence Disappears
"I Want to Do More to Teach”
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
How do unschoolers learn math without a curriculum?
Can kids really learn math without school—and how do you know it’s enough?
Here's a real “day in the life” of an unschooling teen. See exactly where math shows up—hour by hour—without worksheets, textbooks, or formal lessons.
If you’ve been wondering:
- how do kids learn math without curriculum
- is real life math enough
- am I doing enough math in our homeschool
- what about unschooling math gaps
…you'll get a clear, practical look at how math naturally develops through everyday life.
Real life Math examples like:
- Mental math, estimation, math in daily routines
- Math in video games
- Cooking, shopping, and budgeting
- Sports, timing, decision-making
- Problem-solving, estimation
But here’s the struggle you'll recognize—
Noticing is Step 1 - Seeing it in YOUR kids's lives is the Next Level.
We talk about why so many parents feel confident after seeing examples like this… and then fall back into doubt—and what actually helps build long-term confidence with unschooling math.
If you’re transitioning from homeschool curriculum, questioning traditional math approaches, or trying to trust unschooling, this episode will help you start recognizing what’s already happening—and understand what comes next.
🎯 Want help seeing and trusting real-life math in your home?
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES for Episode 209
- Learning Math WITHOUT Curriculum - Let's conquer your math concerns and talk about what real math adults are using daily.
- Day-In-The-Life - How Unschoolers Learn Math (blogpost) See the Hour-by-Hour Math in this unschooled teen's life
- Creating Confidence Membership Group - Ready to level up and figure this out with other unschoolers? This is for you!
- Creating Confidence Daily - Voicenotes and inspirating messages every day. This daily habit really will grow your confidence! (7-day Free trial!)
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
“If we don’t use a curriculum... how do we plan anything?”
It’s the number one question new unschoolers ask. If stepping away from traditional lesson plans makes you feel like you’ve lost your roadmap, this episode is for you!
Welcome to Season 6 of the Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast! This week, host Sue Patterson explains why planning as an unschooling parent isn’t about deciding what your child must learn next. It’s about shaping an environment where curiosity has room to grow.
When you let go of the need to control the learning, you remove the friction in your home. We're shifting the focus from "planning school" to "planning for connection."
In this episode, you’ll learn 3 simple planning tools unschooling parents use:
- The "Look at the Week" Conversation: How to build a natural family rhythm based on real life, not an imaginary school schedule.
- The "Idea Parking Lot": A stress-free way to offer invitations to learn (strewing) without assigning tasks.
- The "Just Data" Review: A simple weekly habit to help you step back, notice the learning that is already happening, and stop the "Are we doing enough?" panic spiral.
Learning doesn’t need nearly as much management as we were taught. Tune in for your 10-minute pep talk to help you build a life where learning naturally fits!
Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Need more daily support or a community of like-minded parents to help you brainstorm? You don't have to do this alone!
- Join the Creating Confidence Membership: https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-membership
- Get Daily Reassurance with the Creating Confidence App: https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-daily
- Strewing Calendar Ideas DAILY! https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/strewing-calendars
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Pi Day is one of those holidays parents often try to make “fun.”
But sometimes the issue isn’t the activity — it’s the hype.
Here's a quick unschooling perspective on Pi Day and why kids often respond better to curiosity than to pressure.
Instead of trying to convince kids something is fun, unschooling families often offer ideas lightly — letting interest show up naturally.
Sometimes kids lean in.
Sometimes they don’t.
And both are completely normal.
Sue Patterson also shares a simple way to introduce Pi Day at home without turning it into a big event.
Just remember, real learning doesn’t need a sales pitch.
Huge collection of Pi Day ideas here:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/pi-day
Blogpost:
The Reality of Pi Day for Unschooling Families
🎧 Unschooling Mom2Mom
Helping parents build confidence in unschooling and learning outside traditional school.
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
What can unschooling families learn from the neurodivergent community?
In this episode, Sue Patterson looks at how our understanding of “quirky” kids has changed over the years—and why many unschooling parents are learning from approaches developed within the neurodivergent community.
Even families without a diagnosis can benefit from these ideas when kids struggle with expectations, pressure, or social dynamics.
In this episode:
- Reassurance for parents of neurodivergent children
- How the conversation around neurodivergence has evolved
- Why many families turn to unschooling when school isn’t working
- What parents can learn from neurodivergent-informed parenting approaches
- Resources for neurodivergent families
Sue also shares details about the Unschooling Summit, where many speakers will be discussing neurodivergence in unschooling families.
🎟 Free tickets to the Unschooling Summit:
https://www.theunschoolingsummit.org/a/2148243842/xzoAT2Ao
📱 Try the Creating Confidence Daily app (7-day free trial):
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-daily
Read the Transcript: Quirky Kids? Unschooling and Neurodivergence https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/quirky-kids-unschooling-neurodivergence
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Do you need to revisit deschooling as your child gets older?
Many unschooling and homeschooling parents start worrying about learning gaps, grade levels, falling behind, and whether unschooling is “working.”
Deschooling is often treated as a beginning phase of homeschooling. But school conditioning doesn’t disappear once. It resurfaces in layers.
In this episode, we talk about:
• Why deschooling isn’t one-and-done
• How grade-level thinking creeps back in
• Why independence can trigger anxiety
• Common fears about gaps and timelines
• How to recalibrate without returning to school-at-home structure
If you’re homeschooling without curriculum, exploring unschooling, or noticing old school-based fears resurfacing, this episode will help you pause, recognize the pattern, and revisit deschooling with steadiness instead of urgency.
Deschooling isn’t finished. It evolves as your child grows.
____________________________
RESOURCES:
Creating Confidence(private community or daily app) https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-daily
Deschooling Toolkit https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Deschooling-Toolkit
Read Transcript at the Blog https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/deschooling-isnt-something-you-finish
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
If you’re an unschooling or homeschooling parent struggling with doubt, internal criticism, or wondering if you’re doing enough, this episode is for you. We talk about how unschooling confidence is built through daily reinforcement — not one-time inspiration.
Start your free week of Creating Confidence Daily here:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-daily
Unschooling doubt doesn’t disappear just because you left school.
Old scripts — about productivity, laziness, timelines, and “doing enough” — are still there criticizing you.
And when real life gets loud, those voices get louder.
In this episode, we talk about:
- How to grow your confidence
- How old school-conditioned thinking resurfaces under stress
- Why reinforcement matters more than motivation
- What it looks like to “practice perspective”
- And why adding a steady voice into the mix can change everything
You don’t have to silence the critical voices completely.
But you don’t have to let them be the only ones speaking.
I want to be in there too —elbowing them out of the way.
If daily reinforcement would help you stay grounded in your unschooling values, Creating Confidence Daily was built for exactly that — short, steady reminders that fit into real life.
Try it free for a week here:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-daily
I’ll see you there — and I’ll be back here next week.
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
You feel steady about unschooling…
and then one comment, one comparison, one tired day — and you spiral.
Why does confidence disappear so fast?
Let's unpack why unschooling confidence doesn’t “stick” — even when you understand the philosophy.
Confidence doesn’t grow on autopilot. It comes from intentionally brining it back to the front of our minds. Rhythm and repetition.
Today, we'll talk about:
• Why doubt resurfaces in cycles
• The difference between insight and daily reinforcement
• Why bingeing encouragement doesn’t work
• How 10–15 intentional minutes can steady your thinking
If you’ve ever thought, “I know this… so why am I still worried?” — this one’s for you.
NEW UNSCHOOLING RESOURCE:
Creating Confidence Daily opens February 22.
A simple daily reset to help you stay steady instead of riding the emotional rollercoaster.
Learn more:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-daily
Read the transcript:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/the-real-reason-your-unschooling-confidence-disappears-and-how-to-strengthen-it
Happy unschooling.
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
When the Olympics roll around, it’s easy to feel pressure to “do something educational.”
You don’t need a unit study, curriculum, or lesson plan for real learning to happen.
Big cultural events like the Olympics are already rich with opportunities for curiosity, connection, and noticing — if you let them be. In this episode, Sue talks about how to strew the Olympics: leaving learning invitations available without turning them into lessons or checklists.
You’ll hear what strewing actually looks like in everyday life, how to follow interest without forcing it, and why resisting the urge to document or capture learning often creates more space for it to happen naturally.
Whether your kids are glued to the events or barely paying attention, this conversation will help you relax and trust that learning doesn’t need to be organized to be meaningful.
Resources mentioned:
The Strewing Guide and Strewing Calendar — both included inside the Creating Confidence Membership.
- Strewing Guide
- Strewing Calendar
- Creating Confidence Membership
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Feeling lost about teaching is common when you step away from school. Sue Patterson explores why the urge to teach more keeps showing up — and why learning doesn’t depend on parents doing more teaching, but on staying focused on the learner.
__________________
“I want to do more to teach, but I feel lost.”
If that thought has crossed your mind, you’re not the only one. That feeling often shows up when you step away from school-based learning and realize you’re still carrying old ideas about what teaching is supposed to look like.
Let’s talk about why parents feel lost when they start on the unschooling path, how we’ve been conditioned to believe learning only happens when someone is teaching, and what to focus on instead when your days don’t look like school. This is a calm, reassuring conversation for parents who are doing something unconventional — and want steadier footing without more pressure.
Additional Unschooling Support:
If you’d like more examples and a little support, you’ll find related resources here: Blogpost: "I Want to Do More to Teach" — Why that feels so confusing
Deschooling Toolkit (for that 365 Days of Deschooling guide)
Creating Confidence membership
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
How do kids really learn without curriculum?
What if learning is hiding in the things we almost dismiss as “just for fun”?
Let's use Appreciate a Dragon Day as a real-life example of how learning shows up naturally — through curiosity, imagination, conversation, and play — without planning lessons or following a curriculum.
Parents exploring unschooling or questioning traditional homeschooling can learning how to notice learning instead of trying to engineer it.
You’ll hear about:
- How everyday interests connect to real learning
- Why play, storytelling, and imagination matter
- What learning without curriculum actually looks like
- How to see subjects woven into ordinary moments
For more ideas and specific ways to weave multiple subjects into a day, check out the blogpost with
10 creative ways unschooling shows up through dragons here:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/what-do-dragons-and-homeschooling-have-in-common
You can read the transcript at this link too.
📅 Want daily sparks like this — without having to come up with them yourself?
The Strewing Calendar delivers interesting ideas and everyday celebrations that invite curiosity and connection all year long:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/category/Strewing-Calendar-Subscriptions
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Many parents expect deschooling to work like a big reset button — pull kids out of school, give it a little time, and everything will fall into place.
But when kids seem to be “vegging out,” parents often panic: Is this really how it’s supposed to work?
In this episode, I unpack what’s actually happening in those moments — and why that panic makes sense.
Leaving school doesn’t automatically erase the habits we learned growing up. Even when unschooling feels right, school-shaped ideas about productivity, pace, comparison, and structure can quietly shape how we interpret learning at home.
We’ll talk about:
- Why deschooling isn’t instant — and why that’s normal
- What kids are actually doing when it looks like “nothing”
- Why deschooling is active parent work, not passive waiting
- How connection, partnership, and shared life replace school-based frameworks
- Why successful deschooling doesn’t lead kids back to school thinking — it helps school fade into the background entirely
Deschooling isn’t about rejecting learning.
It’s about letting go of patterns that belonged to a system built for sameness — not real families.
Read Transcript at the Blog
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/why-deschooling-is-really-for-parents
____________________________
DESCHOOLING TOOLKIT - for kids and parents!
The practical support resource for parents who find themselves in that in-between space — where unschooling makes sense, but school-shaped thinking keeps creeping back in.
The Deschooling Toolkit is a collection of parent supports designed to walk alongside you as you step away from system-focused ideas and sort through what actually supports your family’s learning now. It includes:
- 365 Days of Deschooling — gentle, real-life prompts for kids and families
- A Parent Deschooling Guide — to help you recognize school-conditioned habits and rethink them intentionally
- Deschooling Affirmation Cards — steady reminders for moments when doubt or outside pressure shows up
There’s no schedule to follow and nothing to “complete.” You can return to it whenever old patterns surface.
The Deschooling Toolkit is included with Creating Confience Membership, or as a standalone resource.
Learn more at:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Deschooling-Toolkit
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
When traditional homeschooling stops working, there’s nothing wrong with exploring your options.
The Unschooling 101 mini-course can help. Let’s talk about what’s going on together.
-> Unschooling 101
-> Creating Confidence Membership (Unschooling 101 is included)
___________________________
If you’ve been homeschooling for a while — especially in a more traditional or school-at-home way — there often comes a point when it just doesn’t feel like it’s working anymore.
Not because you’re doing something wrong.
Not because your kids are failing.
But because the structure you started doesn’t fit your family.
In this episode, Sue Patterson talks through what it really means when traditional homeschooling stops working. She explores why so many families reach this place, why it often shows up midyear, and why unschooling frequently enters the conversation at this stage.
You’ll hear about the difference between homeschooling and unschooling, what “deschooling” actually looks like in real life, and why questioning your current approach is a thoughtful, responsible response — not a failure. This episode is especially helpful if you’re searching for alternatives to traditional homeschooling or trying to understand whether unschooling might be a better fit for your family.
Rather than offering quick fixes or rigid plans, this conversation focuses on clarity, reassurance, and next steps you can take without panic or pressure. If homeschooling isn’t working the way you expected and you’re wondering what comes next, this episode will help you slow down, make sense of what you’re noticing, and feel less alone as you explore your options.
Sue also shares how the Unschooling 101 mini-course can support parents who want a practical, grounded introduction to unschooling — especially those transitioning away from school-at-home methods and looking for a clearer understanding of what unschooling actually looks like day to day.
Read the Transcript at the blog
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
This post-holiday stretch can make even confident homeschooling and unschooling parents second-guess everything. But winter isn’t the time to push harder — even though everything around us insists we need to ‘get back on track.
So what if we took a different approach?
If the last semester felt less than stellar, it may not need a complete overhaul. It often just means real life showed up — and winter is asking for something different. This episode invites you to slow down, reflect clearly, and notice what’s actually true beneath the fear, guilt, and January noise.
We talk about:
- why winter has never been a season of pushing
- how stress and fear can distort how we remember “how things went”
- why reflection gives us better information than rushing to fix
- how learning often looks quieter in winter — and why that still counts
This is not about planning or starting over.
It’s about letting winter be winter — and giving yourself permission to pause.
Read Transcript
If you’d like a little more support right now, here are a few gentle options:
• New Year’s Bundle (Guides + Kids’ Video Interviews)
👉 https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/New-Years-Bundle
• Discounted Private Coaching Calls (January too)
👉 http://www.suepatterson.as.me/december
• Seasonal Unschooling Guide: Winter
👉 https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Seasonal-Unschooling-Guide-Winter
And this Friday, January 2nd, I’ll be live on YouTube talking openly about the different kinds of support that exist for unschooling families — free and paid, mine and others’. No pitch, just information. You’re welcome to come listen or ask questions. http://www.youtube.com/c/UnschoolingMom2Mom
You don’t have to have it all figured out — just stay connected.
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Unschooling in December doesn’t mean “taking a break from learning.”
In this episode, Sue Patterson shares what typical unschooling days really look like during the holidays—slow mornings, cozy rhythms, spontaneous learning, busy outings, and the kinds of meaningful life experiences that traditional schooling often pushes aside.
If you’ve wondered how unschooling families handle December, or if you’re transitioning away from school and worried about “falling behind,” this conversation will help you see how much learning naturally shows up through holiday activities, connection, play, creativity, and real life.
You’ll learn:
- What unschooling days actually look like in December
- How to see academic learning through holiday traditions
- Why kids learn more when the pressure is lifted
- How to stop the “catching up later” worry
- Why connection and rest matter more than checklists
- How busy families can still unschool joyfully
- Ways to notice the learning that’s already happening
This episode is perfect for new unschoolers, almost-unschoolers, or any parent who dreams of a calmer, more connected December.
Transcript at the Blog
🎁 UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES:
Holiday Unschooling Bundle (4 Guides)
Everything you need to navigate December:
Holiday Learning • Coping with Critics • Winter Guide • New Year’s Workbook
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Unschooling-Holiday-Bundle-2025
Want help unschooling through the holidays?
Join the Creating Confidence Membership for coaching, community, and ongoing support.
Special link (no sign-up fee):
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/podcast-friends
❤️ Stay Connected
Free 7 Day Unschooling Holidays Challenge - starting this week on my email list!
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/6651324494
Private coaching with Sue - December Special:
https://www.suepatterson.as.me/December
Unschooling Holiday Hub
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/holidays
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
If you're having doubts or feeling overwhelmed, I have some options for you!
You're not the only parent who enters December feeling confused about their homeschooling or unschooling choices. Sue Patterson shares nearly 30 years of experience here, offering reassurance and perspective. And even if you do need to pivot, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Unschooling is a practice — one small, brave decision at a time — and you don’t have to walk it alone.
Links mentioned:
• Discounted December Coaching Calls: http://www.suepatterson.as.me/december
• Ask Sue Page:
Tell me your Biggest Fear. Seriously. I'll answer
• Transcript Blogpost:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/unschooling-doubts-and-fears
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Does unschooling feel like a roller coaster — some days confident, other days full of doubt? You’re not alone. This episode explores why the early stages feel so shaky and what actually helps parents feel steady again.
We’ll talk about:
• why deschooling feels so emotional and up-and-down
• the hidden pressures that make you second-guess yourself
• why doing this alone feels so much harder
• what real, judgment-free support does for your confidence
• stories from parents who finally stopped spiraling
• why the holiday season magnifies everything — good and hard
If you’re tired of the internal wobble or wishing someone could walk with you through this stage, this conversation will help you breathe again.
⭐ Black Friday Membership Sale
If you’ve been wanting support, this is the easiest week of the year to join the Unschooling Mom2Mom Membership.
The discounted Black Friday price makes it simple to get the grounding, clarity, and community that make unschooling feel lighter.
Monthly - 20% off!
Annual - 56% off!!!
Join here:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/black-friday
Let me know what you think of this!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.
Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.
Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.
Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.
Come spend a week with us!
- Creating Confidence Options
- UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Worried about family questioning your unschooling over Thanksgiving?
In this episode, Sue Patterson shares a simple Thanksgiving Toolkit to help you stay calm, grounded, and confident when the tough questions come.
Grab 3 practical tools to steady yourself, respond (or not respond) with clarity, and keep the holiday peaceful for you and your kids.
Thanksgiving Parent Bundle https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Thanksgiving-Parent-Bundle
Black Friday Deals for Sue's Membership https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/black-friday
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
The holidays can bring up all kinds of emotions — especially when you’re the unschooling parent walking into a room where everyone has an opinion. And even if people mean well, their questions can still hit tender spots or stir up old schooling fears.
In today’s episode, we’ll talk about how to stay grounded when family members question your unschooling choices. I’ll walk you through five simple, steadying tips you can lean on during awkward moments — the same ones I share with parents inside my membership when this season rolls around.
You’ll learn:
• why these conversations feel so intense
• how to keep your calm without going into defense mode
• what to remember when someone still doesn’t “get it”
• ways to reconnect with your child and yourself afterward
• how to stay confident even when the room feels tense
If you want to go deeper and make this whole season feel lighter, here are a few helpful resources:
🦃 Thanksgiving Learning Bundle
Simple, meaningful learning ideas to make Thanksgiving week feel connected — not stressful.
🖤 Black Friday Membership Sale
This is the only time all year the Creating Confidence Membership is discounted. If you’ve been needing support, community, and weekly coaching, this is your moment.
🎄 Holiday Learning Bundle
All the learning objectives identified in the typical festive activities so you can ENJOY December with any guilt about learning! I'll help you see it everywhere!
The holidays don’t have to shake your confidence. You’ve got options, support, and tools — and you’re not doing this alone.
Read the Transcript at the blog
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Ever wonder if you’re doing enough when your child just wants to play all day — Legos, trampolines, video games — and you’re trying to trust unschooling?
In this episode, Sue Patterson from Unschooling Mom2Mom answers a real email from a worried parent and explains:
- Why this “all play” phase is normal during deschooling,
- What’s actually happening in your child’s brain,
- How to shift from panic to partnership.
- How play builds real learning,
- Why motivation returns naturally
- How to support your child without slipping into passivity or overcontrol.
BLACK FRIDAY SALE!
- Creating Confidence Membership - Only $39/month with no sign-up fee
- Annual Membership - $299! - 76% off!
- Courses 50% off with Discount Code: BF2025
- All Unschooling Guides - only $99!! with Discount Code: BF2025
___________________________
Read the Transcript here:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/is-play-enough-what-legos-trampolines-video-games-teach-us-about-learning
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Feeling stretched thin — or wondering if you’re doing enough? You’re not alone.
But I have something simple you can try:
Let's look at Gratitude through and unschooling lens!
In this episode, Sue Patterson from Unschooling Mom2Mom shares how shifting toward gratitude can calm the chaos and help you see how much is already working in your unschooling life.
She has created an Unschooling and Gratitude Hub over at the website. You'll find so many tips and resources for bringing gratitude into your homes. You’ll learn how to spot real learning in everyday moments, model gratitude for your kids, and rebuild calm and connection at home — without adding another “to-do.”
💛 Explore the Unschooling & Gratitude Hub for practical tools, videos, and journaling prompts: unschoolingmom2mom.com/unschooling-and-gratitude
The transcript for this podcast is also at the Hub
OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Unschooling Guide: Gratitude
15 Day Gratitude Challenge: In the membership
Unschooling Mom2Mom Pinterest Board: Gratitude
Unschooling Mom2Mom YouTube Playlist: Unschooling Gratitude
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Thinking about unschooling but wondering if you have to “try everything else first”? You don’t. 💛
In this episode, Sue Patterson from Unschooling Mom2Mom shares a gentle pep talk for parents who feel called toward unschooling but still hesitate. Maybe you’re waiting for the right method, the right time, or the right confidence — but what if you’re already ready enough?
Sue unpacks common fears, clears up misinformation from the homeschooling community, and reminds you that unschooling isn’t extreme — it’s human.
👉 Visit UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
for more resources, and join the Creating Confidence Membership for weekly support and encouragement. (Discounted for Podcast listeners - no sign-up fee!)
Read the Transcript here:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/the-path-to-unschooling-how-to-know-when-youre-ready-to-start
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Unschooling + Halloween = real learning. 🎃
Discover how curiosity, culture, and connection replace curriculum this week with Sue Patterson’s gentle guidance.
__________________________
No Need to Pause Learning — Halloween Is the Lesson!
Ever wonder how you’re going to celebrate holidays — like Halloween or Día de los Muertos — and fit in the lessons you planned for the week? 🎃
Here’s the secret: you don’t have to choose. The holiday is the lesson.
In this week’s Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast episode, Sue shows how these fall celebrations are filled with real learning opportunities — from spooky storytelling and candy math to science, art, and cultural history. You’ll see how learning weaves naturally into family traditions when you slow down, stay curious, and let the season lead the way.
Whether you’re almost unschooling or a (usually) confident unschooler, this conversation will help you relax, reconnect, and see the everyday learning that’s already happening all around you.
🎃 Inside the Episode:
- How to let Halloween be the lesson
- Subject-by-subject learning ideas (Language Arts, Math, Science, Fine Arts, and Social Studies)
- Día de los Muertos projects that connect heart, history, and creativity
- How connection teaches more than curriculum ever could
💡 Resources Mentioned:
- Blog post: Unschooling & Halloween Hub
- 🎧 “An Unschooler’s Haunted House” — a fun, spooky throwback episode
- 🍂 Seasonal Unschooling Guide for Autumn
- 📅 November Strewing Calendar — packed with easy ideas + a private portal showing the learning behind them
✨ Subscribe on YouTube or your favorite podcast app for weekly encouragement — and remember, pausing curriculum doesn't mean pausing LEARNING.
Holidays can BE the lessons!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Watch Video Version Here
Still searching for a checklist to prove you’re “doing it right”?
In this episode, Sue Patterson breaks down why unschooling doesn’t come with boxes to check — and why that’s both scary and freeing.
Join a coaching-call-inspired conversation about the brain’s habit of seeking structure, why we feel compelled to “perform” as parents, and how we can shift from tracking tasks to checking connection. If you’re a parent moving away from school-style validation toward real life learning, this episode will help you reframe success, reconnect with your child, and trust your own rhythm.
Keywords: unschooling, deschooling, homeschooling, checklist mentality, parenting without curriculum, connection over structure, unschooling parents, free-range learning, trusting your rhythm
You’ll learn:
- Why our obsession with checklists comes from a school-brain still wired for “right answers”
- How unschooling challenges that structure — and what to do instead
- A simple daily question to replace “Did I finish the list?” with “Did we connect today?”
- Why “progress” looks different in unschooling — and how to see what’s real
Resources mentioned:
- 365 Days of Deschooling
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Strewing Calendar
- Creating Confidence Unschooling Membership (community & coaching)
Tune in to reset your checklist culture and rediscover freedom, curiosity, and trust in learning together.
Listen now on all major podcast platforms.
Read the transcript here at the Unschooling Mom2Mom Blog.
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
(Spoiler: It’s Not)
🎁 Grab the Free PDF: 20 Reasons It’s Time to Unschool Your Teen
If your teen is burned out, unmotivated, or just done with school, you’re not alone.
So many parents wonder if it’s too late to change direction — too late to repair connection, too late to make learning joyful again.
Sue Patterson shares what you need to know:
✨ It’s not too late — it’s right on time.
You’ll hear why teens can still thrive with unschooling, how real learning never depended on school, and how rebuilding trust and curiosity at home changes everything.
Get all the resources for parents of teens in Sue's Creating Confidence Membership Group
💚 Resources You Need:
- Homeschooled Teens book → https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/homeschooled-teens-book
- Free companion guide: 20 Reasons It’s Time to Unschool Your Teen
- Transcripts Course → https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/unschooling-transcripts
- Creating Confidence Membership → Get all the resources for parents of teens in Sue's Creating Confidence Membership Group https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-membership
🎧 Subscribe to the Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast for weekly encouragement, real stories, and practical support on your unschooling journey.
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Autonomy doesn’t grow from obedience — it grows from real life experience.
In this episode, Sue Patterson shares how unschooled kids learn to weigh pros and cons, think through choices, and develop real decision-making confidence. You’ll explore what cost/benefit thinking looks like in everyday life — from messy art projects to sports teams and video games — and why stepping back as a parent creates space for growth. Learn how unschooling gives kids the practice they need to trust themselves, one choice at a time.
MORE ABOUT THE MEMBERSHIP
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Shaky start with homeschooling? You’re not failing—the plan is.
Sue Patterson shares how to pivot from “school at home” to unschooling with confidence, reframe the “basics,” and calm the September wobble. + Q&A and resources to help right now.
___________________________
LAST DAY SALE
Unschooling Mom2Mom Parent Toolkit: ALL 25 guides = $99
👉 https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/guides
Annual Membership Sale: Year-round support with Sue & the community (group coaching, Q&As, 30-day deschooling challenge replays, and parent support).
👉 https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Annual-Membership-NOT-Back-to-School-Sale
_____________________
Those first weeks can feel shaky—kids resist, plans unravel, and the “Am I doing enough?” spiral kicks in. In this expanded episode, Sue explains why early plans collapse (hint: school conditioning), how to see resistance as feedback, and simple ways to pivot toward connection, curiosity, and real learning at home.
You’ll learn:
– Why “school at home” breaks down + what works
– How kids learn reading, writing, and math in real life (no power struggles)
– When things feel dull or screens dominate
– A mindset check to quiet the doubts
– Balancing expectations
– What “letting kids lead” looks like
Q&A: pivot vs sticking with it | child-led” in practice | “falling behind” & the basics | resistance & grit | balancing expectations
RESOURCES:
Unschooling 101: https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/Unschooling101
Unschooling Math: https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/unschooling-math
Technology Guide: https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Technology
Dealing with Critics: https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Critics-&-Naysayers
Gratitude/Family Cult
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Worried you’re not doing enough as an unschooling parent?
In this episode, Sue Patterson tackles common doubts about reading, math, technology, and “falling behind.” Learn how to reframe fears, spot real learning, and build confidence — plus hear about the Unschooling Parent Toolkit - with 25 Guides - to help you every step of the way.
Are you lying awake at night wondering: Am I doing enough for my kids? You’re not alone. Let's dive into the doubts that creep in when families move away from traditional homeschooling and into unschooling - and find some SOLUTIONS!
You’ll hear why worries about reading, math, technology, and “falling behind” show up for nearly every parent — and how to reframe them so you can see the real learning that’s happening in your home. Sue shares practical examples from everyday life, mindset shifts that help you shake off school conditioning, and encouragement from her 30+ years of unschooling experience.
👉 And if you’re ready for deeper support, check out the Unschooling Mom2Mom Parent Toolkit — 25 step-by-step guides covering academics, technology, socialization, critics, seasonal learning, and more.
Get ALL 25 Unschooling Guides for only $99 - through September 30. https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/guides
Normally $400 if purchased individually, the complete set is available through September 30th for just $99.
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
We spent 12 years in school but left unprepared for real life — because school skipped the lessons that actually matter. In this episode, Sue Patterson shares 10 life skills adults wish they had learned in school, from money management and stress relief to media literacy and relationships. You’ll also hear how unschooling gives families the freedom to focus on these real-world skills naturally, without waiting until adulthood.
👉 Want support while you make unschooling work for your family?
Join the Unschooling Mom2Mom Membership — the Annual NOT Back to School Sale is happening for one more week! Don't miss it!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Annual-Membership-NOT-Back-to-School-Sale
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
“I love unschooling — but I want my kids to know the basics first.”
Sound familiar?
If you're worried how your kids will learn those 3Rs — reading, writing, and math — especially if you choose to unschool, Sue Patterson will help you see how unschooling works WITHOUT wasting money on curriculum!
Unschooling basics unfold naturally through everyday life — cooking, gaming, texting, problem-solving, and pursuing hobbies. Instead of relying on worksheets or pre-set classes, unschoolers build real skills through self-directed learning. Reading, writing, and math become meaningful when connected to real-world experiences. This podcast can help you reframe what what you're seeing!
We’ll talk about:
- How unschoolers learn to read and write without formal lessons
- Why everyday life provides endless opportunities for unschooling math
- How unschooling develops critical thinking, communication, and life skills
- Why unschooling covers “the basics” more deeply than traditional curriculum ever could
- And even how insisting on “basics first” can unintentionally gatekeep curiosity and delay growth.
Whether you’re just starting your unschooling journey or you’re worried your child isn’t “academically ready” to self-direct, this episode will reassure you!
Unschoolers don't ignore The Basics — they reframe the starting point AND the path to get there.
Resources to dive deeper:
• Free PDF: A guide to reframing the basics for today’s world
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/07851be0ac
• Reading, Writing & Math Guides (bundle available)
Tune in to see how unschooling can trust the fundamentals and let curiosity lead.
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Say goodbye to “Am I doing enough?” panic and hello to everyday learning that feels light, doable, and fun!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/strewing-calendars
___________________________________
This time of year, many parents feel the pressure to come up with a “plan” that keeps kids engaged without burning anyone out. If rigid schedules or expensive curriculum sets don’t fit your family, there’s another way: strewing.
In this episode, I’ll introduce you to the Strewing Calendar—a simple, flexible tool designed for unschoolers and homeschoolers who want a little structure without the stress. You’ll get answers to common questions:
✨ What is strewing? How can I make it work?
✨ Could a light framework support learning without becoming rigid? (yes!)
✨ How do families inspire connection, creativity, & learning?
✨ I need help logging learning for progress reports - without turning unschooling into school-at-home!
Whether your kids chase endless interests or you just need quick, low-prep ideas, strewing helps you turn ordinary days into meaningful learning—without lesson plans.
👉 See the Strewing Calendar here: https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/strewing-calendars
(less than $5/month! Other options available!)
Strewing keeps curiosity alive, gives you confidence, and makes learning fun again.
Transcript:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/how-to-spark-curiosity-without-lesson-plans
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
School taught us lessons we didn’t even realize we were absorbing—and they’re still messing with us today.
Most of us didn’t realize it while we were sitting in classrooms—but school was teaching us a lot more than math and grammar. It was shaping how we see ourselves, how we parent, and even how we value creativity and curiosity.
In this episode, we’re digging into 3 hidden “lessons” school taught us that still show up in our lives every day:
- Follow directions. Don’t ask questions.
- Creativity only counts if it looks like everyone else’s.
- If you don’t fit the mold, you’re the problem.
These aren’t just school rules—they’re a kind of brainwashing we carry long after graduation. You may not even realize how much this is creeping into your parenting—but it’s probably at the heart of why you’re doubting yourself so much.
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Do you ever wonder if your child is learning "enough"?
Or worry that they’ve missed something important?
Let's explore how learning actually unfolds—through spirals, not straight lines.
Instead of a rigid, step-by-step sequence, unschoolers learn by revisiting ideas over time, layering understanding, and making meaningful connections when they’re ready. This spiral approach to learning naturally fills in what schools call “gaps”—without forcing, pressuring, or sticking to arbitrary timelines.
You'll learn:
🌀 Why unschooling doesn’t follow a linear path—and why that’s a good thing
🌱 How natural curiosity leads to deeper, more lasting learning
📚 What it looks like when kids circle back to topics on their own terms
🌻 How spirals show up in nature—and what they teach us about growth and learning
💬 How to reframe those “behind” worries and trust your child’s unique rhythm
If you’ve ever googled:
🔍 “How do unschoolers catch up?”
🔍 “What if my child misses something important?”
🔍 “How does learning happen without a plan?”
🔍 “Can kids really learn without school?”
—this conversation is for you.
✨ Learning doesn’t follow a checklist.
✨ There are no missed windows.
✨ Growth is happening—even if it’s quiet, slow, or spiraling.
Come take a breath and lean into the spiral.
_________________________________
See the graphic for how Spiral Learning Works:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/learning-isn-t-linear-it-spirals
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
When we started Unschooling Mom2Mom back in 2014, I had no idea it would grow into a space that would support thousands of families across the world—but 11 years later, here we are. 💛
🎉 Happy Anniversary to all of us!
Unschooling Mom2Mom has stood the test of time. 🌻
Because even though the online landscape is always changing, certain truths about unschooling still hold up—year after year, family after family.
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking:
🌀 “Am I doing this right?”
🌀 “Is this even working?”
🌀 “Why does everyone else seem so confident?”
...this community is for you.
So much of this journey is easier when you know you’re not the only one. Finding community can be a game changer for decreasing your doubt and growing your confidence.
Have you found unschoolers to brainstorm with? Has Unschooling Mom2Mom helped you? Let me know in the comments.
___________DON'T MISS THIS!______________
If you want hand-holding through this (often stressful) season, join the Not Back to School 30-Day Reset.
The 2025 Cohort starts together on August 11th.
But you can get an Early Bird discount AND a ton of Bonus resources if you hop on this before July is over! August 1st is on FRIDAY - I know, crazy - but don't miss out!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/NBTS-2025
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Feeling the pressure as everyone heads back to school?
Even the most committed unschooling parents can feel a wave of doubt this time of year.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
– Why second-guessing shows up (even when you know unschooling is right)
– How to stay grounded when the school supply sales and social media posts start rolling in
– What real support looks like during this season of uncertainty
You don’t have to do this alone.
If the back-to-school energy is messing with your mindset, this episode is for you!
_________________________________________________
✨ NOT Back to School: 2025 Cohort
When everyone’s going back to school—and you’re not—it’s completely normal to feel the pressure.
Even if you’re still unsure about unschooling, one thing’s clear: that school bus isn’t stopping at your house this year.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Join a group of parents walking this same path—asking the same questions, finding their footing, and building something better for their families.
That’s exactly what the Not Back to School: 30-Day Guided Reset is here for.
A full month of coaching, encouragement, and specific resources to help you start the year feeling confident and supported.
🎁 Sign up by July 31 to get Early Bird pricing ($99) and unlock exclusive bonuses!
👉 https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/NBTS-2025
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
🎮 How to Connect with Your Gamer Teen (Without Pushing Them Away)
Do you feel like your teen is slipping away—and gaming is the wall between you?
You’re not alone. Whether you're unschooling or just trying to build a healthier relationship with your teen, this episode will help parents reframe what gaming means and how your reactions might be unintentionally creating more distance.
In this episode of the Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast, Sue Patterson (unschooling coach, mom of 3 grown unschoolers, and author of Homeschooled Teens) explores:
- Why “roommate mode” isn’t disconnection—it’s maturity.
- How presence without pressure can rebuild trust.
- Ways parents accidentally sabotage connection (even with good intentions).
- How gaming can be a bridge—not a barrier—to deeper relationships.
- 5 questions you can start asking today to connect with your gamer teen.
Whether you unschool or not, this conversation will show you how simple shifts in language and presence can spark meaningful moments—without forcing anything or hovering awkwardly.
💬 Grab the free PDF: Tips for Healthier Tech Interactions with Kids
https://unschooling-mom2mom.ck.page/55b73066c7
👩🏼💻 Join the Membership Group for community and coaching!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-membership
📬 Stay in the loop + weekly encouragement
Join Sue’s email list for podcast updates, YouTube extras, and unschooling tools that actually work.
📌 Chapters
0:00 Why It Feels Like You’re Losing Connection
1:49 Welcome
2:37 Unschooling Resources
3:09 What “Roommate Mode” Really Means
4:09 Was It Ever True Connection During Curriculum?
5:12 Presence Without Pressure
6:06 Using Gaming as a Bridge
7:56 Membership for Parents of Teens
9:19 Free PDF
10:00 Parenting in a New Way—Letting Connection Evolve
✨ Subscribe + Rate if this helped!
And remember, connection isn’t lost—it’s just changing form.
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
If you're feeling stuck, let's talk!
Every June, I open up discounted private coaching sessions—because I know this is the time when so many parents are pulling their kids from school or rethinking their homeschooling path.
But what should you actually do next?
A private coaching call can offer the clarity and confidence you need right now. Whether you’re brand new to unschooling, feeling overwhelmed by choices, or just want someone to help you see your child’s strengths more clearly and maybe you're next steps forward—I’ve got you.
This kind of call is for you if:
– You’re pulling your child from school and want to know what to do first
– You’re second-guessing your unschooling journey and need support
– You’re craving a judgment-free space to brainstorm with someone who’s raised grown unschoolers
💬 Membership is a great resource too—but sometimes, you just want a private, one-on-one session focused entirely on you and your family.
🎯 This weekend is your chance to get the special coaching rate before it goes away on Monday night! $50/half-hour call.
(Some parents are setting up a schedule of MONTHLY half hour calls, grabbing the good price. That's a great idea too!)
Book your call here:
http://www.suepatterson.as.me/June2025
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
If unschooling feels harder than you expected, you’re not alone. In this episode, Sue Patterson walks you through 10 of the most common struggles parents face when they start unschooling — from doubting your instincts to feeling overwhelmed by outside pressure.
We’ll explore why these challenges come up, how to reframe them, and what practical steps you can take to move from fear to confidence. Whether you're brand new to unschooling or just having a tough week, this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and ready to move forward.
🔗 Read the Transcript & get the full list and resources here:
From Doubt to Confidence: 10 Unschooling Struggles You Can Overcome
Get the FREE PDF to Dive Deeper:
Tackling 10 Common Struggles
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Worried about how to create a high school transcript for your unschooler or relaxed homeschooler??
You’re not alone—and you don’t have to wait until senior year (or ditch your unschooling approach) to figure it out. In this episode, Sue Patterson shares why it’s actually easier and more empowering to start thinking about transcripts long before you “need” one.
Whether your teen is headed to college, trade school —or isn’t sure yet— setting up a transcript will show you how to see the learning already happening, document it gently, and keep future doors open without shifting away from the educational approach you and your teen loves.
How about...
- 5 reasons to start thinking about transcripts earlier
- How to translate real-world learning into academic language
- Common fears—and how to shift your mindset
- Why transcripts are just a tool, nothing to fear
🎁 Podcast listener bonus: Use code PODCAST to get the full Unschooling Transcripts Course for just $65 (reg. $99).
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Don't Miss: Free End-of-Year Celebration Checklist!
What if the school year didn’t go as planned?
It's ok to call it "Done!"
Sue Patterson shares supportive, real-world advice for homeschoolers and unschoolers who feel like they fell short this year. You’ll learn how to let go of guilt, reframe “unfinished” learning, and even throw a meaningful end-of-year celebration — whether your child is 8 or 18.
Plus, Sue walks you through how to spot real learning in your everyday life and use it to create progress reports, transcripts, or just reassurance for yourself.
Whether you're transitioning to unschooling or wrapping up your final homeschooling year, this episode will help you end the year with confidence and clarity. 💛
Resources mentioned:
- Free End-of-Year Party PDF - Celebration Checklist
- Membership Group - for Teen Version of Wrapping Up the Year PDF
- Coaching with Sue
- Transcript Link
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
What Is Deschooling? 5 Reasons to Make It a Priority
Deschooling isn’t a one-time break—it’s an essential shift that helps unschooling thrive. In this episode, Sue Patterson shares 5 quick reasons to actually prioritize deschooling and what happens when we don’t.
🎧 Whether you’re just getting started or circling back after burnout, I want to help you reconnect with your why—and get rid of some of that sneaky school baggage - AND see practical suggestions for HOW to deschool whether you're unschooling, homeschooling more traditionally, or just thinking about it.
🔗 NEED MORE?
Unschooling Guide: Deschooling
Unschooling Guide: Brainstorming
Sign Up for the Emails!
Unschooling Pinterest Boards
DESCHOOLING at the Website:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/deschooling
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
You might not think so—especially if your own experience with Shakespeare involved interpreting metaphors, writing sonnets, or slogging through line-by-line analysis.
But unschoolers?
They get to explore Shakespeare in ways that feel natural, creative, and even fun.
Especially this week on Talk Like Shakespeare Day (April 23rd)
In this Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast episode, I’ll share how families bring Shakespeare into their lives without schoolifying it. We’ll talk about:
- The real subjects kids are tapping into (language, history, psychology, and more)
- Where Shakespeare still shows up in our movies, memes, and everyday phrases
- How unschoolers connect with timeless characters and stories—without tests or textbooks
You’ll also hear about some of the more playful ways kids engage with Shakespeare: emoji matching games, Elizabethan Translator tools, and crafting insults that would make the Bard himself chuckle. I truly think Shakespeare would’ve loved this unschooling approach!
All the links are at the blogpost:
Unschoolers Learn Shakespeare Without Curriculum
_______________________________________
🎁 Grab your free Emoji - Shakespeare Phrases Game PDF with modern phrases straight from his plays— here's the link:
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/666a0ee18a
Perfect for Talk Like Shakespeare Day (April 23!) or anytime your family wants to dive into literature with a little less pressure and a lot more play.
_______________________________________
Strewing Calendar
If you're looking for fun reminders of celebrations throughout the month (like Talk like Shakespeare Day!), this inexpensive tool will give you printable calendars, weekly resource links, and a private portal that connects each day with the learning objectives that weave through. We've done all the work for you - you AND the kids are going to love it!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/strewing-calendars
______________________________________
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
FREE PDF BELOW!
Worried your child might not be learning without traditional schoolwork or curriculum? You’re not alone—and this episode is for you.
Whether you're new to unschooling or just hitting a moment of doubt, I’m sharing 5 real-life ways to know your child is learning—without needing tests, worksheets, or a structured curriculum.
These simple, practical tips will help you spot learning as it naturally unfolds through
- Conversations
- Curiosity
- Creativity
- Real-world experiences
You’ll learn how to shift your perspective and recognize the learning that’s already happening all around you.
✨ Don’t miss the free printable worksheet I created to go with this episode!
Use it to reflect on what learning looks like in your home—month by month.
🎁 Download the free PDF worksheet here:
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/e0e55ba151
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Unschooling by Subjects?
Spring Reveals the Learning You Didn’t Expect!
Are you a homeschooling parent wondering how unschoolers cover subjects like language arts, math, science, social studies, and fine arts—without a curriculum?
Or maybe you're unschooling but you're not sure you're doing enough.
You’re not alone!
In this episode, we’re diving into real-life examples of how traditional school subjects show up naturally during the spring season.
If you’ve ever asked:
- "What about the core subjects?"
- "How will my child learn math or writing without a curriculum?"
- "Can we still cover what they 'need' in an unschooling lifestyle?"
…this episode is for you.
We’ll explore:
✅ How springtime activities naturally invite learning
✅ Subject-by-subject ideas for language arts, math, science, social studies, and the arts
✅ How to recognize real learning in everyday moments
✅ Why letting go of rigid schooling structures opens up more meaningful education
PLUS: I’ll tell you how to grab the brand-new Spring Unschooling Guide, filled with ideas sorted by subject, spring holidays, links, games, and journaling pages to help you document the learning unfolding in your home.
✨ Whether you’re new to unschooling or trying to trust the process more deeply, this episode will reassure you that YES—your kids are learning. Right now. All around you.
🛒 Get the Spring Unschooling Guide
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Seasonal-Unschooling-Guide-Spring
💌 Save 25% if you're an email subscriber!
Here's the link for the subscribing to the email list:
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/49e159063f
🎉 Join our Creating Confidence Membership and the Spring Guide will be waiting for you inside the membership portal!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
March 14th—Pi Day—is this week, and if you’re new to homeschooling or unschooling, you may not realize that it’s a bit of a quintessential homeschool holiday! But why? And how can you celebrate it in a way that feels fun (and not too schooly)?
Let's dive into the history of Pi Day, why it became a thing, and—of course—ways to celebrate it with your kids. From baking pies (because Pi) to fun trivia, quirky math connections, and even Pi-themed scavenger hunts, there are so many ways to turn this day into a lighthearted learning opportunity. And if math makes you cringe? Don’t worry—I’ll also help you reframe some of that old math anxiety so you can enjoy the fun, too.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
🥧 Why Pi Day even exists & how it all started at a museum retreat!)
📏 The simple explanation of Pi
🎉 Fun and easy ways to celebrate—whether your kids are into math or just want pie!
📲 How social media has embraced Pi Day (and where to find the best Pi memes)
📺 Fun Pi-related videos, movies, and books to check out
🍕 How to make Pi Day your own—without making it feel like school
Whether you go all out with Pi-ku (Haiku, but for Pi) or just eat pizza for dinner, there are so many ways to join in the fun. And if your kids are rolling their eyes? That’s okay, too! Unschooling is all about making connections—and Pi Day is just one more way to do that.
Links & Resources Mentioned:
🔗 Links for this Podcast Transcript (music, movies, scientists, etc.!)
🔗Pi Day Reality Check - If Pi Day's a flop (with 100+ memes!)
🔗 Strewing Calendar
🔗 Learning Math WITHOUT Curriculum
Join the Conversation!
Tag me on social media if you and your kids do anything fun for Pi Day—I’d love to see! 🎉 Instagram Facebook. Pinterest <- specific Pi Day Board
👉 Subscribe & Review
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe so yo
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
One of the biggest shifts for unschooling parents is moving away from directing learning and stepping into the subtle but powerful art of noticing. Instead of orchestrating every next step, we learn to pay attention—to what excites our child, what sparks their curiosity, and how they naturally engage with the world.
This shift is what makes true self-directed, interest-based learning possible. It’s not about following a prescribed curriculum but about recognizing that your child is already learning naturally, and trusting that process.
Turns out, unschooling parents have picked up some secrets from stage managers—who knew?
Just like a great stage manager works behind the scenes to create the perfect conditions for a performance, unschooling parents learn that their role isn’t to direct every move but to notice, anticipate, and support. The real magic happens not in controlling the scene, but in tuning in to what’s unfolding naturally—anticipating and adjusting, providing resources, and trusting that the star of the show (your child!) is already learning in their own way.
In this episode, we’ll explore:
✨ Why Noticing is more powerful than Directing
✨ How tuning in—rather than taking charge—leads to deeper learning & individualization
✨ How to support natural learning and curiosity without pushing or orchestrating
✨ How small shifts in your parenting role can make unschooling feel easier and be more effective
🎁 FREE DOWNLOAD: Want to strengthen your Noticing skills? Grab the Noticing & Individualization Worksheet—a simple, journal-style page to help you practice this essential unschooling mindset shift!
👉 Download your FREE PDF here:https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/388b7b9244
💬 Let’s keep the conversation going! Join our Unschooling Membership for Virtual Park Days, Moms’ Nights Out, and real-time connection with parents who are embracing this shift.
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Traditional homeschooling can be so overwhelming!
And most of us don't realize we have options... until we're nearly in homeschool burnout!
That's what I want to talk with you about this week.
If your homeschool life needs a change, my suggestion is to learn more about unschooling. It's not as crazy as you may have heard.
It's the natural way humans learn!
And you get to skip all the anxiety and power struggles that are baked into that school approach!
When you chose to homeschool, you wanted more freedom. Let's get back to that! You may need a little help figuring out how to unlearn all that conditioning from your own school experience - and maybe even what you've heard in the homeschooling communities or from social media.
Here's where to start:
✔️ Listen to the podcast
✔️ Sign up for the emails
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/96512ee8fe
✔️ Subscribe to the YouTube channel
http://www.YouTube.com/c/UnschoolingMom2Mom
...and be the first to know when my FREE Mini-Course SPECIFICALLY for switching from homeschooling to unschooling is ready! (should be in March 2025)
If you want to dive deeper, I'm sharing nearly30 years of homeschooling and unschooling experience to help you get onto steadier ground.
I can help you set up your own DIY program with a private coaching call:
http://www.suepatterson.as.me
Or you can join a community of unschooling parents in the Membership group where we're about to start Virtual Park Days and Moms' Nights Out!
You'll find so many benefits to be in this group - let's grow your confidence!http://www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com/Membership
More Links (mentioned in the Podcast) here at the website:
Unschooling Mom2Mom: Can We Talk?
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Are you feeling overwhelmed and second-guessing your decision to unschool?
Do you wonder if you're doing enough or if your lack of structure means you're failing your kids?
Maybe you're having trouble finding confidence in Unschooling?
You are NOT alone!
In this episode, I’ll reassure you that these feelings are completely normal—and help you shift your mindset to embrace the freedom and connection that unschooling offers.
We’ll talk about:
✔ Why societal pressure makes moms doubt themselves
✔ How to break free from old expectations and trust your parenting instincts
✔ Why your kids don’t need a rigid schedule to thrive
✔ How to create a rhythm that works for your unique family
✔ The power of listening and connecting deeply with your children
PLUS: A Special Birthday Surprise! 🎉https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Birthday-Flash-Sale
This Thursday, I’m celebrating my birthday with a flash sale on my private unschooling membership! If you've been thinking about joining a supportive community of like-minded parents, this is your chance to get in at a reduced price.
Homeschooled Teens Book: 75 Young People Speak About Their Lives WITHOUT School
🔗 Tune in now and start feeling more confident in your unschooling journey!
Read the Transcript at the blogpost
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need more help.
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing - buy Sue a cup of coffee!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Unschooling Transcript Course
- Seasonal Unschooling Guides
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
If you're uncertain about unschooling or wondering if you’re doing enough?
You’re not alone!
That’s why I’ve created The First Friday Freebie—a special monthly resource designed to help you gain confidence, build new habits, and make unschooling feel more natural.
📢 February’s Freebie:
The Weekly Unschooling Confidence Checklist! 🎉
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/96512ee8fe
This simple, DIY Unschooling Workout page helps you:
✅ Plan your week with confidence-building habits
✅ Focus on connecting with your kids
✅ Build deschooling knowledge, find support, and prioritize self-care
✅ Identify and overcome fears that might be holding you back
🔹 Grab your free Weekly Confidence Checklist here:
In this episode, I’ll share:
✨ Why planning weekly helps you feel more at ease with unschooling
✨ The four key focus areas that make the biggest impact on confidence
✨ How to tackle common fears and obstacles that often hold parents back
✨ A peek inside the membership community, where all my best unschooling resources are streamlined and easy to find—so you never feel lost in information overload.
👉 Sign up now to get this month’s First Friday Freebie:
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/96512ee8fe
You don’t have to figure this all out alone.
Let’s create some new habits to make unschooling lighter, more joyful, and full of possibilities—one step at a time.
READ THE TRANSCRIPT at the blog
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/unschool-freebie-friday
Unschooling #FirstFridayFreebie #HomeschoolHelp #Deschooling #UnschoolingConfidence
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Let Go of the Lesson Plans: Embracing Real-Life Learning This Winter!If you’ve ever wondered how to move beyond a rigid curriculum and embrace more real-life, curiosity-led learning, this episode is for you. Winter is the perfect time to ease into a new approach, where everyday moments become opportunities for discovery and connection.
This week, I'm sharing practical ways to use the season as a natural framework for learning. From exploring science in snowy activities to cozy storytelling that nurtures creativity, I’ll show you how to reframe “school” into something joyful and meaningful—even for those who feel unsure about leaving traditional methods behind.
💡 Need more help bringing this vision to life?
❄️ The Winter Seasonal Unschooling Guide is packed with hands-on activities, real-world connections, and ideas for making learning flow naturally—no textbooks required! Get yours now and see how easy it can be to lean into the magic of winter.
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Seasonal-Unschooling-Guide-Winter
Strewing Calendar
If you like the idea of holidays and a month full of celebrations - you'll find so many learning opportunities in the Strewing Calendar subscription. At less than $5/month, it's a steal!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/strewing-calendars
Unschooling 101 - On Sale in January!
https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/Unschooling101
Get the step-by-step strategy to start unschooling right away!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
“If I can just get them to read, I’ll finally relax.”Sound familiar? So many parents feel the pressure to make reading happen now, especially when schools label kids as "behind" as early as first grade.
But here’s the truth: reading is NOT the Holy Grail of learning. It’s just one of many ways kids grow and explore the world. In this episode, I’ll help you reframe the reading timeline and explore how learning happens in countless other ways—even before (or without) fluent reading.
You’ll discover:
✅ Why reading milestones aren’t as rigid or essential as they seem
✅ How unschooling gives kids the freedom to learn on their own timeline
✅ Practical ideas to create a literacy-rich environment without the pressure
🎧 Listen now and discover how unschooling helps your child learn without rigid timelines.
Mentioned Resources:
📘 The Reading Guide – Creative ideas to build a literacy-rich environment without the stress.
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Learning-to-Read
🌟 Everything Counts – A guide to spotting and celebrating learning in all its forms.
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Everything-Counts-Ebook
🖥️ Go to the Blog- Read the transcript
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/reading-is-not-the-holy-grail
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Unschooling Red Flags: January Signals You Shouldn’t Ignore
Are fears creeping in on your unschooling journey?
In this episode of the Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast, Sue Patterson helps parents identify "red flags" that pop up when doubts arise, like
"Are they learning enough?" or "Am I doing enough?"
Whether you're new to unschooling or have been at it a while, this episode offers guidance to tackle these worries, break free from school conditioning, and strengthen your confidence.
Learn actionable steps to quiet those nagging doubts, foster joy in the journey, and connect more deeply with your kids.
Explore practical resources like Sue’s “Am I Doing Enough” guide, deschooling tools, and her supportive membership group for ongoing encouragement. Don’t let red flags hold you back 🚩—listen now!
_______________________________________________________
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES
Unschooling Guide: Am I Doing Enough?
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Am-I-Doing-Enough
Unschooling Guide: Deschooling
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Deschooling
Unschooling Teen Resources
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/category/Teens
Join the Membership! (No sign up fee)
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/podcast-friends
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Are you considering unschooling but wondering how to make it work for your family? In this episode, Sue Patterson—unschooling coach and mentor since the 1990s—shares a practical, step-by-step strategy to help you confidently navigate the transition away from traditional schooling.
Discover how unschooling fosters connection, creativity, and curiosity while addressing the real-world challenges parents face, from setting up an unschooling-friendly home to overcoming fears and doubts.
Sue dives into the importance of deschooling for parents, tackling internal work, and handling outside judgment, all while showing how to create a personalized unschooling “curriculum” that fits your family’s unique needs.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, battling self-doubt, or simply want actionable tips to get started, this episode has everything you need to start your unschooling journey with clarity and purpose.
🌟 SPECIAL OFFER 🌟
Let's get you the information you need!
Unschooling 101 is designed to get you on solid ground quickly and confidently.
Unschooling 101
For January, you can access it for just $19 (normally $39)!
Grab your spot today and start building a joyful, unschooling lifestyle.
https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/Unschooling101
Discount Code: Jan2025
🎧 Tune in to unlock the tools and mindset shifts that will transform your family’s approach to learning!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Are you curious about unschooling or looking for support on your journey?
In this special year-end episode, I’m Sue Patterson, and I’m reflecting on an incredible year with the Unschooling Mom2Mom community.
We’ll dive into how unschooling parents in my private membership group overcame fears, embraced real-life learning, and discovered creative ways to help their kids thrive—whether it was making math stress-free, translating unschooling into progress reports, or finding harmony with skeptical spouses.
Learn how connection, community, and confidence make all the difference in creating a joyful unschooling experience for your family. Plus, I’ll share details about the special 6-month membership package designed to support you through the spring and to the end of the school year.
If you’re ready to let go of school-conditioned thinking and embrace a child-centered, play-based approach to learning, this episode is for you. Let’s make unschooling work for your unique family in the new year!
Happy New Year and Happy Unschooling!
_______________________________________________
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES:
mentioned in this episode
- Unschooling Guide:New Year's Workbook for Unschoolers
- Creating Confidence Membership - 6-month package! Full Unschooling Support from January-June 2025!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Let's use this weird week between Christmas and New Years as an opportunity to make a shift to an educational path that will actually work!
Sue Patterson shares ideas for how to use this "liminal space" as your chance to pause, reflect and maybe see how shifting toward unschooling could be the solution to what happened in the last semester.
____________________________________________________________________
Creating Confidence Membership
End of Year Special
6-months of Support - ONLY $240!
$40/mo instead of $49/monthNEED A QUICK CALL WITH SUE?http://www.suepatterson.as.me/December-discount
______________________________________________________________________
Or, for unschoolers who are marking the end of the year, here are some tools that can help you!
- New Year's Workbook for Unschoolers https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/A-New-Years-Workbook-for-Unschoolers
- New Year's Eve - Video Interviews
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/New-Years-Video-Interviews
New Year's Bundle- get both, save $10!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/New-Years-Bundle
(these are all included in the membership...)
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Join the Creating Confidence Community - Sue Patterson's private membership group for coaching, community, exclusive resources and connection with other parents. Only $49/month - no sign up fee for podcast listeners!
Talk with Sue 1:1 - December offers discounted coaching calls http://www.suepatterson.as.me/december-discount --------Tonight's special Winter Solstice episode is all about seeing the learning that's happening naturally in winter. You don't have to worry that you didn't finish those chapters or lesson plans, shifting your perspective will SHOW you that real life is offering so many opportunities to learn!
If you'd like to dive deeper, the new 71-page Seasonal Unschooling Guide: Winter is available! Special holiday pricing until December 25th - it's only $15!
Learn more about what's included here.
(Also, remember that the Creating Confidence Community gets ALL the guides as part of their membership - they already have this!!)
Seasonal Unschooling Resourceshttps://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/seasonal-unschooling
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Are you ready for the questions about unschooling that always seem to come up at holiday gatherings? In this episode, we’re diving into strategies to confidently and calmly handle the curiosity, concerns, and critiques from family and friends.
From preparing your kids for the common questions to navigating the worries that may be lobbed your way, this episode equips you with quick answers and thoughtful responses.
BLACK FRIDAY DEALSUltimate Unschooling Guide Bundle
23 Unschooling Guides designed to help you conquer fears, address doubts, and thrive in your unschooling journey. 75% off this week only!
https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/guides
Annual Membership Price Slashed!
Regularly $49/month, get this for only $29/month!!!!! What a steal!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Annual-Membership-Black-Friday-Sale
Download Sue’s free Holiday Prep Worksheet here
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/b5b223393d
Let’s get ready to turn those tricky holiday conversations into opportunities to shine!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Unschooling Gratitude Resources:
Transcript (with all the links)
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/an-unschooling-shift-to-gratitude
Unschooling Guide: Gratitude
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Gratitude
Gratitude Playlist (at YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSFuBDpzIUw&list=PLgAn6XIBfsvHCPbVWit8AVrPypj609Vt_
Pinterest Collection: Gratitude Ideas
https://www.pinterest.com/umom2mom/unschooling-gratitude-ideas/
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Get ready for an eerie twist on unschooling!
In this Halloween special, Sue Patterson guides Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast listeners through
“An Unschooling Haunted House: It Could Never Happen... Or Could It?”
This episode imagines the ultimate unschooling nightmare, where standardized tests, endless worksheets, and college-obsessed ghosts lurk around every corner! Venture into rooms like The Endless Worksheet Room and meet the “Prove It!" Poltergeist who can’t stop haunting you with questions.
In this spooky journey, Sue Patterson explores the fears many unschoolers leave behind, blending humor and chills while revealing how unschooling is all about escaping these haunting pressures. Perfect for those curious about homeschooling without tests or grades and ready to laugh at the "ghosts" of traditional schooling.
Tune in for creative insights, a touch of humor, and some relatable frights for any unschooling family!
Check out the blog for more rooms in our unschooling haunted house and Halloween-inspired unschooling tips! 🎃
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Are family members or friends concerned about your decision to unschool?
Or are you a relative wondering what unschooling really means for your loved ones?
In this episode, we dive deep into how unschooling works and address common worries and misconceptions. Sue Patterson shares practical insights on how family members can show support, as well as addressing some of the common concerns about unschooling.
Whether you’re an unschooling parent dealing with concerned relatives or a family member looking for answers, this episode will guide you toward understanding and supportive conversations.
Tune in and share with those who need reassurance!
Unschooling Resources Mentioned:
- FREE PDF - Understanding Unschooling - A Family Member's Toolkit
- Understanding the Benefits of Unschooling - for Friends/Family (blogpost)
- Homeschooled Teens: 75 Young People Speak about Their Lives Without School
- More resources for questions about unschoolers and college
- Sue' private membership group
- One-to-One call - if you'd like to talk more. (phone or zoom)
Podcast Transcript here
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Text Sue what you think!
Are you worried unschooling might "mess up" your kids?
You're not alone!
I asked my free Facebook group, and the #1 fear parents have about unschooling is the fear of somehow ruining their kids' future.
In this week’s episode of the Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast, I’m diving into why you don’t need to worry about this common fear. Since we're keeping it short and sweet, I'll be back with a Part 2 soon!
Want to share your biggest concern? Drop it in the comments or email me at Coaching@suepatterson.com.
Plus, check out the helpful resources I mentioned in today’s episode!
- Unschooling Guide: Am I Doing Enough?
- Creating Confidence Membership Group - special link for Podcast/Youtube people - waiving the sign-up fee!
And also... * Unschooling 101 - the new course! * The Fall Unschooling Guide!
Support the show
_____________________________________________________
As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Let's keep using the seasons as somewhat of a "structure" for learning as unschoolers!
I'm sharing 6 ways your typical Autumn activities will provide all the learning your child needs! Yes - even language arts, math, science, social studies - everything you worry about!
Whether you've been unschooling for a while, "almost" unschooling, or brand new to the idea, you're going to love this podcast. I want to reassure you that unschooling works!
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES mentioned:
Fall Unschooling Guide
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Seasonal-Unschooling-Guide-Fall
Pinterest Boards: Autumn Fun
Read along at the website
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
In this Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast, I want to tell you about some billboards and roadmaps - all pointing you toward unschooling the kids this year!
Let's go through a few together as you start your road trip toward unschooling.
UNSCHOOLING 101 Mini-Course
If you'd like to dive a little deeper, here's the link I mentioned.
Remember, it starts on Monday and goes for 10 days!
Billboards and roadmaps - all pointing you toward unschooling the kids this year!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Unschooling-101
Read the Transcript:
Unschooling Billboards & RoadMaps
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/unschooling-billboards-and-roadmaps
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Your kids are probably bumping into a few more questions than usual with neighborhood kids returning to school.
This week, on the Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast, Sue Patterson shares how parents can help their kids with some of the typical questions that may trip them up!
Unschooling Resources Mentioned:
NOT Back-to-School Webinar
August 22, 2024
Podcast Transcript Here
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/navigating-questions
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
The Unschooling Mom2Mom Facebook group is celebrating 10 years of offering unschooling support to parents! Plus, nearly 50K group members!
And this podcast has passed the 300K download marker!
Those are a lot of incredible milestones!
I love that our Unschooling Community continues to grow.
Our Annual NOT Back-to-School Online Party is scheduled for
Thursday, August 22nd at 2 pm (Central)
Come for inspiration, information, and community!
Join the Email list for all the updates and registration info:
https://unschooling-mom2mom.ck.page/069f5f19d8
Transcript Here:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/celebrating-unschooling-support
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
... for PARENTS, that is!
I'm sharing 5 Steps for an Unschooling Summer School program that you can tap into right now! I want to help you see how easy this can be!
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES MENTIONED:
2 Courses on Sale through July:
Jumping Into Unschooling
Learning Math WITHOUT Curriculum
Use 50% Off Discount Code: summer24
https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/collections
Unschooling Guide: Brainstorm Time!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Brainstorm
Creating Confidence Membership Group - get support!
Podcast friends use this link to avoid the Sign Up Fee:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/podcast-friends
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
That's an alarming title, right? But it's something that's been a confusing point within the homeschooling and unschooling community.
Unschoolers focus on the Learning instead of the Teaching.
Yet, that is easily misconstrued as "Unschoolers don't Learn" or "Unschooling Parents are neglectful" - and NOTHING could be further fro the truth!
This topic has surfaced online a lot lately - so Sue Patterson breaks it all down for you in this week's Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast!
Another Podcast:
#7 Teaching, Learning, and UnschoolingGet the Workbook - in the Creating Confidence Membership Group!($99 Sign-up fee waived for Podcast Friends! So be sure to use this link)JULY COURSE SALE! 50% Off!
Jumping Into Unschooling - only $74.50
Learning Math WITHOUT Curriculum - only $24.50
Use this link with Discount Code: summer24
TRANSCRIPT HERE:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/reframing-teaching-learning-unschooling-partnership
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Are you trying to get organized but wonder how that can work with unschooling?
Loop Scheduling is a possiblity!
In this week's Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast, Sue talks about how to keep the concept of unschooling alive and well AND still do Loop Scheduling if you'd like!
Nope - it's not going to look the same as how traditional homeschoolers will implement it!
Podcast #23: Structure, Schedules & Unschooling
https://youtu.be/OdRgRak3d8E
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Gatherings with friends and family can happen all year long!
And when you've decided to do something different, all eyes are on you - or at least it can feel like that.
This week's podcast is to help you manage these tricky situations and feel good about your responses. Thinking specificallly about how to prepare for various questions or scenarios will help you so much.
Here are a few resources mentioned for those who are new to homeschooling or unschooling homeschoolers.
Sue's Free Resources in the Shop
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/category/Free-Unschooling-Resources
Unschooling Guide: Critics & Naysayers
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Critics-&-Naysayers
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Happy Father's Day!
Sharing a Bonus podcast from Unschooling Mom2Mom to help make sense of some of the confusion out on the internet. Sue Patterson shares some stories from her own dad, that offers a little Father's Day insight!
Reach out if you need a little more help.
Private Coaching Calls in June are only $50/half hour!
Get your questions asked and answered!
http://www.suepatterson.as.me/junespecial
Summer Specials:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/summer-unschooling
Summer Unschooling Guide:
30 Pages to walk you through how unschooling touches on all the subjects you worry about!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Seasonal-Unschooling-Guide-Summer
60 Hilarious Father's Day Memes at the Website!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/happy-fathers-day-from-unschooling-mom2mom
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Want to dip your toes in the idea of unschooling?
We have so much LESS PRESSURE during the summer months - why not give it a try?
This week's Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast will show you how you can do that - with ideas and resource links to help you figure it all out!
NEW:
Seasonal Unschooling Guide: Summer!
30 pages of ideas and journaling pages to help you brainstorm ideas - and stay on track!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Seasonal-Unschooling-Guide-Summer
Summer Strewing Calendar Sale!
3-months of calendars, resource links, and inspiration!
Only available through June 15th.
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Summer-Strewing-Calendar-Special
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Have you ever wondered,
How Will I know if Unschooling Isn't Working for my family?
Or maybe someone is asking you how you'll know when to throw in the towel on unschooling?
That's what I'm talking about this week.
6 SIGNS that Unschooling Isn't Working
No judgement - it's not going to work for every parent!
But let's talk about what's going on a little more.
**RESOURCES MENTIONED:
My Book:
Homeschooled Teens: 75 Young People Speak about Life Without School
https://www.amazon.com/Homeschooled-Teens-People-Without-School/dp/0986229040/
Listen to this podcast next:
Podcast #104 How Hard Will Unschooling Be for Me?**
Jumping Into Unschooling CourseSign up here: https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/jumping-into-unschooling
Behind-the-scenes Video:
https://youtu.be/ni7eKUvi4Ug
Getting Started Unschooling
Free Video Mini-Course (with free PDFs)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgAn6XIBfsvEjnWsapH1L1y4e_V1OaJFg
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Let's celebrate in a way that really WORKS for you, Mom! This podcast will help you see that waiting around for others to appreciate us may not be the best approach.
Sue Patterson shares practical tips to help you feel good about Mother's Day this year. Lots of links at the website too:
MOTHER'S DAY ULTIMAE COLLECTION PAGE
http://www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com/mothers-day *FREE PDF for Mother's Day*Mother's Day Playlist at YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgAn6XIBfsvF53v4_aINuk8CJMv-_hQjQ
Mother's Day Playlist at Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6363ulXN4e2PKzjR7wSnz2
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
If school or curriculum isn't working for your kids anymore, unschooling is an option I want you to know about. Don't dump more money into yet another curriculum suggestion that's going to gather dust or cause power struggles. You home life can be so much better than that!
This Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast will help you understand a little more.
Here are some of the resources mentioned:
Unschooling Mom2Mom YouTube Channel (the mini-course will be available soon!)
http://www.YouTube.com/c/UnschoolingMom2Mom
- Don't Duplicate School (video)
https://youtu.be/QV6LLiRkk6g?si=fNSVOmzG1-oZeJOB - Following Interests (Podcast)
https://youtu.be/LTb82azTVxg?si=h_DEFuGy_EmUt8u0 - What about Gaps? (podcast)
https://youtu.be/5zcIx_r30SU?si=9YSwcmgEpNotTXoc - How Will They Learn Subjects if we Unschool? (Podcast)
https://youtu.be/EiNfctbr7ac?si=p-xaU5HRdP0aLdPh
📘 Everything Counts Ebook
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Everything-Counts-Ebook
🏫 Unschooling Guide: Deschooling
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Deschooling
🧠 Unschooling Guide: Brainstorming 💥
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Brainstorm
🎥 Learning Math without Curriculum Course
https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/unschooling-math
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
That's one of the biggest questions from parents looking into unschooling?
It's what we talked about in April's Unschooling Question of the Month.
And even after an hour of talking about it on the video (recording here) Sue Patterson shares even more about how unschooling provides everything your child will need!
Free PDF mentioned on the Podcast:Follow-Up Unschooling Resources Academic BundleUnschooling Guides to show you specifically how unschoolers learn The Basics (Reading/Writing/Math) plus the best-selling Everything Counts ebook as a bonus!
Discounted Bundle here Read the Transcript hereHow Do Unschoolers Learn What They Need?
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Learning to unschool can be scary - and it's not unusual for parents to hang onto "a little curriculum" for certain subjects. Usually, it's the ones we don't feel that comfortable with. And why is that? Maybe it's simple preferences - but maybe it's because of the way schools taught us!
This week, I want to encourage you to examine your ideas about subjects BEFORE you throw money at curriculum for the upcoming months. Let's help you SEE that learning is happening all around - you don't need to check boxes for certain topics/subjects. And if that makes you too uneasy, let's check boxes based on the kids' interests!
I have a lot of resources to help you do that in my membership group. And remember that Podcast listeners can join without the $99 sign up fee using this link:
Creating Confidence Membership Group.
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/podcast-friends
On April 5, 2024, I'm hosting our free Unschooling Question of the Month Webinar:
How Will they Learn Subjects if we unschool?
1pm (Central)
Sign up here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unschoooling-question-of-the-month-how-do-unschoolers-learn-subjects-registration-876018112757
More about Deschooling:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/deschooling
All webinars are in a playlist at YouTube:
Unschooling Webinar Playlist
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Are you having trouble finding other unschooling families?
Or maybe you’d just like to find people who don’t want to talk about curriculum all the time?
This week, I'm sharing 5 ways you can find the people who are going to make this unschooling journey more enjoyable. It's so great to find others who are also working their way through their fears, deschooling their old ideas, and embracing a better life for their own family.
Here are a few resources mentioned on the Podcast:
🎙 See the YouTube Podcast Playlist
🤓 Read Along at the Blogpost
🎥 Deschooling Playlist
🎙 #27 Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast: Finding Community or Building It?
👩🏼🤝👩🏻 Unschooling Friendly Conferences
💞 Sue's Membership Group - An Supportive Unschooling Community
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Pi Day is this Week!
And maybe you're looking for some ideas or wondering what to do if your kid isn't really into it. Let's get real about PiDay!
Collection of 85 Pi Day Memes and Jokes here:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/pi-day
Pinterest Board: Pi Day
https://www.pinterest.com/umom2mom/pi-day-fun/
Strewing Calendar
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/strewing-calendars
Sue's Membership Group - where parents support each other without any pressure!
See what's included here:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-membership
Learning Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/unschooling-math
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Parents worry all the time about whether their kids are on their devices too much. Our childhoods certainly weren't like this - and now that the kids are home all the time, that can seem like a LOT of time on technology.
So what do we do?
Sue Patterson shares strategies for how to accurately assess the situation and gives some solutions you could use today!
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES MENTIONED
Unschooling Guide: Brainstorm Time
Private Coaching with Sue
Group Coaching
Past Podcasts about Technology:
76: Technology & Your Kids
51 : Addicted to Technology
#30 : Unschooling & Technology
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
I have a Bonus Episode for you this week! Last minute add-on!
What's the big takeaway when an unschooling mom looks back?
Lean into the Love.
Originally written in 2012, and now updated for 2024, Sue Patterson share's what she wish she had known... way back when.
More Valentine's Day info:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/unschooling-valentines-day
Join Sue's Unschooling Updates (free email list for weekly resources)
https://unschooling-mom2mom.ck.page/49e159063f
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Unschoolers don't have to skip out on the fun that Valentine's Day can bring.
I know, it's Hallmark Celebration... and lots of people are not big fans. But you kids might enjoy some aspects of it - and I've pulled together 10 activities your family might like to try.
- Science Projects
- Party food ideas
- Jokes/Riddles
- Arts & Crafts
- Videos
- Love Languages
- TONS of MEMES - some would be so fun to text to your big kids!
Unschooling is about connecting with our kids. It’s going to give you insight into what they need from you. And it’s not that hard to sparkle up their lives, so they’re excited to learn about new things and grow their own VERY individualized pile of knowledge and experience.
We don’t have a crystal ball, we don’t know how their lives will twist and pivot in the years to come. But living with them, fully experiencing life in a way that is expansive and adventurous - that’s so much better than the one size fits all learning or "finish your lessons" before you get around to the fun stuff.
Real life is full of lessons. You just have to notice them - and dive in.
I hope this helps you have a great Valentine’s day with your kids. ❤︎
VALENTINE RESOURCES
Here's the link to my list of links and resources to unschool your way through Valentine's Day!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/unschooling-valentines-day
Creating Confidence Membership Group
Don't Miss the Membership Group!
So many reasons to join!
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
I have 5 Signs that it may be time for you to start unschooling!
Whether you've been homeschooling and it's not working out as planned, or you're looking for alternatives to public schools, I want to share how to get started homeschooling from an unschooling perspective.
I know, it can be scary to do something this unconventional, but gather some information and support, and you'll be able to do this. Think of me as virtually holding your hand as you gain confidence!
Here's the link for the transcript:
How Do I know if Unschooling is Right for Us?https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/how-do-i-know-if-unschooling-is-right-for-us
Don't miss the discounts for Podcast listeners:
$99 price for Jumping Into Unschooling Course ALWAYS
https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/jumping-into-unschooling
Discount Code: Podcast
And now sign up fee when you join my Creating Confidence Membership Group!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Creating-Confidence-Monthly-Membership-sign-up-fee-waived-p584881199
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Many of us memorized math facts that we don't use a lot in our adult lives. But what if I told you that you actually DO use many of them - even the Pythagorean Theorem - but you just don't realize it?
This is a little different podcast this week, prompted by something that happened to me after a podcast interview as well as something I've seen recently on social media - you probably have too!
So let's take a few minutes to talk about how even something like the Pythagorean Theorem really does weave through our lives - and random memorization of theorems or math facts are probably not the best way to understand what it's all about.
You can see the transcript for this blogpost - along with 75! Uses of the Pythagorean Theorem in Real Life here:
What About That Pythagorean Theorem?
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/unschooling-the-pythagorean-theorem
And if you're interested in finding all the different ways Math weaves through daily lives, my course will help you so much! You'll never need to buy an other Math Curriculum! Here's the link for the course:
Learning Math WITHOUT Curriculumhttps://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/unschooling-math
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
After spending most of the month talking about typical unschooling days - and how nothing is really "typical", this week, I'm doing a 180!
Turns out, there ARE some things that are typical in the day in the life of a successful unschooling family. And I want you to know what that is! Actually, I've come up with SEVEN Tips that set successful unschooling parents apart from the rest.
I now have a Typical Day Playlist over at YouTube so you can watch/listen to anything I have that refers to A Day in the Life of an Unschooler, Typical Days, etc.
I did a 15-day Challenge in my Membership Group, so if you need to dive deeper into this, you can join us through the special link for Podcast Listeners!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/podcast-friends
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
What IS an unschooling day like?
That's one of the most common questions when parents are thinking about unschooling as a homeschooling option. We KNOW what school looks like. We even have a pretty good guess about what traditional school-at-home homeschooling looks like. But unschooling? That's a different story!
Sue Patterson shares insight on what's typical about unschooling days - and what's the problem with trying to find a formula or someone else's day to duplicate. Plus she's sharing 3 secrets successful unschoolers know! Now you'll know too!
Listen to the podcast for your peptalk on unschooling - the first for 2024!
Go to this link to get:
-> Free PDF to help you Create Your Own "Typical" Day
-> Link for the January Unschooling Question of the Month Webinar - "What about an Unschooling Typical Day?"
-> Podcast Transcript
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/typical-unschooling-day
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
So many people struggle with deschooling. It's probably less about doing it "right" or "wrong" and more about recognizing that it's not a one-and-done kind of thing. We're in a hurry to get on with it, right?
This Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast is all about REALLY examining deschooling.
Can you do it in a week or a month and then plug the kids into an, albeit modified, version of school (traditional homeschooling)?
Or is this the source of all that frustration you may be having lately?
Let me know what you think!
Read the transcript here:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/incomplete-deschooling
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UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES
Unschooling Guide: Deschooling
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Deschooling
365 Days of Deschooling
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/365-Days-of-Deschooling
Creating Confidence Membership
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/podcast-friends
Deschooling Videos
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgAn6XIBfsvEc_lin82LGesmEK5FE-iq4
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
As the semester winds down, many homeschooling parents are taking another look at their options.
Maybe these past few months weren't what they expected.
Maybe they'd like something different.
Whether you're new to homeschooling this year, or you've been doing this for a little while, here's the reassurance you need that you're not alone!
AND the information you need to know your next steps!
Sue shares 5 Steps to Start the Transition from traditional homeschooling to unschooling. Don't worry, it's not that scary - and you don't have to do it alone.
Unschooling Resources Mentioned:
Podcasts:
8 What's Your Why?
113 Unschooling as Your Compass
90 Getting off the Educational Conveyor Belt
Free PDF: Unschooling FAQ
Unschooling Guide: Brainstorm Time!
YouTube Videos:
That Word: UNSCHOOLING!
Deschooling Playlist
What's Your Why?
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Here's your open invitation to give unschooling a try this month!
I have a lot of resources to help you see what it's like.
Here are few mentioned on today's podcast:
Unschooling Guide: Holiday Learning
This mini-magazine will show you all the subjects weaving through typical holiday activities. Once you see this, you won't feel guilty about ditching the curriculum this month!
Mega Collection of Holiday Resources:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/holiday-resources-for-unschoolers
PINTEREST:Holidays: http://www.pinterest.com/umom2mom/holidays/
Winter: https://www.pinterest.com/umom2mom/winter-ideas-for-unschoolers/
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Competition, comparison, and measuring our children may seem natural to us - because that's how we were raised. But maybe it's working against us as we move toward unschooling.
Sue Patterson shares 4 ideas to consider that may help you make a healthier shift for yourself and your kids.
3 other podcasts mentioned:
- What's Your Why?
- Your Own Educational Philosophy
- Your Unschooling Manifesto
Join the Membership Today - No Sign-Up Fee for Podcast Listeners!
You don't have to figure this all out by yourself.
Coaching and community can make all the difference.
READ THE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/resist-the-urge-to-compare
_________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
While we may be a little nervous about this season of get-togethers with friends and family - our kids may need a little help from us.
Prepping ahead of time is the key to success!
This Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast/blogpost will show you how to get everyone out of The Hot Seat!
Unschooling Resources Mentioned
- Black Friday Sales on Courses and Membership
- Unschooling Guide: Critics and Naysayers
- Homeschooled Teens: 75 Young People Speak About Life Without School
- Additional Podcasts and Articles about coping with holiday get-togethersREAD TRANSCRIPT HERE
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
November is the month a lot of people focus on the benefits of Gratitude.
Creating Gratitude Journals is one of the most popular tools.
Some of our kids may love to write and journal while others... not so much!
This podcast is all about seeing the different ways we can use the concept of Gratitude Journals - whether your kids are writers or not!
Here are a few resources mentioned in the podcast:
- 15 Free Gratitude Prompts
- Unschooling Guide: Gratitude
- Unschooling Challenge with the Membership Group
- Unschooling Guide: How Unschoolers Learn to Write
MORE at the WEBSITE!
______________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Are you choosing to unschooling, but your own parents are not embracing it?
Sue Patterson shares what may be going on in this week's Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast!
Go to the website to see the graphic mentioned.
Unschooling Resources
Unschooling Guide: Critics and Naysayers
This PDF Guide will help you as you deal with your own critics.
Creating Confidence Membership Group
Sometimes we need to surround ourselves with other who will be more supportive.
_________________________
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
With Halloween a week away, this episode of the Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast is all about some of the issues that might pop up for us, like:
- Candy consumption
- Big Kids trick-or-treating
- Criticism from people who don't like how we want to do things
If you hop over to the website, you'll see the transcript but also a collection from other unschooling parents:
- Halloween Movies
- Halloween Books
- Link for Pinterest activities
And if you need to surround yourself with other parents who are stepping away from the status quo, you can always hop into my Creating Confidence Membership group! And as a podcast listener, you don't have to pay the $99 sign-up fee! Woohoo! Win-win!
_____________________________
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
When we're not moving in the direction of lesson plans and curriculum, what's an unschooler to do? Brainstorm with the Kids!
That's what we're talking about this week. Here are some of the resources mentioned in this Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast.
Unschooling Resources for You!
Unschooling Guide: Brainstorm Time!
Use this as your planning tool to figure things out WITH the kids!Everything Counts Ebook
A Subject-based PDF identifying typical activities where subjects are actually in practice.
Strewing Podcast #49
In case you need a little more details about how this works!______________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Quick answer: YES!
This week's Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast will walk you through some of the nuances connected with "being legal."
- How to find the laws that apply where you live
- How to interpret the requirements
- How to handle documentation
- How unschoolers "cover" subjects when they're required
- Even Info for International unschoolers
You can read the transcript here:
Is Unschooling Legal?
Resources mentioned in the podcast:
Find Local Groups
Unschooling Mom2Mom Facebook Group
Unschooling Guide: Testing
Unschooling Guide: Record Keeping
Everything Counts Ebook
New Discounted Paperwork Bundle
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Even if you aren't unschooling, these tips will help you see how your homeschooling experience with the kids could be so much better!
Sue Patterson shares nearly 30 years of experience here on this week's podcast, helping you think about what matters and what doesn't really matter TO YOU.
While you'll continue to deshool - because we can't see everything all at once, these ideas will plant some seeds to help you truly individualize the home education process for you and the kids!
⬇️ Here's the transcript, with links to dive deeper on a variety of the tips!
You'll want to bookmark this so you can build up your own confidence.
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/100-tips-for-new-homeschool-moms
💥 Remember that Podcast listeners are able to sign up for the Creating Confidence Membership group WITHOUT paying the sign up fee. 💰 Do that here.
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
People have been referring to unschooling as unparenting for decades - and nothing could be farther from the truth!
When people use the term “unparenting,” they usually mean something like this:
- No assistance or direction from the parents
- Parents who don’t publicly reprimand their kids when they don’t conform socially.
- Parents not enforcing bed times, allowing “back talk,” – not adhering to mainstream parenting techniques
- Kids who seem wild in public, maybe presenting with messy hair/poor hygiene
True UnParenting is neglect – and that’s the opposite of unschooling.
People who are unparenting are ignoring, avoiding and not engaging with their children. Unschoolers fuel their child’s interests.
Unschoolers expose their kids to new opportunities.
Unschooling parents console their kids when things don’t work out.
Unschooling parents become their child'sbiggest source of support and love.
Those are the very things that make unschooling work out – unschooling parents do all of that!
Sue Patterson shares why people may accuse unschoolers of unparenting, offers explanations for this misconception AND solutions to dispel the myth.
SPECIAL DEAL for UNSCHOOLING MOM2MOM PODCAST LISTENERS:
Creating Confidence Membership Group - without the sign up fee!
- 2 group coaching calls every week
- A Supportive community of unschooling parents
- Exclusive Unschooling Resource Library with over 500 PDFs, recordings, discussions, videos, and worksheets - only available to members!
- Access to Sue's nearly 30 years of unschooling/homeschooling experience
Here's the link for the Podcast transcript ____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! - Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Unschooling is widely misunderstood on the internet!
Sue Patterson, who unschooled her own 3 now-grown "kids" shares how to be successful at interpreting unschooling.
Thinking of it as a compass, it points you toward more individualization and more connection as opposed to simply duplicating what is familiar. It's time to rethink how we approach learning, parenting, and kids! This Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast can help you do that!
Unschooling Resources Mentioned:
- Creating Confidence Special Deal for Podcast Listeners
- Unschooling Guide: Brainstorm Time!
- 365 Days of Deschooling
Transcript for this Podcast Link
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
- Creating Confidence Membership Group (Group Coaching)
- Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Just because school has started doesn't mean summer is over!
Unschoolers get to have summer until temperatures show that it really isn't summer any more! No artificial season changes, just because school says so!
In this podcast, we talk about how to get the most out of these very summery September days!
Unschooling Resources Mentioned:
- Rewriting the Rules Podcast/Blogpost or YouTube Video
- Creating Confidence Special Deal for Podcast Listeners
- Unschooling Guide: Brainstorm Time!
- Strewing Calendar
Transcripts for this Podcast HERE
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
- Creating Confidence Membership Group (Group Coaching)
- Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Sometimes it takes a while to get to the point where you try something really unconventional - like unschooling. Time's ticking though - the kids are getting older and doing what's familiar doesn't seem to be working for a lot of people.
You DO have options! This Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast shares how Sue Patterson went from a suburban mom who's kids weren't enjoying school - to 100% confident in the unschooling approach. She didn't do it alone and you don't have to either!
This month, her Creating Confidence Membership group is waiving the sign-up fee! Jump right in - you'll be so glad you did.
Monthly or Annual Options.
You really don't have to duplicate what's familiar. You can truly individualize the education - and the Life! - that you and the kids want!
Learn more about how Sue did this and you can too!
Read the Transcript here
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
- Creating Confidence Membership Group (Group Coaching)
- Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Need a little support during this Back-to-School Season? Or maybe your kids do too!? I have tips for things to do with the kids these first few weeks as neighbors, friends and cousins return to school, tips for YOU as the parent making this choice, and some reminders to help you feel more confident!
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
NOT Back-to-School Webinar
THURSDAY - August 24, 2023 1pm (Central)
Recording will be available and sent to those who register.
Creating Confidence Membership - August Special
Unschooling support for you so you don't have to figure this out alone!
No Sign-Up fee this month, so don't miss out!
Unschooling Guide: Brainstorm Time
Such a great tool to help you dive into the year ahead WITH your kids!
Transcript at the Blog
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
- Creating Confidence Membership Group (Group Coaching)
- Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Today's Bonus Podcast is all about the simple fact that kids really don't have to go to school - or do school at home.
The Back to School season is upon us in full force - so I'm doing a few extra podcasts with encouragement.
I'm including a Back to Basics list to help those who are starting out on the unschooling path - or those who may have missed some details in the beginning of this unconventional journey!
Read along at the website and access all the Unschooling Resources here:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/kids-dont-have-to-go-to-school
__________________
Free NOT Back to School Webinar
August 24, 2023
Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/not-back-to-school-party-tickets-690277708207
_________________
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
- Creating Confidence Membership Group (Group Coaching)
- Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
It's Decision Time! You don't have to walk through this "Back-to-School" season all alone!
This is the first video in our NOT Back-to-School series. Sue Patterson walks you through 3 tips to remember.
Stay tuned, I'll have more this week - so be sure to subscribe so you'll be notified!
I'm offering this here on the podcast as well as at YouTube.
__________________________________________
2 Free PDFs MENTIONED:
Unschooling Essentials
https://unschooling-mom2mom.ck.page/d74b68db83
How Do YOU learn best?
https://unschooling-mom2mom.ck.page/42131ea729
____________________________________________
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES
Creating Confidence Membership group - no sign-up fee during August!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/category/Creating-Confidence-Membership
NOT Back to School Webinar - August 24, 2023
Register Here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/not-back-to-school-party-tickets-690277708207
Getting Started Unschooling (Guide Bundle)
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Getting-Started-Bundle-Mega-Bundle
What's My Why? Podcast #8
Unschooling Guide: NOT Back to School
Unschooling Guide: Brainstorm Time!
Unschooling Guide: New to Unschooling
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
- Creating Confidence Membership Group (Group Coaching)
- Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Whether the Back to School season is bothering your or you just need a little nudge to remember why you're going a different direction from... nearly everyone you know... this Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast offers a little encouragement.
We're "breaking up" with school once and for all. And this is my letter to school, explaining why! 😉
More help for you this week:
Sign up for my email list so we stay connected:
https://unschooling-mom2mom.ck.page/49e159063f
Annual NOT Back to School Webinar:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/not-back-to-school-party-tickets-690277708207
Creating Confidence Membership - sign up fee waived in August!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/category/Creating-Confidence-Membership
Read the transcript
**Watch this on the Unschooling Mom2mom YouTube channel! ❤️
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
- Creating Confidence Membership Group (Group Coaching)
- Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
We have stories in our head about what Kindergarten is SUPPOSED to be like - but what if they're not reality based?
What if you're feeling conflicted about sending your little one off to Kindergarten?
Let's talk about how wonderful it could be for YOU to offer the real world to your little 5 year old! We may have to break down some ideas that we're hanging onto (that aren't reality-based) - but you don't have to do that by yourself!
AND! I created a free PDF for you with 55 Activity Ideas to help you Unschool Kindergarten! Let's get those wheels turning!
Here's the link to grab that:
https://unschooling-mom2mom.ck.page/1d4c825d8e
Also mentioned on the podcast:
Membership Group (so you don't have to do this alone!)
http://www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com/Membership
Podcasts about Play:
- Unschooling and Playtime
- What if All They Want to do is PLAY?
YouTube Version of this podcast
Blogpost with links and transcript
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
- Creating Confidence Membership Group (Group Coaching)
- Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Do you need a permission slip?
Does it make you nervous to just boldly go on out there and do this wildly unconventional approach to educating your children?
That's what we're talking about this week on the Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast. Why are you lacking confidence?
What COULD your life look like?
What could YOUR KIDS' lives look like instead of what you have now?
Yes. I have a permission slip for you over at the blogpost!
I mentioned the 50% discount on the Jumping into Unschooling Courseand theUnschooling Math course - only until the end of July, so don't miss that!
Discount Code: Summer2023
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
- Creating Confidence Membership Group (Group Coaching)
- Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
You've decided you want to unschool - but you sometimes you have some hesitations. What's THAT all about?
That's what we're going to talk about this week on the Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast.
Our own school experiences may actually be a fairly accurate predictors of how much inner resistance we might have!
Knowledge + Support = Unschooling Success!
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Deschooling Information (Playlist on YouTube)
Deschooling Resources at the website
Half Off Sale on Courses:
Jumping Into Unschooling for new unschooling parents
Learning Math Without Curriculum
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
- Creating Confidence Membership Group (Group Coaching)
- Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
... and why would we want to?
Maybe a better title would have been:
Unlearning Our Own School Experienceand
Embracing a Better Way to Learn... for Our Kids
Why is is so hard to get schooly ideas out of our heads - especially all of those that don't really serve us now that our kids aren't in a classroom setting?
Sue Patterson talks about it this week on the Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast.
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
- Creating Confidence Membership Group (Group Coaching)
- Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
I have the PERFECT example of how learning happens from our encounter with a Portuguese Man-O-War this past weekend.
You really don't need to buy curriculum - Real Life gives you one opportunity to learn after another. All you have to do is notice!
AND! Because I know everyone loves a little reassurance, I've created a FREE PDF for you to show you the subjects that I noticed weaving throughout this experience.
You can access that from the webpage:
Subjects Hiding at Seahttps://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/subjects-hiding-at-sea
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
- Creating Confidence Membership Group (Group Coaching)
- Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Why do you feel pulled to use curriculum - even when you like the idea of unschooling or a more relaxed approach to unschooling?
Maybe we're bothered by critics - in Real Life and in our own minds - planting seeds of doubt.
Or maybe it's the general society push and preoccupation with school
Listen to Sue Patterson's quick Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast to understand what could be going on - and how to get past it!
Here's the link to read along AND get links to dive deeper:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/the-curriculum-crutch
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
- Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue
- Creating Confidence Membership Group (Group Coaching)
- Jumping Into Unschooling Course (for new unschoolers)
- Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course (for those worrying about unschooling math!)
- Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
Are you on the fence about what to do?
Are you leaving the school system and unsure which homeschooling method you should choose?
Or maybe you've been homeschooling in a more traditional way and that just isn't working - for you or for the kids!
That's what this episode is all about! I want to help you get some clarity so you can move forward. I have a little workout plan for you - don't worry, nothing too strenuous! But in one week, you'll have be on much steadier ground.
Here's the link where you can find your "free workout" :
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/considering-unschooling
And if you need more Unschooling Information or Support:
- Private Coaching with Sue Patterson
- Group Coaching through the Creating Confidence Membership Program
- Jumping Into Unschooling Course
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Parents who want to move from confusion about unschooling to confidence will be on a curious path!
This episode of the Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast shares some obstacles that you may bump into - and how to overcome them!
You can read the transcript here:
Confusion to ConfidenceAnd if you'd like more support on your own Unschooling Journey, here are some of the resources mentioned:
Creating Confidence Membership Group
Podcast: Emotional Roller Coaster and Skeptical Kids
Podcast: Are Your Kids Worried about Unschooling?
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Learn deschooling tips from Sue Patterson on this episode of the Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast. She provides specific practical suggestions for how to deschool when you're leaving the school system or leaving a more traditional approach to homeschooling.
Join the Creating Confidence Membership groupas we talk about deschooling this month and use the new Deschooling Challenge for June!
Or bypass the membership and sign up for the Deschooling Challenge here.
Deschooling Challenge.
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Questions keep rolling in after our Unschooling Q & A Webinar last week. So we'll answer two of them this week on the podcast:
1) What do you do about the emotional roller coaster new unschoolers ride when they're just beginning the homeschooling path?
and
2) What do you do about kids who are used to being told what to do and can't figure out how they're going to learn anything with this unschooling approach?
Good questions, right?
I'll tackle them with you - and it's also over here at the blogpost where I'll also give you a few more resources to dive deeper.
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/unschooling-questions-parents-kids
As always, get support in my membership every single day:
Creating Confidence Membership (only $49/month)
Or hop on a coaching call with me and I'll help you figure out your next steps:
Private Coaching with Sue Patterson
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Are you new to home education and looking for some clarifications about the difference between "homeschooling" and "unschooling?"
This quick Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast will help you get the answers you're looking for. No more wondering if what you're hearing is correct!
A few more UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES you'll want:
Ultimate Unschooling Q & A- free webinar on May 18!
- Jumping Into Unschooling Course
- Learning Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
- Creating Confidence Membership - group coaching
- 1:1 Coaching with Sue
Transcript Link
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
2 Free Downloadable PDFs are here at the website:
Mother's Day Resources
Support the Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast!
On Patreon
Upcoming Free Webinar (May 18, 2023)
The Ultimate Unschooling Q & A
More Community and Coaching from Sue:Creating Confidence Membership Group
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Do you like the idea of unschooling, but you worry your kids will have gaps in their education?
That's the topic for this week's Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast with Sue Patterson.
Bonus: I'll show you concrete examples of how May 4th - Star Wars Day - brings in sooo much learning. Don't miss this!
It's all at the blogpost too: Unschooling & Learning Gaps
Deschooling Tool: Strewing Calendar
So many families have asked HOW to get past these fears - and even how to see the learning that weaves through their kids daily lives. I've added that component to the the Strewing Calendar subscription! Each day, we identify something to celebrate. It could be historical, pop culture, animals, food - anything! Subscribers receive a downloadable/ printable calendar with links to explore more. And NOW, they have access to a special subscribers-only portal with LEARNING OBJECTIVES associated with each fun celebration! All for only $5/month - less if you subscribe for a year!
Unschooling Courses:
- How to Unschool
- Learning Math without Curriculum!
Membership Group
- Group coaching
- Unschooling Community
- Huge Library of Resources
Unschooling Guides
$15 mini-magazines tackling one fear at a time!
Please consider supporting the Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast at Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/UnschoolingMom2Mom
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
When we first started our unschooling adventure, I picked the brains of any homeschooling parents I could find. Learning from those who have done this - my own kids are now 34, 32, and 29 - is the key to unschooling success. Why reinvent the wheel when I have tons of resources to help you figure this all out! Like...
Creating Confidence Membership Group
Packages and monthly payments available.
Learning Math without a Curriculum
The course to help you see how to unschool math!
Jumping Into Unschooling
The course for parents new to unschooling
Unschooling Guides
Specific topics you're worried about in little mini-magazines
1:1 Coaching with Sue Patterson
Let's get you on the path as quickly as possible!
Transcript & Resource Links for this Podcast:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/the-key-to-unschooling-success-getting-the-support-you-need
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
We have really gotten the cart before the horse when it comes to testing.
Test scores matter more than whether anyone is actually learning!
Unless you unschool!
Or unless you dare to think a little differently from the rest of society.
In this Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast, Sue Patterson shares answers to typical questions like:
1) Testing is a Fact of Life - the kids need to do it.
2) How will you know what they've learned if you don't test them?
3) How will you know if they're behind?
And a Bonus!
Do you feel like their test results are really YOUR evaluation?
Let's talk through these!
Dive Deeper with These Resources:Unschooling Guide: About Testing
Creating Confidence Membership Group
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Would you like to know more about how to unschool math?
Maybe your kids are resisting the currriculum or school approach to math?
Sue Patterson shares unschooling secrets here in this first episode of the 3rd season of the Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast!
Sue's New Unschooling Course:
Learning Math WITHOUT Curriculum
Free PDF: Fun ways to Learn Math
Membership Group for more Support:Creating Confidence Transcript/More Resources:How to Unschool Math without a Curriculum
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Are you and the kids moving along with your current educational choice - but not that happy with it? This Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast wraps up Season 2 with Sue giving 4 tips to help you get off that conveyor belt!
**Some of the Unschooling Resource Links mentioned:
Podcast #55: What My Unschooled Kids Never Learned Most Popular Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcasts:**
- What IS Unschooling?
- Unschooling and Math
- 7 Tips to Get Started Unschooling
Best Way to get Unschooling Support:
Creating Confidence Membership Group
Talk to Sue Patterson
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
This is the time of year where homeschooling parents are busy making plans for next year. And that can lead to some uncomfortable park days or conversations on facebook for unschoolers.
So let's tackle why that is so problematic, and what we can do to resist wasting all that money on curriculum!
Membership
If you need more unschooling support, please join us in the Creating Confidence Membership group. You really don't have to do this alone!
Jumping Into Unschooling
If you want to unschool, but feel a little lost on what that actually means, I have the perfect course for you!
A few more Unschooling resources to help you:
- Myths about Unschooling
- What's Your Why? (podcast @blog)
- Facts vs Fiction (video at YouTube)
Here's the podcast with extra links:
Surviving the Curriculum Season... as Unschoolers
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Unschooling moms are smiling everywhere, as Marie Kondo shifts gears about tidying up now that she has three kids.
We knew it was unsustainable.
For unschooling parents who have kids underfoot all day long, diving into projects and strewing their stuff all over the house... let's just say that carefully folded socks do not tend to rise to the top of the priority list!
Why I'm bringing this up on an unschooling podcast is because Marie's new focus is about shifting perspectives, prioritizing relationships and focusing on what matters. Now she's speaking our language!
I've also included a bit written by Shannon Loucks about our houses being a mess.
It's lovely - you won't want to miss that - and it's linked at the blogpost/transcript.
And if you're interested in more from Shannon, her book is available:
Love More: 50 Ways to Build Joy into Childhood.
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES:Creating Confidence Membership group- where parents are sharing how to get more confident with this unconventional way of NOT duplicating school! Coaching calls, a huge members-only library packed with resources, a wonderfully supportive unschooling community - you should join us!
Unschooling Updates - Weekly emails full of unschooling ideas, resource links, and inspiration from me! My free email list will help us stay connected!
Here's the link to the podcast transcript with a few more resource links.
What Sparks Joy? Unschoolers Knew...
WAYS TO SHOW LOVE
... for the Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast:
- Leave a 5-Star Review! 🥰
- Join my Patreon (Only $5/month!) 🌻
- Buy me a coffee! ☕️
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
If you're thinking that unschooling is expensive, let me set your mind at ease! This podcast is ALL about moving away from schoolish thinking and seeing all the low-cost and FREE options available for your kids to learn!
I even have a FREE PDF for you!
40 Ideas to Unschool on a Budget Hop over to the blog to read along:Unschooling on a Limited Budget Join the email list to hear about discounts to unschooling resources:Subscribe to Unschooling Updates AND! If you're seeing this in January 2023,You can save 50% off the new unschooler course:JUMPING INTO UNSCHOOLING only $99!
Use the discount code: SUBSCRIBERS
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Ready for 2023?
Let's talk about how to brainstorm with the kids and make plans that everyone will love!
Here's the link to the Brainstorming tool I mentioned in the podcast:
Brainstorming Time
If you'd still like to look back at 2022 to see what you'd like to bring with you into the new year, here are a couple of tools to help you:
New Year's Workbook - an unschooling resource to help you see all the progress that was made last year. It might be just the reassurance you need as you plan ahead.
Video Interviews - Get the kids going with talking with family members about favorites and memories - on video! So fun!
All three of these resources are on sale as a bundle until January 15:
Discounted January Bundle And ALL of it - including personal help from me throughout the week - can be yours!Join us in the Creating Confidence Membership Group!
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
As we wrap up 2022, let's reflect on the successes and challenges we've faced - and even overcome this past year!
Taking a little time to review allows you to learn from what worked and what didn't. It helps you move forward with intention. Sure, unschoolers leave a lot of room for flexibility and pivoting! But having this information will give you some ideas - and it may even remind you of how great the year actually was!
This podcast gives you a lot of questions to ask yourself.
And also some tools to help you:
- Your New Year's Guide - a workbook
- New Year's Video Interview Guide
- Brainstorm Time - Planning out the next few months!
One-to-One Coaching - get answers to your questions or help for challenges!
Discounted Coaching Calls with Sue Patterson through January 1st.
Creating Confidence Membership - Group Coaching for Unschooling Parents
Read the transcript
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Sue Patterson shares 5 strategies to help homeschooling and unschooling parents decrease the stress and enjoy their families - during the holidays or ANY TIME stress starts to feel overwhelming.
After raising 3 unschooled kids of her own, Sue knows what it's like in the parenting trenches! Focusing on these five areas will really help you!
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES
Unschooling Guide: Stressed Out
Unschooling Guide: Holiday Learning
Creating Confidence Membership
Pinterest Board: Self Care
Transcript/Links at the Unschooling Mom2Mom website:
5 Strategies to Get Rid of Holiday Stress
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
What does it take to unschool?
Sue Patterson shares 3 stumbling blocks parents have to overcome to successfully unschool. Or at least, to get the most benefit from it!
Sue's Unschooling Resources
Creating Confidence Membership
Learning how to conquer obstacles like these is often best done in community with other unschooling parents working on the same objective.
Private Coaching with Sue
Sometimes we have questions that we'd like answers to - Sue can help!
Read the 3 Stumbling Blocks with the Podcast Transcript here:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/what-does-it-take-to-unschool-3-common-stumbling-blocks
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Are you dreading the questions that are sure to come up at the upcoming holiday gatherings? Here are some solution-focused ideas that might help calm your nerves and help you move through these events with ease.
Links mentioned in the podcast:
- Past Podcast about Coping with Critics (Season 1, Ep 44)
- Creating Confidence membership group
- Macy's Day Parade Videos
Transcript with links:
Coping with Holiday Get Togethers - as Unschoolers
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Michael Patterson, Sue's son, shares some thoughts about some of the community service projects he and his family participated in as he was growing up.
And it didn't stop there!
This is the first Guest Podcast for Unschooling Mom2Mom - hope you like it!
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES for YOU
Creating Confidence Membership Group
Join other parents sharing ideas and getting encouragement!
Jumping Into Unschooling Course
Get that strong unschooling foundation - in just a couple days!
Read transcript (and see a photo of Michael & Sue recording this!)
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/heroes-in-training
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Do you hear that from people?
Do you think it yourself?
Let's look at why you might NOT be fine after 12 years in school.
No, I'm not hating on school. But I'm not sweeping the problems under the rug either.
Let me know what you think in the blog comments - or wherever you're listening.
NEED UNSCHOOLING SUPPORT?I can help you!
Creating Confidence Membership
Join my coaching group for ongoing support, inspiration and encouragement.
Jumping Into Unschooling
Create a strong unschooling foundation on your own through this fabulous course.
Read the transcript at the blog
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Looking for that perfect homeschooling curriculum?
Unschoolers create curriculum through brainstorming with their kids.
You can too!
Sue Patterson shares why it's a good idea in this quick unschooling pep talk podcast!
Here are some of the tools she mentions:
Brainstorming Guide:https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Brainstorm
Creating Confidence Membership Group:
http://www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com/membership
Unschooling Mom2Mom website:
http://www.UnschoolingMom2mom
Not Mentioned, but good to look back to:
Past Podcast: Unschooling Curriculum
Reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!
www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
Maybe they're afraid they're not going to know what they need to know.
Or maybe they wonder why you've shifted gears and now all those things that used to matter with school or traditional homeschooling, doesn't seem to matter any more!
It's important to talk with the kids and explain how you're choosing this approach intentionally. Let's talk about about how to do this here in the podcast.
Join the Membership GroupIf you're needing helping finding the subjects weaving through every day life, join my membership group. I help parents figure out which subjects are happening in the every day lives of your kids! When we can help you get past the fear, this will all be easier to see.
Jumping into Unschooling Course
Maybe you like the organization of a class to help you create a strong unschooling foundation. That's what I've created for you! Here's the link to read along while you listen:https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/are-the-kids-concerned
Parents want to know what to do when their kids are only interested in playing make-believe or pretend play with their toys. They wonder when the "Real Learning" is going to start.
Sue Patterson, Unschooling Mom2Mom, answers parents by sharing the subjects that are often weaving throughout this imaginative playtime. Kids really are hard-wired to learn, but we may need a little help SEEING what's going on under the surface.
Get more help from Sue and see the learning that's happening throughout your child's day:
Join the Creating Confidence Membership Group
In addition to coaching calls where we talk about this (and other questions parents have) , our private membership portal offers more resources to help you reframe the way you're seeing learning.
1:1 Coaching with Sue Patterson
Maybe groups aren't your thing - or you just can't fit it into your schedule! We can set up a coaching call to conquer your fears!
Jumping Into Unschooling
Maybe you'd like a systematic approach to creating a strong unschooling foundation.
This is the course for you!
This Podcast (with the graphic Sue refers to,) is here.
Worried about your kids use of technology and screens? Sue Patterson helps you understand how to see it through an unschooling lens.
You can read the transcript here:
Technology and Your Kids
If you need more help with this, Sue offers a variety of resources:
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
- Jumping Into Unschooling Course
- Unschooling Guide: Technology
Unschooling Mom2Mom Website
If we've decided to unschool, we may see value in applying many of these principles to parenting too.
The mainstream familiar way most of us recognize, actually works against parents in so many ways. Because it’s so focused on control and fear - fear that the kids will do something wrong or that we’ll be considered a bad mom or dad - we shouldn’t be too surprised that it starts the ball rolling in a negative direction.
Let's talk about ways to shift this in meaningful way - that will actually work!
**UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES:
Free NOT Back to School Webinar*Register here* Creating Confidence Membership Group*Join us here* Jumping Into Unschooling Course*Price goes up at the end of the month - so grab it now!* This Transcript:**https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/what-about-unschooling-and-parenting
Let's talk about what these first few weeks of unschooling are going to look like - for you and for the kids.
I have a Free Unschooling Checklist Challenge - especially for those of you who are new to unschooling! It's a 7-day email series to walk you through these first few steps. Each day, we'll talk about something you need as you get started, I'll give you a couple of action steps and a PDF. We'll do it togther!
Sign up for the Free Challenge here.
This link will take you to the (newly designed!) website with the transcript and a few more resources: Unschooling, Now What?
Creating Confidence membership is still the best way to grow your confidence! Benefits include a huge library of members-only resources (including a lot of Unschooling Guides and pieces of Guides), group coaching calls with me, and a variety of ways to connect with this wonderfully supportive community.
Are you one of those parents who are reluctantly sending their kids off to school?
Imagine me whispering, "Don't Do It!"
In this podcast, I'm talking about some of the reasons people might ignore their gut and send the kids off to school - and letting you know that you DO have options.
Unschooling really DOES work - I can help you figure out what to do INSTEAD of School!
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES
Creating ConfidenceMembershipGet coaching, community and a huge library of unschooling resources made for Sue's Membership Group
Jumping Into Unschooling Course
The price is going up in September, so grab it now!
Free Email List - Unschooling Updates Website: Unschooling Mom2Mom
What about unschooling and parents of pre-schoolers?
Are you facing a lot of pressure as you're trying to choose what's best for your little ones?
Even if you DON'T end up unschooling, delaying academics is proving to be a much better option for kids. Don't duplicate school just because it's familiar!
Let's talk a bit about what's going on when you're parenting little ones, and how to get support if you're opting for something like unschooling.
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES:
- Research about Pre-School & Play-based approaches
- 10 Tips for Unschooling Preschoolers
- Transcript for this Podcast with more resource links
Creating Confidence Membership Group
You don't have to do this alone!Unschooling Updates Sue Patterson's free emails
What do you do when your teen hates school - and anything that seems even a little bit "educational?" In this episode of the podcast, Sue Patterson shares how and why the unschooling approach is perfect for this!
The BEST resource to grab - especially if you as the parent keep leaning toward wanting to duplicate school is The Unschooling Guide: Brainstorm Time. Use it as a planner with your teens. Nothing "schoolish" in here - but it's the start to living a full rich life! And that's where you'll find that learning happens every single day! Without power struggles!
Needing the support of a community?
Creating Confidence Membership Group is awesome!
Looking for a DIY way to explore unschooling?
Jumping into Unschooling Course
JULY SALE! Save $50 by using the code: JULY
Sue's Book!
Homeschooled Teens: 75 Young People Speak about Their Lives Without School
Are you having a little trouble with connecting with your kids?
Could your relationship stand some improvements?
Connecting with your kids is a big component of successful unschooling - but it's something every parent can do a little better with. Sue Patterson shares some practical tips for how little changes can have a big impact!
Use the Conversation Starter Cards
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/conversation-starter-cards/
Or brainstorm with other unschooling parents in Sue's private unschooling group.
Creating Confidence Membership Group
http://www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com/membership
Here's the link to see the transcript at the Unschooling Mom2Mom blog:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/connecting-with-your-kids/
Lots of parents like some aspects of unschooling and other aspects of traditional schooling. Can that work out somehow? Let's talk about it!
MORE UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES
- www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
- Past Podcasts
- Set Up a call with Sue Patterson
- Join Sue's Membership Group
- Take the Jumping Into Unschooling Course
Podcast Transcript here:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/can-you-be-almost-unschooling/
When unschoolers say, "We follow our kids' interests," how does that even work?
Sue Patterson, homeschooling mom of 25+ years and Unschooling Mom2Mom founder, shares how following your child's interests is the starting place for unschooling families!
Listen to the podcast and then send your questions here for Sue to follow up with you!
https://airtable.com/shrB2QujGuODq4DEa
MORE UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES:
Unschooling Updates - free emails with inspiration and resources
Creating Confidence Membership - group coaching in a private unschooling community
Brainstorming Time - Sue's Unschooling Guide to help you find ways to connect and create learning experiences with your kids
Unschooling Mom2Mom WebsitePast Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcasts
Unschooling Mom2Mom is giving a nod to all the fathers out there!
Hoping you enjoy and connect with your kids!
Unschooling Resources connected with this podcast:
Transcript: Unschooling and Father's Day
Conversation Starter Cards Podcast: When Dad's Not Onboard with Unschooling Blogpost: An Unschooling Dad Looks BackCreating Confidence Membership Groupwhen it helps to figure this all out in a community of supportive unschooling parents!
How about Unschooling this summer?
I don't mean drop the kids off at the pool and pick them up at the end of the day.
I'm talking about REALLY unschooling. Being intentional. Learning about how to do it and going "all in."
I have suggestions in the podcast and more links to help you along! You can do it!! You'll be glad you did - maybe you'll even like it BEYOND the Summertime!
Unschooling Resources:
- Unschooling Updates Email List
- Creating Confidence Membership Group
- Jumping Into Unschooling Course
- Blogpost with even MORE resources!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/unschooling-this-summer
In Podcast #34, I gave Pros and Cons for Unschooling.But a listener notice that while I gave a lot of benefits for kids who are unschooled, I didn't mention the benefits that PARENTS get when they choose to unschool their kids.
So that's where we're going this week.
What are all the perks moms and dads will receive when they unschool their kids?
I have listed 10 - and I'm sure there are more!
Tell me at the blog or anywhere that allows you to leave comments.
You can always submit a follow up question or share your thoughts here:
Q4Sue form Diving Deeper for Unschooling Support:
- If you're looking for ways to grow your confidence in unschooling, it's time to join us in the membership group! More about the Creating Confidence Membership.
- Create a strong unschooling foundation by taking the Jumping Into Unschooling Course.
Past podcasts are all listed here too, with links to the blogposts associated with them. Some have additional PDFs, so be sure to check them out!
Past Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcasts
When you dive into homeschooling, but the kids resist or it just doesn't go the way you thought it would... parents often turn to unschooling.
Actually, this is often The Evolution of the Unschooler! 😉
So you're not alone.
The more traditional homeschooling approach is what's most familiar - and most families start there. Let's talk about what it would take to move toward unschooling. You'll be glad you did!
Unschooling Resources
- The Facts & Fiction about Unschooling over at the Unschooling Mom2Mom channel.
I’d love it if you’d check that out, subscribe, do all the things. - More about Deschooling
- Creating Confidence Membership
- Jumping Into Unschooling Course
FREE PDF to help you dive deeper!Subscribe to Unschooling Updates - free weekly emails with more unschooling resources!
See the transcript for this podcast - here at the Unschooling Mom2Mom Blog
Do you like the idea of unschooling, but are fearful about other parts?
This podcast can help you tackle some of the common fears that arise when you're considering unschooling. Like:
- You're worried they won't learn what they need to be functioning adults.
- You're worried they'll never learn academics.
- You're worried they won't have any friends.
- You're worried this choice will screw up their career options.
- You're worried they'll hate you when they grow up and feel you made a bad choice.
Sue Patterson shares some reassuring information about how unschooling can work for you - without these fears ever actually happening. Fear makes us play small and keeps us from a fabulous life. Let's overcome them so you can be the parent you want to be and help your family enjoy each other!
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES:
Sue's Membership Group: Creating Confidence Unschooling Guides:Academics BundleSocialization Homeschooled Teens: 75 Young People Speak about Their Lives without School (book)Private 1:1 Coaching Read along at the blog:
Unschooling - What Are You Afraid of?
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/unschooling-what-are-you-afraid-of/
Send your questions here for future podcasts:
Q4SUE:
https://airtable.com/shrB2QujGuODq4DEa
THIS video has the 4 questions you were hoping to see in the recording.
🌻 Talking to Kids about Unschooling
🌻 What about Kindergarten?
🌻 Unschooling and Neurodivergent Kids
🌻 Finding locals
❓ Question #1 Resources:
🌻 Unschooling Mom2Mom website:
http://www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
🎥 That Word, Unschooling
https://youtu.be/TWNBKikifco
💡 Unschooling Guide: New to Unschooling
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/new-to-unschooling/
💡 Unschooling Guide: Deschooling
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/deschooling/
❓ Question #2 Resources:
Unschooling Kindergarten
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/unschooling-kindergarten/
🎙Podcast #36: Unschooling Playtime
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/unschooling-and-playtime/
🎙Podcast #7: Teaching, Learning & Unschooling
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/reframing-teaching-learning-unschooling-partnership/
💡 Unschooling Guide: Critics & Naysayers
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/critics-and-naysayers/
❓ Question #3 Resources:
➡️ FB Group: Unschooling Every Family: Embracing Neurodivergent and Disabled Learners
https://www.facebook.com/groups/unschoolingeveryfamily
➡️ FB Group: Unschooling Disabled Learners
https://www.facebook.com/groups/972568726544814
🎙Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast #37 - Unschooling Disabled Kids
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/unschooling-kids-with-special-needs/
❓ Question #4 Resources:
🎙Podcast #27: Finding or Building Community
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/unschooling-community/
🔎 Finding Local Groups (at the website)
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/find-local-groups/
🔎 Finding Locals at Unschooling Mom2Mom FB group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/UnschoolingMom2Mom/learning_content
✅ Join Sue's Creating Confidence Coaching Group
http://www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com/membership
✅ Jumping Into Unschooling Course
https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/jumping-into-unschooling
This week is Mothers’s Day. And since the podcast is Unschooling Mom2Mom, I thought it’s important to talk about it a little. I actually have a collection of writings about Mother’s Day:
- Anticipating Mother's Day Podcast/Blogpost
- Mother's Day 2020 blogpost
- Pinterest Board - Mother's Day Memes & Such
AND! I have some free printables for you - ways to help your kids connect with this Mother's Day concept without any mention of school!
Grab the Mother's Day PDF here:
https://unschooling-mom2mom.ck.page/e76330687c
The post from Mother’s Day 2020 has a lot of interesting links - all focusing a bit on the HYPE of Mother’s Day. Because, you know, Mother’s Day didn’t start out this way. The founder, Anna Jarvis, is probably rolling over in her grave because this is NOT what she had in mind.
And, like all holidays, they can be triggering. We see these beautiful Instagram posts and then we look over and our kids have forgotten. Especially if you’re a single mom and no one is helping your child plan ahead for this “Big Day.” Or maybe we’re reminded that our own mothers aren’t here or weren’t that great when they were.
So if you need to scroll on past Mother’s Day, do you!
Seriously.
It’s not worth putting undue pressure on anyone.
Because really, appreciation is an inside job. You do what you do because that’s how you want to parent. It’s how you want to mother. Not to get flowers or feedback from anyone else that you’re doing a good job. YOU determine if you like the job you’re doing. That’s a lot of that People Pleasing that's been conditioned into us. Also it's that school-induced idea about “showing your work,” or it-doesn’t-count-unless-it’s-externally-praised.
Isn’t it time to let THAT go??
I also wanted to talk a little about being THAT mom. You know the one. The one who gets the side eye from friends and relatives. The one who marches to her own beat. And if you’re unschooling, partnering with your kids as you’re navigating this Parenting Thing, odds are, you’re the one they’re talking about.
I'll share some specifics about raising my own 3 unschoolers on the podcast with more at the blogpost. Are you THAT mom too? Tell us in the comments here:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/mothers-day-and-that-mom/
Creating Confidence Membership
If you need to surround yourself with other parents who are prioritizing partnering with their kids, you'll love the support in my private coaching group. So many awesome resources too. It's a month-by-month plan, so stay as long as you'd like!
Unschooling Updates
Getting on my free email list will bring unschooling resources to your inbox!
Let's stay connected!
After years of saying there's no formula for successful unschooling, I've discovered there actually is!!! And now I can share it with you!
Knowledge + Support + Action = Success!
And here's the best resource to help you:
Creating Confidence Membership Group
- Members-only library of unschooling resources
- Group coaching calls where you can ask questions and get support from me
- A private community of unschooling parents helping each other along the way.
Take action!
Get the information and support you need - stay as long as you like.
No long time commitments.
See you over there!
OR we could call this...
STEP AWAY FROM THE CURRICULUM!!!
When you're new, it's not uncommon to focus on curriculum purchases or ways to teach your kids all kinds of cool things! And if you're in homeschooling communities, this time of year is really buzzing about what to buy for next year!
I want to let you know that rushing out to buy that curriculum is the biggest mistake I see when you're new! Whether you are homeschooling or unschooling - or anything in between.
This podcast will walk you through what the problem is - and how to avoid the mistake!
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES
8 Mistakes New Unschoolers Make (YouTube Video)
Jumping Into Unschooling Course
When you need the details for how to make this work!
Creating Confidence Membership Group
When you need more support as you step into this unconventional approach to learning.
Q4Sue Form
For your unschooling questions!
Unschooling Updates
My weekly email to keep us connected
You Can Do This!! And I have so many ways to get you the support you need to be successful over at the website: Unschooling Mom2Mom
Each Friday, I'm bringing a few of YOUR questions to the Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast!
This week, here are the topic questions:
- Do we nudge our 13.5 who doesn't seem very motivated or goal-oriented?
- What about a 3.5 year old who is struggling with food choices?
- What are your thoughts about starting an Unschooling School - why didn't you?
This is also over at YouTube, if you'd like to see it there.
https://youtu.be/gTpbA7Nd11k
Some of Unschooling Resources Mentioned:
Creating Confidence Membership
When you need more unschooling support from me and a private community of unschooling parents!
Unschooling Guide: Strewing
Unschooling Guide: Learning to Write
Jumping Into Unschooling Course
When you're ready to be successful at unschooling!
Radical Unschooling - Parenting FUTURE QUESTIONS:Q4Sue Formhttps://airtable.com/shrB2QujGuODq4DEa
Let's identify 9 causes that may be making you feel stressed or even burnt out. I'll give you some solutions here in the podcast and resources to help you dive deeper.
Unschooling Guide: Stressed Out
Creating Confidence Membership Group
Subscribe to Unschooling Updates - my free emails.
Transcript with even MORE links at the website: HEREhttps://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/stressed-out-as-unschoolers/
Did you like this episode? You can always buy me a cup of coffee to keep going!
Buy Sue a Coffee
A lot of people are not crazy about the word, Unschooling!
Do you like the idea of Unschooling, but wish the word was... something else?
I've gathered a lot of options for you - as well as explaining why you might want to actually use the word.
Come listen - you may find some ways to refer to what you're doing without using the label at all!
The transcript is in blogpost form here:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/that-word-unschooling/
Need an unschooling community? Join us!
Creating Confidence Membership Want Free Unschooling Resources?Subscribe to Unschooling Updates
Do you wonder if your kids will miss out on something important if you unschool them?
Sue Patterson shares what her 3 now-grown kids never learned! 😬
All because they chose to unschool!
- Read the list at the website: https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/unschooled-kids-never-learned/
- Join Sue's Coaching Group:
Creating Confidence Membership - Get Sue's Unschooling Updates as weekly emails - don't miss out on great unschooling resources each week! Subscribe here.
Or just buy her a coffee! ☕️
A Manifesto helps us get clear on what we believe.
This kind of clarity about unschooling will help you weather the storms that come your way - your own doubts, criticism from others, bad days.
Grab a notebook and let's see if I can help you create your own!
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES
So many at the website - correlating with the different topics of this manifesto
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/unschooling-manifesto/ Join the Creating Confidence Membership GroupYou don't have to do this alone! Jumping Into Unschooling The course that will REALLY strengthen your foundation!
And what do we want to do for Season 2 here at the Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast?
Unschooling Resources from Sue:
Membership - for those who want a supportive community and group coaching.
Course - for those who want to create strong unschooling foundation
Guides - for individual topics and issues parents face when choosing to unschool
Buy Me a Coffee! - if you like the podcast and would like to see it continue ad-free!
Hygge and Unschooling have a lot in common!
Let's look at it and learn from the Danes!
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES
Sue's Membership Group
For ongoing support and resources!
Unschooling Guide: Unschooling Your HomeRoom by room tips to help you create a fabulous unschooling home!
Transcript here:
Hygge for Unschoolers
So many parents worry that their kids are on their electronics too much.
They've read all the social media posts and they think their kids my be addicted to their screens.
Is this something you're thinking? And then when we add in the added layer of liking the unschooling concepts - how will that fit in with your kids and their fascination with their video games or their phones???
I can help you figure this out! Odds are, they're not addicted at all. But you're going to need to look at things a little differently.
After 25 years of unschooling - and seeing countless kids playing with technology - I'm here to share what I've seen that will help your situation. Let's dive in!
Read the transcript:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/addicted-to-technology/
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES
In the podcast, I mentioned a couple of resources. I want to be sure you have the links:
Unschooling Guide: Technology
This Guide will help you see where you could make little changes to see HUGE improvements in your lives. So many families have loved it.
Creating Confidence Membership Group
Could you use some other parents who are walking on this same path? Sometimes our local communities don't have a lot of unschoolers to bounce ideas around with. With 3 group zoom calls a week and ongoing coaching from Sue Patterson - this is an awesome option. Click to find out more about it!
What IS holding you back from unschooling?
It's fear of... something!
But let's tackle that together. What can you do to conquer those fears?
I'll help you in this week's podcast!
Unschooling Resources Mentioned
Q4Sue - a form for asking questions
https://airtable.com/shrB2QujGuODq4DEa
Creating Confidence Membership
You really don't have to do this alone!
http://www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com/membership
Unschooling Mom2Mom website
Answers for all your unschooling/deschooling questions.
Have you heard the term "strewing?" and wondered how it relates to unschooling?
Maybe you're not really sure how or why you might want to incorporate a little strewing into your homeschooling lives.
This is the podcast for you! I'll help you see what strewing is - and what it isn't!
This quick pep talk podcast will show you how to strew and help you understand what's going on when you do!
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES
...if you'd like to dive a little deeper with more suggestions and/or support
Unschooling Guide: Strewing
Unschooling Guide: Deschooling
Creating Confidence Membership Group
A Q4Sue
Are you just getting started unschooling or maybe you need a quick refresher of what you could be doing?
Here are 7 things to do when you're not using curriculum and trying to figure out what you should be doing to be successful!
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES FROM SUE!
Creating Confidence Membership Group
You don't have to do this alone!
Strewing Calendar
Fun celebrations for every day!
Brainstorming Guide
Let's look at what might be fun things to do together!
Deschooling GuideDon't skip the deschooling phase! This Unschooling Guide will walk you through it!
More resources at the Unschooling Mom2Mom.com website:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/how-do-i-start-unschooling/
Take a few minutes to look back at 2021 and notice all the learning that actually happened. It's so easy to overlook, and let fear focus on places we've come up short.
In this podcast, I have 5 questions you can ask yourself to gain some clarity.
And her are some tools to help you along the way:
New Year's Workbook... for Unschoolers
A planner-style workbook - but for looking back and noticing all the progress!
Brainstorming Guide
What are the activities you or the kids might enjoy in 2022? This Guide will help you.
Creating Confidence Membership Group
No Sign-Up fee if you subscribe in December! Save this week!
Jumping Into Unschooling
Podcast listeners can save $50 off the regular price! Use Discount Code: UM2M50
Are your days feeling a little ho-hum? Or worse?
Is that rubbing off on the kids too?
This simple technique will help change the trajectory of your day!
And if you keep it up, it could be your new habit!
Join me on this quick PepTalk Podcast as think about what it means to add a little sparkle to your days!
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES
Jumping Into Unschooling Course
On sale through the end of this month ($50 off!)
Use discount code: Subs50
Need more support? Maybe more community too?
Join Sue's Membership group. Only $49/month with coaching calls, and an enormous library of members-only resources!
For some people - December can be so exciting. You get to decorate or celebrate your family’s traditions.
For others, IT IS STRESSFUL. You’re already adding onto a pretty full plate.
Maybe you're "almost" unschooling or unschooling some subjects but not others.
What if you try Unschooling for December only as an experiment?
Taking a month to unschool - leaning in toward your children - will be such a great thing.
On so many levels. You have your kids home with you because you want a better life together. Sometimes we have to reframe some of that old thinking that creeps in.
This podcast will give you some action steps to help you. And I have more resources specific to the holidays below.
Let me know if you try unschooling for December!
SUE'S UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES
De-Stress the Mess: 5-Day Challenge
Practical solutions to conquering the mess in your home - which will definitely decrease the stress level! (FULL)
Creating Confidence Membership Group
You don't have to do this alone - this can be a lifeline to try this approach with others who are doing the same thing!
Unschooling Guide: The HolidaysNoticing all the learning that happens with various holiday activities will decrease your anxiety about unschooling - at least through December!
This guide will give you the specifics you're looking for.
Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving this week or not, you're inevitably going to find yourself in the hot seat at some point with friends and family. I'm sharing some conversational tips and techniques to help those interactions go smoothly!
This podcast also gives a few tips to help your kids through the holidays too.
UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES FROM SUE:
Creating Confidence Membership
Just the hand-holding you need!
Critics & Naysayers Unschooling GuideThis PDF is perfect for those DIY types who'd like to dive a little deeper into handling those relatives!
(This $15 Guide is free for members this month - including some video walk-throughs from me!)Jumping Into Unschooling Course
$50 off this week! Use the discount code: UM2M50
In this podcast, I'll tie unschooling in with gratitude. It can really make all the difference when it comes to your success with unschooling!
As parents, our mental attitude has an enormous impact on the kids at home with us. Let's see what we can do to model gratitude. We do, after all, want to see it in our kids, right? How are you doing with giving them a good example of being grateful for the positive things happening every day?
Do you need a little help refocusing on Gratitude? Here are some resources for you:
Unschooling Guide: Gratitude
Only available in November! This guide is FULL of ways to help reframe your mind about gratitude and strategies for how to do this at your house!
Creating Confidence Membership
Focusing on articles, activities, and ways to bring a little more gratitude into our lives! Together with other unschooling parents - and me! Join us!
Gratitude - at Pinterest
Gratitude - at Instagram
How DO unschoolers learn to spell without weekly spelling lists to memorize??
And what do you do when you see that your child isn't a good speller?
This week, we'll talk about some ideas to keep in the front of your mind, some suggestions to help improve spelling, and I'll tell you about my son's journey from being terrible at spelling to getting his MBA.
___UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES___
Jumping Into Unschooling CourseCreating Confidence MembershipPrivate Coaching Read the transcript with links to resources here.https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/how-do-unschoolers-learn-to-spell
Many families are moving into unschooling but questions come up about the teen years. If you don't use curriculum with them, everyone wants to know, "What do we DO?"
I have tips, ideas and inspiration for you here!
__UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES:__
Creating Confidence Membership group So many resources for parents of teens in here - only $49/month! Cancel anytime.Brainstorming GuideConversation Starter Cards75 Ways to Connect with Your Teen
Are you new to unschooling?
Or maybe you are moving from more traditional homeschooling to unschooling?
You may have lessons that you need to UNLearn so you can embrace this educational option.
After 25 years of talking with other parents, I've heard the obstacles that get in our way. Often self-inflicted!!!
Unschooling Resources:
Creating Confidence Membership
Jumping Into Unschooling Course
Perfect to create a solid unschooling foundation
Private Coaching Call with Sue
Go to the website to see all the resources associated with each of the 10 Lessons you need to unlearn!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/10-lessons-to-unlearn/
I went about 5 minutes longer on this podcast, but hopefully it will be worth it!
Sometimes you need a little reassurance on one or two of these questions. Sometimes you're asking yourself all TWENTY of them! I can help. And if you want to dive deeper into each of these, I have all sorts of resources available to you!
At the Unschooling Mom2Mom Website, I share resources based upon each question.
Here's the link:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/20-questions-about-unschooling
And if you need more support from me, you can always join my Membership group!
Creating Confidence Membership
Or grab an Unschooling Guide on any particular concern you may have:
Unschooling Guide Collection
Reach out if you need help! You really don't have to do this alone!
The whole world offers opportunities for a person to learn - and that's EXACTLY the customized education a person needs!
Most of us are moving in the direction of our interests… and when we need more information, we find what we need to accomplish what we want to do. Maybe it’s searching out a YouTube video, or googling some articles, or finding someone in our community that can show us. We really have a variety of ways to learn what interests us.
And kids can do this too. If we let them.
Let's talk a little more about how reframing what we see as educational can be so much better!
__UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES__
Everything Counts ebook - helping you see subjects in everyday life
Creating Confidence Membership - you really don't have to do this alone!
Unschooling Guide: Deschooling - if you need help peeling away the layers of a schoolish approach to learning.
Lots of people ask if children with special needs can do ok with unschooling?
Parents have a lot of fears about handling the situation on their own, after years of relying on experts and fighting for your child to get the care they need.
It’s HARD to walk away and say, “Nevermind. This still isn’t good enough. I”m going to do it on my own.” I get it - the backlash from that is daunting. And you’re tired.
But school settings are not the best place for kids - and that may even be MORE SO for kids with special needs. We'll unpack this in today's episode and I have some resources for you!
___UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES____
(mentioned in the podcast)
Parent + Caregiver Summit (FREE)
Sept 20-22, 2021
I'm a speaker there (my talk is Don't Duplicate School) but others are speaking about a variety of aspects unrelated to education. I have a link for you to use since they're trying to help unschooling families know about it too:
https://parentcaregiversummit.com/?ref=surviving-waiting-room&affiliate=suepatterson
Unschooling Mom2Mom Special Needs Webpage
More resources, and the transcript for this podcast
Unschooling Every Family: Embracing Neurodivergent and Disabled Learners
Facebook group for parents
Are your kids wanting to play all the time?
And you're worried about when they're ever going to be interested in learning?
So much learning happens when humans are having fun! Play isn't something to do AFTER the learning is complete - it's where the learning really happens!
I know, this seems foreign to most of us. Listen to the podcast because I want to show you how unschooling and playtime is connected.
___ UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES (mentioned in podcast) ____
Creating Confidence
Join other parents who are reframing how they look at learning - and get coaching from Sue throughout the week!
Unschooling Guide: Deschooling
Are you having trouble letting go of the schoolish ways - the familiar ways - you grew up with? This Guide will help you see how learning weaves throughout life. The School Way is not the One Right Way! So many other ways to learn exist!
Unschooling Guide: Brainstorming
Once you decide against buying a curriculum, what do you do instead? Brainstorm with the kids! What fun things are available and interesting to all of you? Move in this direction!
A lot of people started their journey into home education last month. And from what I'm hearing, many are finding themselves on a rocky road!
Let's talk about what could be going on, and why it might not be progressing the way you wanted it too.
Remember, you don't have to do this alone. You can always reach out for support or to learn more about how unschooling could work in your family.
___UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES___
Creating Confidence Membership GroupMultiple zoom calls each week, supportive private community of unschooling parents, tons of resources only available to members.
Jumping Into Unschooling CourseThe perfect way to create a strong unschooling foundation. Videos, PDFs, and inspiration!
Unschooling Guides - mini-magazines to tackle specific fears you may have.
Lots of people are on the fence, trying to weigh it all out - making their lists for or against unschooling. Obviously, with three now-adult unschoolers, my list of pros outweighed the cons. So let me walk you through what I see as the pluses and the minuses of making this choice. Because yes, there are a few things that many would consider negatives when they're considering unschooling. I think we should talk about it!
RESOURCES:
Creating Confidence Membership - $49/month
3-4 group coaching calls EVERY WEEK!
Tons of resources and support from a private unschooling community - and from Sue!
This may be a little controversial to speak about why school isn't all it's cracked up to be, but here we go! This time of year, parents are evaluating the pros and the cons about their educational choices.
This week, I want to talk to you about that! What's happening in the classroom that we'd like our kids to skip out on? And what does unschooling offer instead?
___UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES__
FREE UNSCHOOLING WORKSHOP:
Friday, August 20th
12N Central
7 Secrets of Successful Unschoolers
... and how they deal with the Back-to-School SeasonRegister Here
Creating Confidence Membership Group
Group coaching calls and unschooling support!
Unschooling Teens Talks
Saturday, August 21
3PM Central
@RoyaBoya Book Bazaar
Join FB Group to participate
Unschooling Guide: NOT Back to School
Even though unschoolers aren't "going back to school," this time of year can weigh heavily on us. I have a few ideas to help you through it all.
And I'm doing a FREE WEBINAR:
7 Secrets of Successful Unschoolers
... and how we approach the Back-to-School Season This Unschooling Guide might also help:NOT Back to School Pinterest Boards mentioned on the podcast:Not Back to SchoolNot Back to School Party Ideas!Unschooly MoviesSelf-Care for Busy MomsTranscript at Unschooling Mom2Mom Website with even more links!
If you're new to the idea of unschooling, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
I can help you reframe some of the ideas that may be keeping you from successfully unschooling. It's really simple!
And if you need more support - join us in the coaching group.
It's amazing how much your confidence can grow when you have the support you need!
Creating Confidence Membership Group
I went a couple minutes over my usual 5-10 minute goal because, you know, technology. We have a lot to talk about!
If you're worried about your kid's focus on Technology, this podcast is for you!
Let's open the conversation and see what's going on.
I want to bring you a little clarity with my Six Ideas to Ponder About Technology and Kids.
You don't have to choose between "Total Control Freak Parent" or the "Total, Sure-Anything-and-Everything-Is-Cool Parent." There's a lot of gray in between the two - but you'll only be able to find what's right for you if you can clear out the fear and worry about the topic!
UNSCHOOLING MOM2MOM RESOURCESInformation + Support = Unschooling Success!
Unschooling Guide: Technology & UnschoolersThis 25-page mini-magazine will walk you through this touchy subject about your kids and technology. Lots of links and helpful notes to see where you could make some simple changes and find your home more joyful - and less of a power-struggle!
Creating Confidence Membership
My group coaching program talks about some aspect of kids and technology every week! It's an ongoing parental worry. It might help to hear others working their way through the issue, finding solutions and offering a community of unschooling parents who aren't going to bash you for your choices! Read more about it here.
When you’re not using a lesson plan or a curriculum, focusing on strengths gives you a little bit of a guide… something to keep at the front of your mind as you’re moving along on your unschooling journey.
Let's break down why this is so important. And even though the school way of focusing on gaps and weaknesses is so familiar, I want you to hear why it's not the best approach!
RESOURCES
Jumping Into Unschooling Course (this month with a $50 Discount!)
This fabulous course includes and entire module to help you with HOW to focus on the strengths with your kids. So much great info in this course - why reinvent the wheel?
Creating Confidence Membership Group
Sometimes having others nearby to lean on improves the journey so much! That's what this membership group will do for you. Coaching calls weekly. A Vault full of information for members-only. You don't want to miss this!
Parents come to me all the time saying,
"My kids lack motivation!"
But let's dig a little deeper and get to the heart of this worry/observation.
Here's the link to the page with the transcript and resources:
Transcript Page at Unschooling Mom2Mom More Unschooling Resources:
- Unschooling Guide: Deschooling
- Sue's Membership Group: Creating Confidence
- One-to-One Coaching with Sue Patterson
Many of us do better when we have a trusted community to hang out with!
Here are some tips to finding community or building it yourself. This podcast will give you some tips and some suggestions for both. Remember, one size does not fit all - so you may need to create something that works for you and your kids.
Join us in the Membership group, if you'd like to surround yourself with other unschooling parents who are traveling on this path. I LOVE this group! So supportive and kind. You'll love it too. You really don't have to do this alone!Join Creating Confidence Membership __________________________________________________Maybe you need to do a little thinking about the question "What About Socialization?"I have a Guide for that! :)
Unschooling Guide: Socialization __________________________________________________And if you love what you're hearing on this podcast, you can always make a donation. Any amount is GREATLY appreciated!
Podcast Donation
❤️
One of the most popular questions unschoolers/homeschoolers face is "What about Socialization?" It's asked so often, we frequently refer to it as "The S Word."
It's not surprising when new people ask about this because we've all been so conditioned to believe that the schools PROVIDE the socialization that kids need. As many of us found out when our kids actually went to school (or if we think about our own school experience years ago) it may not be the best way kids learn to get along with others.
In this podcast, I talk about this some more. Also addressing worries about lacking access to other kids, developing social skills, and that concept of "toughening kids up."
Hopefully this will help you begin to see that socialization isn't as big of an issue as you've been thinking.
And of course, I have resources!
- Join the membership group if YOU need more socialization! ha!
Come surround yourself with supportive parents walking this unschooling path.
AND get resources galore and coaching from me every week!
Creating Confidence Membership Group - Dive deeper into this concept of "Socialization" in my Unschooling guide. After 25 years of discussions, I've collected what you need to know to overcome this fear.
Unschooling Guide: Socialization
Also! Some generous listeners have asked that I give the opportunity to financially support this podcast. Not on an every-month-subscription basis, but more of a "This was a good one, Sue!" So I've created a way! Any amount is appreciated!
Donation for the Unschooling Mom2Mom
Any amount is appreciated!
Read the Transcript Here
We all wish we had a little more confidence, right?
Remember, grow your knowledge, grow your support, and you'll grow your confidence with unschooling
These 5 Steps will help you Grow Your Confidence in Unschooling
1 ) Know Your Why
2) Tackle Your Fears
3) Observe Your Child
4) Create Your Strategy
5) Identify Your Resources
When you read that, do you think, "Great! But... um... how?"
I have all kinds of tools to help you with this. I even sent some worksheets on this exact topic as Party Favors for those who came to the Podcast Party last Friday! But my membership and DIY subscribers get this kind of support all the time!
So if a weekly podcast isn't QUITE enough for you to gain more info and support, I'd love to help you in my membership group! It's no accident that I named it, Creating Confidence!
Creating Confidence Membership ___________________________________________Read the Transcript here
___________________________________________
... and win some great unschooling loot!
Like...
- A FREE Month in my Creating Confidence Membership
- FREE Access to my Jumping Into Unschooling Course
- FREE Subscription to my Unschooling DIY Email Guidance Program
- FREE Unschooling Guide of YOUR CHOICE!
- FREE Conversation Starter Cards
- FREE copy of my book, Homeschooled Teens
- FREE copy of Roya Dedeaux's book, Connect with Courage
- FREE packet of Joyce Fetteroll's Unschooling Toolbox
- FREE Unschooling Mom2Mom crocheted earrings from Roya Dedeaux
- FREE Planners and workbooks by Roya Dedeaux
Hop over to the Unschooling Mom2Mom Webpage to read more.
Or go straight to the ZOOM LINK to sign up!
REGISTER AT ZOOM
More About the Podcast and Party
Everyone is looking for a plan! A way to make unschooling work in their home.
And we've all been convinced that "kids need structure."
The problem is, we have a bit of a warped idea about what that means.
It's not that unschoolers don't have a structure and even a schedule, they just have different priorities. Let's talk about that and then I'll give...
Sue's 5 Tips for Structuring and Scheduling Your Day!And if you're a worksheet kind of person, the Creating Confidence Membership has all kinds of tools to help you manage your days!
Creating Confidence Membership
Join the coaching group!(I'll have the transcript up at the blog on 6/15 - I'm off for a quick road trip to Dallas!)
Are you telling yourself that homeschooling/unschooling would be too hard for you?
Are you listing out all the reasons it might not be a good idea?
Sue Patterson shares 5 reasons TO homeschool your kids - especially in the unschooling way!
If this inspires you, reach out for more resources! You don't have to do this alone!
1:1 Coaching with Sue Patterson
Creating Confidence Membership (Sue's Group Coaching program)
Jumping Into Unschooling Course
Are you worried about your teen having access to college if you choose the unschooling route? Rest assured, unschoolers get into college all the time!
Sue Patterson will walk you through an unschooling path to college.
________________________________
RESOURCES...
Unschooling Transcripts - A Mini-Course for Parents of Unschooled Teens
Homeschooled Teens: 75 Young People Speak about Their Lives without School
This recording was done prior to the winter holidays, when families are often trying to get together (even though 2020 was certainly an odd one for that!)
But I'm having so many questions lately about how to deal with criticism from family and friends, when we're exploring or deciding to unschool.
This quick podcast will help you!
Read more about dealing with critical family members: Unschooling Mom2Mom website
Need more support?
Unschooling Guide: Critics and Naysayers
This mini-magazine is full of helpful suggestions for responses but also to help your with your own nagging doubts that might be having an influence on how the conversations are going. Read more about it. Creating Confidence MembershipAnd sometimes you need more support from others who are choosing this path too. Join my coaching group and receive coaching calls and a members-only portal full of information that will help you! We even have an entire section of resources specifically devoted to dealing with critics! Join us! Reach out if you're looking for more resources:SuePatterson.comUnschoolingMom2Mom.com
When people begin to homeschool in a less-traditional way - like unschooling - they often worry if they are doing enough, providing enough, educating enough.
Sure, it would be a lot easier to follow a curriculum or just do what the teacher/expert told you to do. But now you’re aspiring for more than that kind of mindless following. While you recognize that the one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for you or your child, that does put a significant amount of responsibility on your shoulders. And that often leads to feeling pressure.
Stepping off the predesigned conventional path can feels loose and lacking in purpose. Add in a good deal of fear that often accompanies parents new to unschooling, and it can feel pretty overwhelming.
Listen to the podcast to help you reframe some ideas, overcome some fears, and find the reassurance you need to be successful.
Knowledge + Support = Successful Unschooling
____________________MORE RESOURCES____________________
"Unschooling Guide: Am I Doing Enough?"This is a common question from parents new to unschooling. Families may be concerned about educational activities concerned about educational activities, if their child has enough opportunities to explore and discover, or how the days are progressing. Parents waste a lot of time second-guessing themselves! This 25-page full-color Unschooling Guide will help you figure out if you're doing fine - or if you may need change things up a bit. Here are a few of the topics and how we'll walk you through this question:
- Practical suggestions for changes at home
- Paying attention to community influence
- Do we need more structure?
- Thinking about priorities
- Helpful tips
- Journal prompts
- Additional articles and resources
Creating Confidence Membership Group
Sue Patterson helps guide families toward more confidence with unschooling, helping them tackle their fears and concerns, providing solid information and sharing experiences she has seen over the past 25 years of unschooling. This is a FABULOUS way to get coaching, find a community, AND have access to resources in her members-only resource "hub."
When we think about learning the basics, we think of reading, writing, and arithmetic, right?
We've touched on
Reading (in Episode 14, April 12, 2021)
and on
Math (in Episode 4, March 11, 2021
So now it's time to talk about how unschoolers learn to write without a curriculum, without power struggles, without all the things that we tend to think are REQUIRED in order to be proficient at writing.
Here's why I'm so confident about this. If you have a kid that enjoys writing - and you don't get in there to "help" too much - you'll set the colored pens out and they'll take off.
But like many of us discovered, either their brains or hand muscles weren't quite developed enough, or we clung to the idea that if we didn't "make" them, they'd never learn.
Listen to the podcast for tips and ideas about how you too can shift your thoughts about kids and learning to write.
Helpful Resources:
Unschooling Guide: Learning to Write
Creating Confidence Membership
May brings all sorts of traditions and seasonal activities each year. And since this is the Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast, it seems appropriate to talk about Mothers Day this week.
Yes, I realized it's incredibly commercialized.
And yes, I know that the holiday is...complicated... for so many people.
But if you're here, you're probably a mom. And I want to help you figure out how to set the stage to have the Mother's Day YOU want to have.
Here's a link to the Transcripts, if you like to read along!
I’m Sue Patterson, and I host Unschooling Mom2Mom here and at all the social media platforms. I offer a ton of resources for parents who are looking for more information or support - however you learn best, I have something to help you on your Unschooling journey.
Private Coaching
Group Coaching (a fabulous membership community!)
Unschooling Guides (for diving deep on some of your worries)
Unschooling DIY (an email guidance program)
Jumping Into Unschooling Course!
Sending much love from one mama to another! 💞
I know you're looking for a formula to make unschooling work.
So I've created one for you!
6 UNSCHOOLING CURRICULUM TOPICS*To Incorporate Into Your Day
_____________Read the transcript hereJoin one of Sue's private groups for more unschooling support:Unschooling DIY Weekly email guidance with early access to podcasts, coaching inspiration, Action steps for the week. Perfect way to keep bringing the focus back to unschooling principles.Creating Confidence Membership*If you're feeling isolated, this supportive community will fix that! Sue offers a variety of ways to connect with her and with others in this private community. Try it for a month - you'll love it!
Private 1:1 Coaching
Reach out if you'd prefer to talk to Sue privately.
Why ARE we still drawn to curriculum when we want to unschool?
Here's a hint: it's all about Fear.
You probably KNOW that already, you're just not sure how to conquer it.
I can walk you through it though.
_____________________________________
If you want more encouragement from Sue, join her private coaching group, Creating Confidence Membership, with TEN group coaching calls every month! Plus a ton of resources!
Join Creating Confidence Membership Group
Grab resources to help you with Deschooling:
Unschooling Guide: Deschooling
365 Days of Deschooling
How DO Unschoolers learn to read without a curriculum??
What? No frustration? No Tears?
Unschooling families help their kids with literacy - it's just in a way that works for that child standing in front of them and on a more individualized time table!
Dive deeper with this 25-page full-color mini-magazine:
Unschooling Guide: Learning to Read
Including:
- Ideas to create a pro-literacy environment
- Encouragement and tips for parents
- Links for research on the topic of learning to read
- Practical ideas and suggestions
- Reassurance for parents of "late" readers
Does your spouse have concerns about this unschooling approach?
Could you use some help at figuring out what to do about this?
This short podcast will help you understand what could be happening and what some next steps might be.
More resources:
Unschooling Guide: Critics and Naysayers
This guide has a section devoted to dads, plus ways to handle criticism in general
Creating Confidence Membership
Sometimes YOU need support - other parents on this unschooling journey who may be having similar problems and, more importantly, suggestions that may have worked for them!
Plus, I offer TEN group coaching sessions every month! What an affordable way to get coaching AND connect in a supportive unschooling community!
Deschooling can be difficult. We have a lot of unlearning to do ourselves, right? And it's a bit like pulling the thread on the sweater? You pull thinking that will be that, but it goes on and on! And sometimes, you THINK you've allowed enough time, but you're still struggling. You may need to do more digging around to get to the heart of what's worrying you. I have a resource that can help with that:
Unschooling Guide: Deschooling
Deschooling is a interesting concept - and one many of us want to skip over. Unfortunately, after 25 years of talking with other families, I can tell you that when you don't do all the internal work required with deschooling, you inevitably find yourself wringing your hands and second-guessing your decisions down the road. You'll have to come back to work on it. This Unschooling Guide can give you a lot of help on this!
And so can joining the Creating Confidence Membership! Imagine being surrounded by other unschoolers on this same journey, maybe all at different points along the path. They're available to share experiences, offer suggestions, and celebrate right along with you. PLUS, you get 10 group coaching calls every month with me offering resources and insights too!
It's a great deal. You can find out more here.
You really don't have to do this alone!!
Let’s talk about these teen years. Or at least, let's scratch the surface!
Even if you have little kids, I know parents worry about the teen years. It seems “ok” to let younger kids play - but bigger kids need to start buckling down, right?
The data does not reflect that.
Dive on into the podcast with me - I can help you figure this out!
Here are a few resources to help you navigate unschooling these teen years:
- Unschooling Your Teens ebook (free)
- Homeschooled Teens: 75 Young People Speak About their Lives Without School
(digital and hard copy) - Parents of Teens group coaching - part of the Creating Confidence Membership. Two group coaching calls every month and tons of resources.
- Resource Guide for Parents of Teens
More at the Website!
Talking about philosophy sounds lofty, I know.
But we’ve spent decades letting other people tell us what education is or what learning should look like. Unfortunately, most of us weren’t listening to the right people! Educational research has been shouting about changes that should happen - in classrooms, with children, in all kids of learning situations. The problem is that school systems are big bureaucratic machines that don’t make changes easily - they’re not listening!
And then, when we think about home education, we tend to duplicate what’s familiar to us.
This happens for a variety of reasons - most centering around fear. We’re doing something quite unconventional, so we want to move through the fearful part and get to some comfortable spot as soon as possible. But the “comfortable spot” may not really be in your (or your child’s) best interests. Yes, it alleviates the fear to some degree, but what if we sit with it for a bit and explore what’s there?
So much research has been done about how children learn. The homeschooling advantage is that we can look at it, apply it, and create a truly customized learning experience - no bureaucracy or red tape to sift through! And then when we see something not working out right, we can pivot right away. These are huge advantages!
Since we’re moving away from a one-size-fits all model, it will take some self-discovery and introspection. You have to give yourself some time to figure out what’s right for you and your family. Your ideas about all of this will change over time as you see what works and what does - and your fears stop guiding your choices
Most of us carry good and bad memories of our own childhood school experiences. And because we spent so many hours IN school, we have to look at those years to dismantle it a bit. What was necessary? And what simply wasn’t?
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Need more support from Sue?
Group Coaching
1:1 Coaching
A Course to Walk You Through Unschooling:
Jumping Into Unschooling
Fear holds us back from the Life we could be enjoying!
Over all these years of talking with parents, I've noticed that the most common fears fall into these categories:
☞ Fear about Dealing with Others
☞ Fears about Yourself and your capapbilities
☞ Fears about Your Child and their choices and/or capabilities
Sometimes our fears stem from a lack of knowledge. So once we educate ourselves on these topics, the fear can dissipate. It may have been way off base - but how would you know if you hadn't explored it more?
That's the problem with fear. We may wring our hands and feel panicky, but that doesn't really solve anything. As humans, we want to avoid discomfort. We'll sometimes go to great lengths to avoid what's bothering or frightening us. We push it out of our minds, or try to stay superficial with it... only to have it pop up another time in some other scenario in our life.
The only way to conquer a fear is to shine the flashlight ON the it. Break it apart. See what's rational and what isn't. See what's within our power to change and what isn't. When we work through these details, we can finally come out on the other side.
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Get More Support!
Jumping Into Unschooling Course - has an entire Module on conquering our fears! You may want to strengthen your unschooling foundation by working through this!
Creating Confidence Membership - offers a supportive unschooling community AND weekly group coaching calls. You don't have to do this alone!
Free PDF to help you with your fears
Why Is Unschooling A Good Idea?
Everyone's "Why?" is a little different.
Sure, when we hear some people's reasons to unschool, we quickly think,
"Yeah! I agree with that one!"
But back up a little more.
What's YOUR reason to do this?
Why did you choose to take such an unconventional approach?
Why, when most people go left, you chose to go to the right?
It certainly would have been easier to go with the flow and do what everyone else is doing... but something pushed you. And I want you to think about what it is/was.
There are as many reasons for unschooling as there are families who make this choice. Home education, in general, offers freedom along with responsibility - freedom to make our own decisions regarding how we wish our children to live and learn. Whatever initially leads parents to make this choice, it nearly always evolves into something far more than an alternative educational choice - it becomes a lifestyle choice of personal responsibility and freedom and incredible joy. Many families find unschooling is a natural step in this direction.
Like so many others, we unschool because we caught a vision of what learning and living without schooling could be like, decided to take the risk, and found out for ourselves that we loved it. The benefits are apparent to us as we look at our children, and we experience great joy seeing the love of learning and life so vibrant and alive in them.
That doesn't mean we don't have rough days. Days when we're a little tired, we have a short fuse, and things just aren't going as planned. Kids can be fussy, and we can be grumpy.
Read more...
Why Are You Unschooling?
Need more support from Sue?
Group Coaching
1:1 Coaching
Unschooling Guides that might help you:
Critics and Naysayers
New to Unschooling
“I want their learning to be INSPIRING to them!”
“I seem to fall back on the way I learned in school.”
“What am I supposed to DO?”
Parents come to me all the time WANTING the educational experience with their kids to be creative and full of excitement. But even when they start out that way, the familiar school approach pops up and they begin to question it all. Worries about “staying caught up” or if they’re learning “enough,” come flooding in and crowd out all those fragile little thoughts of creativity and discovery.
It’s ok. You’re learning something new.
All of your life, up to this point, you’ve been conditioned to keep conforming and believing in the fallacy that there’s only one right way to learn. But that’s what we’re here to help you offset, right?
So let’s jump into the ideas that trip up a lot of people.
You don’t need to teach.
You don’t need to plan.
You don’t even need to have “excellent follow-through.”
I know, shocking, right? You’ve probably been beating yourself up over that one for quite a while!
Unschooling embraces spontaneity. So if you’re an in-the-moment kind of person, that’s exactly what your kids are going to need from you! Even if you're not a particularly spontaneous person, the kids need you to meet them where they are each day… wherever that may be. This enables you to see what their interest is and what the next step should be - without being distracted by expectations of completing assignments or following through.
Instead of thinking in terms of school academics - that’s so limiting! - what do they ENJOY?
What do they want to DO? How would they like THEIR days to go?
The learning will happen AS they are doing these things. It’s unavoidable! When we want to get better at something, we discover we may need more skills or competence. And then that directs our next moves. Humans enjoy challenging themselves. It’s just that we can’t always see what’s going on in someone else’s brain and we don’t really know what part of a particular activity is more challenging than another - or maybe which they simply have to tolerate to get to the outcome they’re looking for.
**Learning is an inevitable byproduct of living immersed in your daily activities!
Read more at the blog...*Teaching/Learning and Unschooling Partnership* Looking for some support?Sue offers coaching options:Group Coaching**Private Coaching
Do you wonder how to set up your home so it's conducive to unschooling?
Let's think of it as creating a nurturing nest!
Unschooling parents are tuned into their homes. Sometimes, it may be hard to see that, because, usually, it’s messy. That’s what the Lived-In Look is all about though! With each person in the household pursuing a variety of interests, and those interests being at various stages of exploration… well, you get the picture.
If you grew up with the concept that keeping a tidy home is synonymous with being a good mother though, this may be particularly problematic for you. It may take some inner exploration to be able to differentiate between the two roles: Keeper of the Home and Mother/Parent. They are, in fact, very different. An unschooling parent typically prioritizes the relationships happening in the home, and places value on all those incomplete projects that a child is working on. Certainly much more than the dishes in the sink or the clutter in the room.
Sometimes the problem is the spouse who is away at work all day. Coming home to a peaceful, relaxed home may be what they've been yearning for all afternoon! It's not unheard of to do a quick clean-up before he (it's often "he" isn't it?) gets home.
It's ok to tell the kids,
"this really helps Dad relax... let's do this for him."
We all do things to help each other have nurtured experiences in the home.
And, it's also fine to shoot him a text saying,
"Hey, fair warning... the Lego project could not be moved from the dining room table. The dog tracked mud throughout the house just 10 minutes ago. And it's been rough with our time management today. Can you pick up some fried chicken - I'll clear a spot on the counter! See you soon! xo"
Being included in the mayhem may be what your spouse is needing. That's really do-able. Having conversations about the priorities and what you're seeing in the kids will help him be less likely to want to sweep in to fix it all. We all have habits we've become accustomed to, haven't we? Here are a few conversation topics that might need to happen:
- Exploration is messy - and that's ok.
- Learning comes when kids can follow their curiosities.
- Learning may not look like it does in school with grades, scores, and worksheets. It's often more process-oriented than product-based.
- You're focusing on creating trusting relationships with the kids where they can truly know that you value their ideas and opinions.
- Your relationship-building approach may be at the expense of a messy house.
- How can you help your spouse connect more with the kids?
- Do they need a quiet little corner of the house to get-away to?
Do you?
OK! It looks like I talked more about the inevitable messiness than how to build this cozy unschooling nest. But I think they go hand-in-hand.
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If you need more support, you can join either of my 2 membership/subscription groups.
We talk about Action Steps all the time!
- Creating Confidence Membership Program
When we first start to think about unschooling, it’s scary for most of us. We’re so used to relying on “experts” to handle everything. The idea of taking responsibility for ourselves usually doesn’t sit that well with us. We’ve been conditioned to believe that we’re not really capable and we NEED those experts.
But that’s simply not true.
Read more here:https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/new-unschoolers/
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Ready to strengthen that Unschooling foundation?
Take this course: Jumping Into UnschoolingWays to get Unschooling Support
Unschooling and Math!! Do you worry about it?
Grab this Unschooling Guide: Learning Math to find practical ideas as well as thoughtful prompts to help you figure out how to move past your fear of math - and certainly not pass it on to the kids!
Read the transcript with more links here
Last time we talked a bit about what unschooling IS.
This week, let's talk a little about what it IS NOT.
We hear so many conflicting ideas on the internet of what people think "being an unschooler" means. Sure, we all have our own ways of connecting within our own families - and that's why we don't have a precise formula for what unschooling is. Still, there are a few principles that carry through all that unique-ness! And a few things you may read that aren't really true.
So let's tackle some Myths and Misconceptions this week!
Unschooling is Unparenting?Uh... no.Moms and dads who have applied unschooling principles in the parenting aspects of their lives are living involved intentional lives with their children. The concept that runs through the philosophy of unschooling is one of trust… trust that kids WILL figure out what they need. This is tricky to do sometimes, considering our societal pressures, and, considering that it doesn't usually happen over night.
True UnParenting is neglect – and that’s the opposite of unschooling.
People who are unparenting are ignoring, avoiding and not engaging with their children. They don’t fuel their child’s interests, expose them to new opportunities, console them when things don’t work out, and become their biggest source of support and love. Those are the very things that make unschooling work out – unschooling parents do all of that!
Unschooling is the Lazy Way to Learn?No, it's not.There's actually a lot to unpack with this one! lol
1) Words like "lazy" are so loaded, aren't they? People use them when they're making comparisons and want to make it clear what the acceptable behavior is, and what the unnacceptable behavior is. Add on a layer of shame. If this is a word you use - to describe anyone, really - you might want to see where that's coming from.
2) Yes, finding curriculum (supposedly the perfect fit for each child) is a tough job. And unschoolers find it to be completely unnecessary. Life presents with plenty of opportunities to learn. Noticing a child's interest and being able to move in that direction is so much more likely to "stick" with the child. When learning is in context and connected to other things that the child is curious about - that's when it's the best.
3) Humans tend to want to find others of like-minded thinking. Nothing wrong with that as long as you don't turn it into some schoolyard clique scenario. "You're in, and you're out." When we feel unsure of our connection with others, we sometimes hang out on the low road... pointing out how others are "doing it wrong" and how we and our friends are "doing it so much better." It may not even be conscious - but it's at the heart of this little jab.
4) Sometimes people need to justify all the extra effort they're putting into their homeschooling approach. When they see unschoolers NOT doing that, they're initial reaction may be, "Hold up, there!" While fear and worry may make them tighten up and demand that everyone fall in line, it can be hard to accept the idea that people can educate and parent differently - without being slammed for their decisions. Instead, notice that we're all doing the best we can, making our parenting decisions based on what we're learning and where we are on this path. It's ok to not have a cookie-cutter approach. ;)
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And remember if you'd like a supportive unschooling community, you can join us over at Creating Confidence, my private membership group with TEN group coaching calls every month! Get the support and coaching you need to stop second-guessing and unschool with confidence! More info here: Creating Confidence Membership Group
What IS Unschooling?
Unschooling isn’t always an easy thing to define. Families are unique and they apply some aspects of unschooling but not others… it’s really ok, because everyone should do what’s best for their families.
But I want to share what I’ve seen work in unschooling homes and how unschooling is interpreted. It always helps for everyone to be on the same page to start with, and then they can adjust whatever they need to adjust.
Here are two key points:
1) Unschooling is simply living a full rich life, offering opportunities to your child to learn and grow.
2) Children are natural learners. They want information. But they do not necessarily know what’s out there in the world.
So for unschooling to work at its best, the parent must be engaged with the child, probably more than if they chose another learning modality. And connecting with them is the priority.
That’s the parent’s role in unschooling. The unschooling parent keeps one ear to the child listening for their interests and questions, and the other to the community, and now with the internet, the world, searching for creative opportunities that feed that desire to learn more about a topic. Read more...
Need a little more help? Sue offers coaching (1:1 & group), courses, guides here.
Hi everyone!
I’m Sue Patterson, hosting this new Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast.
It’s not REALLY new because I have been recording audios for my membership and subscription clients since mid 2020. But after hearing how helpful they’ve found them, I’ve decided to put them here on a real podcast platform.
These podcasts will come to you every week.
Quick little podcasts - definitely under 10 minutes and often closer to five.
Peptalks for your unschooling journey!
Because that’s what this is all about. We need to link arms and help each other!
My 3 kids are grown. Right now, we’re in the middle of "Birthday Season," where all five of us have birthdays! My second child just crossed into the next decade - so we’re looking at 27, 30, and soon to be 32. And not to be left out, my grandson turns 6 this month too!
I’ll be sharing stories about how they learned - what worked and what didn’t. Without curriculum clouding up their childhoods, my now Grown Unschoolers had no trouble transitioning to college, conservatories or technical schools. They have careers, own homes, started families - no doors were closed because they took this somewhat unconventional path.
I have learned so much about how unschooling works. And I want to share this information with you. I want you to know that you have choices! You and the kids can start off on educational adventures - and it won’t ruin them, or ruin their chances at success!
I can help you overcome the fears that may be holding you back from the life you want - one where your kids learn and grow, where the attachment between parents and kids are strengthened, and where you can all find more joy!
So subscribe and check in with me every week.
Little by little, I’m going to help you grow your confidence.
More Coaching & Unschooling Resources here:
http://www.SuePatterson.com
http://www.Unschooling Mom2Mom
Social Media:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/UnschoolingMom2Mom
http://www.facebook.com/UnschoolingMom2Mom
http://www.instagram.com/UnschoolingMom2Mom
http://www.pinterest.com/umom2mom
Clubhouse: @suepatt
I’m excited to jump into the podcast world with you!
Leave a comment and let me know where you are in this unschooling journey!
Have we connected on some other platform?
Let me know!
I’m excited to create a community here and get you the reassurance you’re looking for!
We’ll talk again soon! Take care!
xo,
Sue