Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Where Does One Start?

Hi friends,

I've been getting private emails asking me about unschooling along with being in a few unschooling groups where these same questions come up so I thought I'd share a recent post with you all. Whether you homeschool or unschool, I believe the most important point is to 'see what your kids are gaining from the experience and not on what you think they are missing.' So many parents are finding their children ever so sad in the 'school system'. I would like to encourage those parents that there truly is a better way.

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Most of all though, my daughter lives life with me, shopping, cooking, taking care of the house, helping with little ones, volunteering at church, talking loving and laughing. She is learning and happy and we are closer than ever. When you make the leap into home schooling, I think it is important to see what your kids are gaining from the experience and not on what you think they are missing.

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The above statement makes very good points. Learning happens everywhere. If you run a business, share that knowledge of HOW to run a business. I don't mean in a 'schooly' way but as something you do and openly share should your child have an interest to see what you are doing. My parents owned a skating rink when I was growing up. I could run the business by the time I was a teenager. I knew our vendors, clients, bookkeeping, policies, could sell skates, make schedules, book parties, etc. It gave me a great sense of just what is involved in running a business. Shoot, by the time I was an older teen and driving, I could even make the bank deposits!

My spouse is an engineer, mechanic, firefighter, EMT, welder, horse trainer, scuba diver, pilot, ....and the list could go on. He shares all his knowledge with the kids. My oldest daughter (18) speaks four languages, welds, dances, is a certified Firefighter/EMT now, and is thinking about becoming a doctor. We have never discouraged her. She is incredibly smart. Our second daughter (16) is now in college and loving it. Our youngest will talk physics to you for hours on hours if you allow him to.

Life is short. Run with it. You will be amazed at just how much curious minds want to know. Remember to relax. If your child has been in the 'school system' it will take them time to find thier own footing in the unschooling freedom so start simply by saying yes more and no less. One day at a time.

Peace and Laughter!
Vicki

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Good Morning!

Good morning! I'm feeling bright eyed and bushy tailed today and I'm SO hApPy about this!!! See, a few weeks ago, I was tested for Sleep Apnea and found to have a mild case. A machine was ordered and last week, I finally received it!! I was told not to panic if it took awhile to sleep through the night with it, but most people adjust within thirty days. I was told that even a few hours would make a world of difference.

So here it's been five days, and I'm already feeling so much better! I can feel myself regaining energy! So if any of you are feeling exhausted in the morning when you wake up, I'd highly suggest looking into Sleep Apnea. To think that a simply machine that helps you breath while you sleep, can improve your health, without drugs, is awesome!

((((Huggs))))