I’m not a classical homeschooler because…

I have tried math curriculums that were continuous repetition, year after year, of the same sort of material in the most removed from life way possible.

I tried a phonics & reading homeschool co-op with my 2nd born, and it was no different than school where he didn’t get much individualized attention, even though there were only a handful of kids, so I pulled him from it even though I had already paid.

I purchased a science curriculum and saw how disjointed it was in teaching units as if “science” disciplines were all separate, so I returned it.

I purchased a history curriculum and had to filter out propaganda and fill in missing details which meant I had to redo the lessons the night before I started.

I wanted to have time to teach them basic life skills that all of the above would have prevented me from doing if I strictly followed the classical approach.

I wanted to be able to allow them as much time as they need to pursue their own interests and develop their own strengths and no curriculum is the perfect fit for that.

I could go on with how I discovered this wasn't a good fit for us but I completely support you if that is what you feel is best for your family.

I’m not an un-parenting unschooler because…

I don’t think it’s up to them if they brush their teeth or not.

I learned as much as I can about food and health that I don’t think it’s ok for them to eat as much junk as they want.  I teach them about what’s in their food and where it comes from, purchase only the best and say “No” at the checkout when they ask for candy… usually.

I know how much sleep each of them requires to feel good and be healthy.   I know which ones won’t sleep in to compensate no matter how late they go to bed.  I know that my oldest takes after my husband and I and can easily stay up all night, losing track of time, and will miss on out the things he wants to do.  I refuse to set him up for the harsh, “tough love” life lesson of letting him miss out. 

I choose to teach each of them about things like history, religions of the world, science, literature, how to manage money, and much, much more using whatever sources I need, in a way that each of them can get excited about and in a way that each of them can understand at each of their own development levels and learning styles.

I choose to expose them to things that they may not necessarily choose for themselves because they are too young to know anything about it and most often they really enjoy the new experiences or learning that resulted.

These are at least some of my reasons why un-parenting unschooling doesn’t work for us, but I completely support you if that is what you feel is best for your family.  I believe following what's best for you is part of your own unique process.

So what am I?  I am a mom that chose to give our kids the kind of life and the kind of learning opportunities I feel they deserve; all of which fits their personalities, development levels and learning styles.  No one loves them or wants the best for them more than my husband and I do.  I choose to not follow anyone’s prepackaged plan for raising our children.  One size will never fit all and I am grateful to live in a country where that is possible.