How unschooling takes parents on the path of self-discovery?

s a parent, the decision to venture into alternative education paths for our children is much more than just a shift in schooling; it's a journey of self-discovery that transforms our children's lives and our own.

When I took this path for my son three years ago, I expected it to be an educational journey for him, but instead, I found myself expanding my view of parenting and learning so much about the power of parental choice. 

Exploring a New Path:

The first step was accepting that there were multiple paths to quality education. Every family has different needs and desires regarding their children's upbringing, and the traditional system cannot always provide that. 

By embracing alternative education approaches, we began to understand the value of looking beyond conventional paths to tailor a meaningful educational experience for our children. We also learned how important it is for the parents to be just as involved in their child's learning journey, if not more!

That's why it's essential to ask oneself, why are we taking this path, and what do we hope to gain from this journey?

Reassessing Values and Priorities:

When the traditional educational model no longer resonates with us, we find ourselves reevaluating our values and priorities. The decision to homeschool or unschool prompts us to question societal norms and reflect on what truly matters for our family. It's a journey of aligning our beliefs with our actions. I vividly recall the moment when I realized that nurturing curiosity and individuality were paramount for Atharva's growth, a pivotal step in our journey. 

When I saw how Adi was learning by exploring, having his own thought process, and making his own decisions, I knew I had made the right choice. This is what encourages me every day to continue our journey in alternative education.

Nurturing Customized Learning:

Alternative education is a canvas where learning experiences are tailored to each child's uniqueness. Through homeschooling, we've discovered the power of customization. Tailoring lessons to Adi's interests and strengths has allowed us to witness his talents bloom. Adi did a lot of science experiments and art in his young years, and then slowly, his interests changed to technology. He needed me to grow with his interests. 

As parents, we, too, have had to shift the way we think and approach our education. We're constantly learning new approaches that foster exploration and creativity in our children. 

Challenging Conventional Wisdom:

Choosing an alternative education path means challenging traditional notions of success. We break away from the conveyor belt of standardized education to embrace our child's individuality. The empowerment that comes from daring to be different is both liberating and invigorating. Every challenge becomes an opportunity to celebrate our uniqueness.

People ask me questions all the time, and I love these questions because every time, it helps me to understand our own journey better. 

Building Community and Networks:

When you have your interests defined, there is a change in what kind of people you interact with; alternative education has connected us with like-minded parents and enabled us to form a strong community of support. We constantly engage with people who are learning differently. This also influences the kind of people you follow on the internet.

Fostering Lifelong Learning:

Lifelong learning isn't just a concept; it's the very essence of alternative education. We, as parents, embrace this mindset as we learn alongside our children. Their insatiable curiosity becomes our compass, guiding us to explore new interests, from coding to culinary arts. The path of lifelong learning is rich with the promise of personal growth.

I think for most parents unschooling/homeschooling journey starts by asking themselves a lot of questions. 

The decision to pursue unschooling or homeschooling is a significant one, and it often begins with parents asking themselves a multitude of essential questions. This process of inward reflection is crucial because it helps parents clarify their motivations, values, and goals for their children's education. It also prepares them to navigate the challenges and uncertainties that may arise along this alternative educational path.

This introspective process sets the foundation for a successful and fulfilling journey, where parents can tailor their children's learning experiences to suit their individual needs, interests, and aspirations.

I've put together a set of thoughtful questions designed to help you navigate the exciting world of alternative learning for your kids. Whether you're considering unschooling, homeschooling, or any other personalized approach, these questions are here to guide you every step of the way.

By exploring these questions, you'll gain a deeper understanding of your motivations, values, and goals. It's all about creating an educational journey that aligns with your family's unique vision and your child's incredible potential.

Imagine having a compass to navigate through the challenges and joys of alternative learning. That's exactly what these questions are – a compass that empowers you to make the best choices for your child's growth, ensuring their education is as unique as they are.

Answer these questions 

Taking the time to thoughtfully consider these questions and engage in open dialogue with your family and, if possible, with experienced homeschooling/unschooling parents can help you develop a clear understanding of your motivations, values, and goals. This self-awareness will serve as a strong foundation as you begin the exciting journey of homeschooling/unschooling, ensuring that you're equipped to provide a rich and personalized educational experience for your child.

While asking important questions is essential, it shouldn't lead to overwhelming or discouragement. Here are some strategies to find that balance:

Take It Step by Step: Tackle one question at a time, and don't rush the process. Give yourself the freedom to explore each question thoroughly before moving on to the next.

Research and Connect: Seek out resources, books, online communities, and local homeschooling/unschooling groups. Connecting with experienced parents can provide valuable insights and alleviate concerns.

Flexibility and Adaptability: Remember that your educational journey can evolve over time. You don't need to have all the answers right away. Stay open to adapting your approach based on your child's needs and your family's changing circumstances.

Focus on the Positive: Embrace the exciting aspects of homeschooling/unschooling, such as the opportunity to tailor your child's education, foster their interests, and create a strong family bond through shared learning experiences.

Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate the progress you make, even if it's just small steps. Every positive decision you make brings you closer to providing the best education for your child.

Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Understand that every parent has moments of doubt and uncertainty. Trust your instincts and know that you're making the decision with the best interests of your child in mind.

By balancing the exploration of important questions with a compassionate and gradual approach, you can embark on the homeschooling/unschooling journey with confidence, feeling empowered to create a meaningful educational experience for your child while managing any challenges that may arise. 

I had an amazing chat with my friend who's living an unschooling life with her kid in the beautiful Canary Islands. We talked about how this journey has led her down a path of self-discovery, deschooling, and breaking free from traditional educational norms. It was really eye-opening!

She said the first step was like "making the slate clean," wiping away preconceptions. Starting over allowed her child's curiosity to shine, and it's been a journey of self-discovery from there. It's wild how our own beliefs sometimes get in the way of our kids' natural learning instincts.

You know, she mentioned that we've all been sort of "put through this machine" called the traditional education system. But what if that path isn't for everyone? "The thoughts of children will never fit in," she said. And the more she felt the need for freedom, the more she wanted to help others find their unique paths too.

"I always wanted to be like this," she shared. Her journey took her deep into questioning everything – beliefs, truths, motivations. It's all about following your heart and, above all, fostering love and respect.

"It's vital to recognize what isn't your journey," she emphasized. Not everyone's path is the same, and that's totally okay. Human skills, the ability to connect, empathize, and communicate, hold a lot of value.

The takeaway here is that some of us seek to nurture our child's individual passions, while others want to create a flexible learning environment that adapts to their needs. Some may be inspired by the desire to break free from traditional norms, fostering a deeper love for learning, while others aim to instil solid values and deep respect for humanity.

Whatever your motivation, it's essential to recognize that your path is uniquely yours. It's not about conforming to a predefined notion; it's about crafting an educational experience that aligns with your family's values, aspirations, and the incredible potential of your child.

So, whether you're drawn to unschooling, homeschooling, or any other alternative approach, remember that your reasons matter, your journey matters, and your commitment to creating the best possible educational experience for your child matters.

"Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom."–Lao Tzu.

This mom shares with me how her unschooling path helps her know herself in a deeper way.

I had an amazing chat with my friend who's living an unschooling life with her kid in the beautiful Canary Islands. We talked about how this journey has led her down a path of self-discovery, deschooling, and breaking free from traditional educational norms. It was really eye-opening!

She said the first step was like "making the slate clean," wiping away preconceptions. Starting over allowed her child's curiosity to shine, and it's been a journey of self-discovery from there. It's wild how our own beliefs sometimes get in the way of our kids' natural learning instincts.

You know, she mentioned that we've all been sort of "put through this machine" called the traditional education system. But what if that path isn't for everyone? "The thoughts of children will never fit in," she said. And the more she felt the need for freedom, the more she wanted to help others find their unique paths too.

"I always wanted to be like this," she shared. Her journey took her deep into questioning everything – beliefs, truths, motivations. It's all about following your heart and, above all, fostering love and respect.

"It's vital to recognize what isn't your journey," she emphasized. Not everyone's path is the same, and that's totally okay. Human skills, the ability to connect, empathize, and communicate, hold a lot of value.

The takeaway here is that some of us seek to nurture our child's individual passions, while others want to create a flexible learning environment that adapts to their needs. Some may be inspired by the desire to break free from traditional norms, fostering a deeper love for learning, while others aim to instil strong values and deep respect for humanity.

As you move forward, remember that your motivations matter, and your commitment to creating a meaningful learning experience is a testament to your dedication as a parent. Embrace the flexibility, the individualized attention, and the opportunities for your child to explore their passions and interests.

While challenges may arise, your openness to adapt and your focus on your child's well-being will guide you through. Reach out to the communities around you, connect with like-minded parents, and lean on your own resilience to overcome any obstacles that come your way. Keep these reflections close as you embark on this exciting journey. Each step you take is a step towards empowering your child to become a lifelong learner, a curious explorer,and a confident individual.

“The greatest discovery in life is self-discovery. Until you find yourself you will always be someone else. Become yourself.” Myles Munroe