Stories of an Unschooling Family

203: Unschooling: Doing What Is Right Nov 23, 2023

This week, I’m talking about right and wrong…

If we think something is right, should we do it? Do we have to push through any difficulties we might encounter? Perhaps we can’t give up unless we’re willing to do something we know is wrong. And if we do that, we won’t feel at peace.

The big question is: is unschooling the right thing to do? If it is, we shouldn’t be concerned about the future. Whatever happens, regardless of the outcome, we’ll know we did what we should have done.

Also, how do kids learn right from wrong if we always love them regardless of their behaviour? Are the critics right? Are unschooling parents irresponsible? Or do our strong connections allow us to guide our kids?

I have lots of stories and comments to share with you!

Show Notes

Please visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family, to read my blog post, Unschooling: Doing What Is Right. It contains this episode’s show notes!

My Unschooling Books

202: Tough or Unconditional Love? Nov 15, 2023

Do good parents stay firmly in control of their children, demanding obedience, good behaviour and respect? Do they practise tough love? Or are there problems with this method of parenting? Is there some other way of raising kids to be good people who want to do what is right? Is it okay to parent with unconditional love?

This week, I’m sharing a few stories on this topic. I also have a request or plea for help.

Show Notes

Please visit my blog, Stories of an Unschooling Family, to read my post, Tough or Unconditional Love?Parent or Friend? It contains today’s show notes.

My Unschooling Books

201: Unschooling, Drifting, Planning and True Freedom Nov 08, 2023

Is unschooling about drifting aimlessly through each day?

Do unschoolers waste time? Or do they live intentionally responding to their needs and making sure they achieve the things that are relevant and important to them?

Do unschoolers direct their lives instead of letting life direct them? Is that the meaning of true freedom?

Does the word ‘planning’ have a place in unschooling?

This week, I’m discussing these questions and more while telling a few stories.

Show Notes

Please visit my blog, Stories of an Unschooling Family, to read my post, Do Unschoolers Drift Aimlessly Through Each Day? It contains today’s show notes.

My Unschooling Books

200: Unconditional Love and Parenting Nov 03, 2023

It is what it is. An interesting episode or not. I don’t suppose it matters. All that’s important is love.

Show Notes

Please visit my blog, Stories of an Unschooling Family, to read my post, Preventing Childhood Trauma with Unconditional Love. It contains today’s show notes.

My Unschooling Books

199: Should We Trust and Unschool Teenagers? Oct 24, 2023

Is it irresponsible to trust and unschool teenagers? When unschoolers reach the teenage years, is it time for something else? Or could unschooling be exactly what our older kids need? Could it keep them safe?

This week, I’m discussing these questions and more, sharing lots of thoughts, stories and resources.

Show Notes

Please visit my blog, Stories of an Unschooling Family, to read my post, Could Unschooling Be Exactly What Teenagers Need to Do? It contains today’s show notes.

My Unschooling Books

198: Should Children Be Responsible for Their Own Educations? Oct 17, 2023

Should children be responsible for their own educations? Or is that an irresponsible idea?

This week, I’m exploring lots of questions including:

Is learning an active activity that needs the learner’s cooperation?
Is it impossible to force knowledge into a child without resorting to teaching methods that ultimately destroy their natural love of learning?

Is forced learning real learning?

Is it better to unschool and let children learn what’s important to them?

But if we choose unschooling, will our kids, one day, accuse us of side-stepping our duty and not providing them with a good education?

Show Notes

Please visit my blog, Stories of an Unschooling Family, to read my post, Who Should Be Responsible for a Child’s Education, the Parent or the Child? It contains today’s show notes.

My Unschooling Books

197: What Do Unschoolers Do Each Day? Oct 11, 2023

Is unschooling about staying in bed late, spending lazy days in the forest, and baking cookies? Or is there more to unschooling than that? What does a typical unschooling day look like? Will it be different in different families? Will it change over time? Whatever it looks like, will it always be packed with deep learning, the kind that matters and makes a difference?

I discuss these questions and more in episode 197.

Show Notes

Please visit my blog, Stories of an Unschooling Family, to read my post, What Do Unschoolers Do Each Day? It contains today’s show notes.

My Unschooling Books

196: Unschooling, Video Games, and Freedom Oct 03, 2023

Are kids more likely to suffer mental health problems if they experience excessive control?

Could video games provide safe spaces for kids to retreat to when life becomes too difficult?

If we insist kids leave their games and they get upset, could it be the real world that we’re forcing them to return to that’s the problem and not the video games?

And if kids do have genuine trouble handling games and protest loudly when we take them away, how will they learn to deal with their feelings if they’re not allowed to play?

I discuss these questions and more in episode 196.

Show Notes

Please visit my blog, Stories of an Unschooling Family, to read my post, Video Games, Control, Mental Health and Freedom. It contains today’s show notes.

My Unschooling Books

195: What is Unschooling? Sep 25, 2023

This week, I’m going back to basics: I’m discussing the question, What is Unschooling? I’m also sharing several stories to illustrate my definition:

What Is Unschooling?

Why Unschooling Isn’t a Method of Homeschooling

What Is Unschooling? A Transcript

I also share some links to other unschoolers’ definitions of unschooling.

Show Notes

Please visit my blog, Stories of an Unschooling Family, to read my post, Unschool Basics: What Is Unschooling? It contains today’s show notes.

My Unschooling Books

194: Unschoolers, Chores and Rosters Sep 18, 2023

This week, I'm discussing chores. How do we encourage our kids to be generous and willing workers?

I’m sharing two stories:

How to Get Kids to Do the Chores

The Radical Chore Roster

Please visit my blog, Stories of an Unschooling Family, to read my post, Can Radical Unschoolers Use Chore Rosters? It contains today’s show notes.

My Unschooling Books

193: Should We Push Kids to Use Their Talents, Aim High and Impress? Sep 08, 2023

This week, I’m sharing a blog post, Should We Push Kids to Use Their Talents, Aim High and Impress?

This post includes stories about people who have followed the pathway desired by their parents and ended up unhappy. And there’s one story about a man who, despite achieving the necessary grades to study medicine or law, chose to become a high school teacher.

I’ve included lots of links to books, videos and other resources. Please visit my blog, Stories of an Unschooling Family, to read my post and look at these links.

And I’d love you to check out my unschooling books, Curious Unschoolers, Radical Unschool Love, and The Unschool Challenge, which you can find on Amazon!

192: The Stories of Our Lives Aug 14, 2023

In episode 192 of my Stories of an Unschooling Family podcast, I talked about:

Homework for Life
Generating writing ideas
Creating second brains
Homeschool records, including strewing and planning notebooks and family journals
Social media and other online distractions

Also:

I shared Matthew Dicks’ book, Storyworthy and Tiago Forte’s book, Building a Second Brain.
I told two stories of my life, one about a kangaroo and the other about trees topped with a bright green fuzz of new leaves.
I read my blog post, The Writing Game: No Shortage of Writing Ideas.
And I discussed the note-taking apps, Apple Notes, Evernote and Notion.

Please visit my blog, Stories of an Unschooling Family to read the associated post that includes a list of resources.

191: Be Brave and The Unschool Challenge Mar 02, 2023

This week, I'm sharing some big news: I've published a new unschooling book! In this episode, I tell you about The Unschool Challenge, share some family news and a couple of resources, and ponder lots of unschooling thoughts and ideas along the way.

Show Notes

My Unschooling Books

Where You Can Find Me

Blog: Stories of an Unschooling Family

Instagram: stories_ofan_unschoolingfamily

Youtube: Sue Elvis

Things I Mention in This Episode

John Holt's Growing Without Schooling magazine

The Virtual Kitchen Table podcast

Episode 5, Part 1: Kindness and Unconditional Love: What Do They Have to Do with Unschooling?

Episode 5, Part 2: Kindness and Unconditional Love: What Do They Have to Do with Unschooling?

Watch out for the Virtual Kitchen Table podcast about deschooling and The Unschool Challenge. It’ll be available some time in the next few weeks. Why not subscribe to the podcast so you hear all about the latest episodes?

Art of Manliness podcast

Jane Austen for Dudes

The Word on Fire Institute YouTube channel

God and Gaming video series

190: Clock Watching, Short Lessons and Curious Questions Sep 01, 2022

After a long break, I’m back!

In this episode,

I read one of my stories called Clock Watching and comment on it.

I share some news, including some about the future of my blog and podcast.

I mention a couple of resources that I hope you’ll find interesting.

And, along the way, I share loads of unschooling thoughts!

Show Notes

Things mentioned in this episode:

Blog post: Clock Watching

Podcast episode 178: Strewing Unschooling and Charlotte Mason

Blog post: Unschooling when Charlotte Mason Appeals to Our Hearts

Book: The Blue Castle by LM Montgomery

Book: Fingers in the Sparkle Jar by Chris Packham

Documentary: Aspergers and Me by Chris Packham

My Unschooling Books

What I discovered When I Became a Video Gamer

Where You Can Find Me

Youtube: Sue Elvis

Blog: Stories of an Unschooling Family

Instagram: stories_ofan_unschoolingfamily

Thank you for listening to this episode!

Error: I received enormous bills for my blog hosting and podcast hosting. I didn't receive two bills for my podcast!

189: The Important People in Our Lives Sep 22, 2021

I'm back! Are you surprised? I am!

This week, I'm talking about:

How lack of control makes us feel helpless. Do controlled kids feel helpless? Does control lead to mental health issues?
If we want a society of responsible adults, do we need to listen to kids, give them freedom, and let them learn how to be responsible for themselves?
Difficult times, friends, and our unschooling community
How change can stretch us, and how we learn when we have an interest or a need
Video gaming and what I've learnt since I became a video gamer
My new children's novel, The Angels of Wallaby Way!
Perfectionism, and the fear of criticism, and Marco Polo video messages
The value of feedback, encouragement, and the most important people in our lives

Show Notes

Blog Post

My Unschooling Books

The Angels of Wallaby Way: available very soon!

Where You Can Find Me

Unschooling Community including Unschool Plus and Marco Polo

Youtube

Blogs

Thank you for listening to this episode!

188: It's Not for Me! May 11, 2021

This week, Imogen and I are discussing:

The value of casual work and lower profile jobs
How our kids can surprise us
Jobs and passions
Why we need to promote our work
How to answer critics and critique other people’s work
The importance of helping each other
Jane Austen, Sanditon and Bridgerton
Ageing
And other things!

Show Notes

Things we mention in this episode

This is Marketing: book by Seth Godin

The Illustrated Man: book by Ray Bradbury

Sanditon: miniseries adapted from Jane Austen's novel by Andrew Davies

Sanditon: unfinished Jane Austen novel

Pride and Prejudice: 1995 miniseries adapted by Andrew Davies from Jane Austen's novel

Bridgerton: miniseries

Bridgerton: book by Julia Quinn

My Unschooling Books

Where You Can Find Me

Unschooling Community

Youtube

Blogs

Instagram

The Catholic Homeschool Conference

Where You Can Find Imogen

Blog

Instagram

Youtube

Books

Thank you for listening to this episode!

187: The Problem With High Expectations and Control Apr 27, 2021

This week, Imogen and I are talking about:

High expectations and control. Do they result in unhappy children? Do controlled kids look for distractions? Does limiting screen time result in an increased attraction for devices?
A novel that Imogen reviewed: Dear Hero
Inspiration and different ways of telling a story
How we can work together, share our skills, and help each other
The Catholic Homeschool Conference (I'm a speaker!)
News of two soon-to-be-produced unschooling podcasts

Show Notes

Things we mentioned in this episode:

Indistractible by Nir Eyal

Masterchef Australia 2021

Show Your Work by Austin Kleon

Dear Hero by Hope Bolinger and Alyssa Roat

Illuminae Files Book Series by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

My Unschooling Books

Where You Can Find Me

Unschooling Community

Youtube

Blogs

Instagram

Where You Can Find Imogen

Blog

Instagram

Youtube

Books

Thank you for listening to this episode!

186: Criticism, Reviews, and Paying it Forward Apr 14, 2021

This week, Imogen and I have a lively conversation about:

The highs and lows that affect our parenting, homeschooling and creative lives
Criticism: why do we let other people's opinions affect what we do? Whose opinions should we listen to? Why we shouldn't let criticism stop us from using our talents
Reviews: why we don't ask for many reviews
Writing about things we have never experienced
Paying it Forward: is free online stuff really free?

We're also discussing some books and movies.

And we're telling stories about:

how to remove a dead tree
cockroaches
how I might have made a difference to the lives of the world's dogs
and many other things

Show Notes

Things we mention in this episode:

Tamworth

Botanic gardens and Marsupial Park

Country Music Festival

Gunnedah

Silo Art: Dorothea MacKellar and her poem, My Country

Water Tower Art: The Long Tan Battle of the Vietnam War

Silo Art at Barraba

Book

Show Your Work: Ten Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered by Austin Kleon

Tin Tin comics and Netflix shows

Movies and Series

The Greatest Showman

Les Mis

Oklahoma

Hamilton

The Crown

The Chosen

My Unschooling Books

Where You Can Find Me

Unschooling Community

Youtube

Blogs

Instagram

Where You Can Find Imogen

Blog

Instagram

Youtube

Books

Thank you for listening to this episode!

185: Social Media, Hooks, Distractions, and Books Mar 30, 2021

This week, Imogen and I are discussing:

Social media and video games: can we break the hooks that pull us in?
Books: is it okay to use someone else’s ideas and create something of our own?

In particular, we’re talking about the documentary, The Social Dilemma, and the books, Dust by Kara Swanson and The Drover’s Wife by Leah Purcell.

We’re also telling a few family stories.

Show Notes

Things we mention in this episode:

Indistractible and Hooked by Nir Eyal

The Social Dilemma on Netflix

Dust by Kara Swanson

The Drover’s Wife by Leah Purcell

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Henry Lawson: poems and short stories

Bleak House and Little Dorritt by Charles Dickens

How to Train Your Dragon: movie and book

The Princess Bride: movie and book

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

Jeff Wayne’s musical, The War of the Worlds

My Unschooling Books

Where You Can Find Me

Unschooling Community

Youtube

Blogs

Instagram

Where You Can Find Imogen

Blog

Instagram

Youtube

Books

Thank you for listening to this episode!

184:Trying Not to Complain Mar 23, 2021

This week, as the rain continues to fall, I'm telling a few stories:

Wondering Weather I Should Iron

The Elvis Connection

Me? I'm Elvis' Wife

Why I'm Wearing Stiff Undies

Show Notes

My Unschooling Books

Where You Can Find Me

Unschooling Community

Youtube

Blogs

Instagram

Thank you for listening to this episode!

183: Big Ideas and Big Passions, Mar 16, 2021

This week, my daughter Imogen is back, and we're talking about:

Writing: the definition of a story, what to write about, how we use our own experiences in stories.

Superhero movies: the big ideas contained in seemingly trivial stories

Behind-the scenes documentaries.

Rock climbing and glass blowing: creativity, and the lengths (or heights!) some people will go to follow their passions.

We’re also telling lots of stories.

Show Notes

Things we mention in this episode:

Camp NaNoWriMo

The A-Z blogging challenge

Masterclass:

Neil Gaiman and his writing class

Margaret Atwood and her writing class

WandaVision

The Making of Wandavision

Captain America: Civil War

Solo Free on Amazon Prime

The Dawn Face on Netflix

Blown Away on Netflix

My Unschooling Books

Where You Can Find Me

Unschooling Community

Youtube

Blogs

Instagram

Where You Can Find Imogen

Blog

Instagram

Youtube

Unschooling: Haircut Courage

Thank you for listening to this episode!

182: Bad Haircuts and Unschooling Adventures Mar 09, 2021

This week, in this solo podcast episode, I'm sharing and discussing a few adventurous stories:

Younger Unschoolers: Spur-of-the-Moment Adventures

Enjoying an Unexpected Little Adventure

Show Notes

My Unschooling Books

Where You Can Find Me

Unschooling Community

Youtube

Blogs

Instagram

Photo

Me and my daughter Charlotte

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling!

181: Writing, Explosions, and Unsuitable Horror Stories Mar 02, 2021

After a 4-month break, my daughter Imogen and I are back! And we're chatting about:

Finishing novels and beta reading
My 19-year-old daughter Sophie and 'graduate' unschoolers
Bushfires and exploding trees
How our generous members saved our unschooling community
Vlogging
The TV shows we've been watching
The Masterclass classes we've been enjoying

We’re also discussing the question: is it okay to expose our kids to 'unsuitable' movies and books?

Show Notes

Things We Mention

Masterclass website

Matthew Walker on Masterclass

Neil Gaiman's books including Coraline and The Graveyard Book

Coraline the movie

WandaVision on Disney Plus

The Truth Seekers on Amazon Prime

My Unschooling Books

Where You Can Find Me

Youtube

Blogs

Instagram

Where You Can Find Imogen

Blog

Instagram

Youtube

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family or Instagram to leave a comment. Perhaps you'd like to join our unschooling community?

Imogen and I would love to hear some feedback about our conversation!

Photo: Imogen took me out for a special celebratory breakfast. I've finished my children's novel!

180: Unschool, Martian, and Risque Stories Oct 27, 2020

My daughter Imogen and I are discussing play, writing, books, Martians, and exercise. This episode is jam-packed full of stories, unschooling thoughts and resources.

Episode Contents

0:00-01:56 Intro

01:56-07:53 Excitement

07:53-10:51 Writing

10:51-18:08 Music

18:08-30:15 Kids’ Play

30:15-42:10 Adults’ Play

42:10-59:18 A Space Phase

59:18-01:03:31 A Novel and Priest Holes

01:03:31-01:07:11 Exercise

01:07:11-01:13:51 A Risqué Story

01:13:51-01:17:01 Listener Questions

01:17:01-01:21:38 End Stuff

Show Notes

Writing

NaNoWriMo

Music

Musescore

Garageband

Play

Blog Post: Doing What Kids Ought to Do

A Space Phase

The War of the Worlds book by H.G. Wells

Jeff Wayne's The War of the Worlds

The Martian book

The Martian movie

Space Odyssey: Voyage to the Planets

Exercise

Leslie Sansone's Walk at Home

Books

The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morton

Imogen's new novel : Frost Notes

My Unschooling Books

Where You Can Find Me

Youtube

Blogs

Instagram

Where You Can Find Imogen

Blog

Instagram

Youtube

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family or Instagram to leave a comment. Perhaps you have a question for Imogen? We'd love to hear some feedback about our conversation!

179: Unschooling, Plot Holes and Twonk Oct 13, 2020

My daughter Imogen and I are sharing some unschooling thoughts while we talk about what we’ve been working on, what we’ve been reading and watching, and what’s making us feel excited.

0:00 Intro

00:58 Introducing Imogen

01:47 Returning to Podcasting

05:50 Frost Hands and Writing

14:34 Writing Novels and Unschooling Books

21:57 The Inconvenience of Losing Our Videographer

32:14 Excited About Exercise

41:59 Escaping into a Novel

48:55 Rereading Retold Fairy Tales

53:52 Masterchef and Kids’ Happiness

01:01:29 The Masked Singer and Twonk

01:08:50 End Things

Show Notes

Imogen's new novel

Frost Hands

Podcasts about NaNoWriMo

Episode 153: More Unschool Writing Ideas and Resources

Episode 140: Difficult Things

Imogen's Music Youtube Channel

Why We Need to Support Our Kids' Choices

Websites

Skillshare

Walk at Home

Books

The Lake House by Kate Morton

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Blog Post

Video

My 2020 Global Homeschooling Summit interview video

My Unschooling Books

Where You Can Find Me

Youtube

Blogs

Instagram

Where You Can Find Imogen

Blog

Instagram

Unschooling When Charlotte Mason Also Appeals to Our Hearts

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment!

178: Strewing, Unschooling and Charlotte Mason Jul 24, 2020

This week, I'm sharing and discussing two stories about strewing:

Time For Some Strewing

Unschooling When Charlotte Mason Also Appeals to Our Hearts

I'm also talking about overwhelming times, how we don't have to be perfect, and looking for the delights in our days.

Show Notes

A Blog Post

Podcasts

Episode 151: All About Strewing

Episode 30: Why Classical Music Is Not Enough

A Book

The Book of Delights by Ross Gay

My Unschooling Books

Where You Can Find Me

Youtube

Blogs

Encouraging Each Other to Do Difficult Things

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment!

177: Encouraging Unschooling Kids and Mothers Jul 13, 2020

This week, I'm talking about encouragement. I have two encouragement stories to share with you which I'm hoping you haven't heard before. But if you are familiar with them, will you think, "Sue is getting repetitive"? Will you consider giving my podcast a negative review? I hope not. Instead, maybe you'll offer some feedback.

Do you have any ideas for future episodes of this podcast? What would you like to hear about?

Most of my kids are grown up, so often I don't have any current unschooling news to share with you, (unless, of course, you're interested in hearing about my unschool learning). Over the years, I have explored a lot of unschooling topics multiple times, and sometimes it seems like I have said everything possible. Could it be time to pack up my mic? Move on and do something else?

I'd love to hear your thoughts. I know they will be kind and encouraging!

Episode Details

0:00 intro

1:53 discouraging words and negative podcast reviews

3:46 Crushed by a Label

11:11 story comments

13:07 Encouraging Each Other to Do Difficult Things

16:08 How I Became a Runner

24:46 what I learnt from my running adventure

33:01 other encouraging stories

33:53 I’d love to hear your thoughts!

34:42 Summit interviews worth watching

38:17 unschooling: something worth hearing about

38:55 an encouraging unschooling community

39:48 thank you for listening!

Show Notes

Blog Post

The Homeschooling Global Summit

My 2020 Summit interview

My Unschooling Books

Where You Can Find Me

Youtube

Blogs

How Ticking Off Boxes Can Be a Waste of Time

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick encouraging review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment. I hope to see you inside my unschooling community. And if you haven't already seen it, perhaps you'd like to check out my Homeschooling Global Summit interview!

176: How Curious Unschooled Kids Learn Jul 03, 2020

This week, I'm talking about how children learn:

0:00 intro

1:30 News: Podcast chapters

2:55 My Homeschooling Global Summit interview

7:25 Unschooling alone: things I’ve been doing and learning about

15:18 Is It Really Okay if Kids Play All Day?

25:53 Comments about the story

30:30 How Ticking Off Boxes Can Be a Waste of Time

35:45 Comments about the story

43:48 Looking ahead and other end things

Show Notes

Blog Post

Video

What's in Your Strewing Basket?

The Homeschooling Global Summit

My Unschooling Books

Other Things I Mentioned

Where You Can Find Me

Youtube

Blogs

There Has Never Been a Better Time to Start Unschooling

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment. I hope to see you inside my unschooling community. And perhaps you'd like to watch my Homeschooling Global Summit interview!

175: More About Starting Unschooling Jun 26, 2020

This week, I'm talking about starting unschooling and exciting things:

0.00 Intro

0:53 My First Unschooling Zoom Meeting

11:07 A New Podcast Series

19:20 Time to Unschool

32.25 There Has Never Been a Better Time to Start Unschooling

44:10 End Things

Show Notes

Blog Post

The Homeschooling Global Summit

My Unschooling Books

Pat Flynn's website: Smart Passive Income

Where You Can Find Me

Youtube

Blogs

Reject What Doesn't Feel Right and Just Love

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment. I hope to see you inside my unschooling community. Perhaps you'd like to join me for our next Zoom meetup!

174: When in Doubt, Just Love Jun 19, 2020

This week, I'm talking about love again!

00:00 Intro

00:48 Is Anyone Listening?

02:07 My Homeschooling Global Summit Interview

09:46 Unschooling Zoom Meetups

13:32 Video Plans

14:56 Radical Unschool Love Discussion

15:54 Two Love Stories

16:15 Following Our Mothering Instincts

24:30 Reject What Doesn’t Feel Right and Just Love

33:25 End Stuff

Show Notes

Blog Post

The Homeschooling Global Summit

My Unschooling Books

Where You Can Find Me

Youtube

Blogs

The Homeschooling Global Summit

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment. I hope to see you inside my unschooling community. Perhaps you'd like to join our book club!

173: Unschool Love Stories Jun 12, 2020

This week, I'm talking about:

00:00 Intro

01:05 Casual Work and Gemma-Rose

06:22 Unschooling Community

07:11 Unschooling Challenges

09:28 Resources, Links, Questions, Photos

10:57 Book Club Discussion Group

12:14 Nothing Is More Important than Love

17:38 Children’s Book Club

20:02 Homeschooling Global Summit

25:09 A-Z Unschooling Stories

28:21 Clock Watching

35:33 Impressing Other People

43:10 End Stuff

Show Notes

Blog posts

Clock Watching

Impressing Other People

My Unschooling Books

Where You Can Find Me

Youtube

Blogs

The Problem With Being Too Nice

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment. I hope to see you inside my unschooling community. Perhaps you'd like to join our book club!

172: Discussing Books and Writing Stories May 06, 2020

This week, I'm talking about:

The unschooling things I've recently been doing.

Our new book club and how we're about to begin discussing my book, Radical Unschool Love.

How we can feel helpless when we lose our freedom.

How kids might feel if we're too afraid to let go of control.

My new blog, Where the Carol Birds Sing

I'm sharing a few stories from my new blog:

Battle

Daylight Saving

Look

And I'm sharing a story from Radical Unschool Love:

Perfectly Them

Show Notes

Blog posts

Battle

Daylight Saving

Look

My Unschooling Books

Where You Can Find Me

Youtube

Blogs

The Problem With Being Too Nice

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment. I hope to see you inside my unschooling community. Perhaps you'd like to join our book club!

171: The Problem With Being Too Nice Mar 31, 2020

This week, I'm talking about the problem with being too nice.

Is it okay to be honest about how we're feeling?

Should we avoid comparing ourselves with other people?

I'm also talking about the A-Z blogging challenge.

And I'm sharing one of my old challenge stories, the Y story: You Come to Visit

Show Notes

Blog Post

Writing Challenge

The A-Z Blogging Challenge

My Unschooling Books

Where You Can Find Me

Youtube

Blog

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment. I hope to see you inside my unschooling community!

170: Learning During Difficult Times Mar 20, 2020

I have two free offers so please listen ASAP!

This week:

I'm talking about learning during difficult times.

I tell you how you can get a free copy of my book, Curious Unschoolers (limited time only!).

I share a free unschooling community membership offer.

I'm telling two stories from my book, Curious Unschoolers:

How to Get Kids to Do Their School Work
What Do Children Need to Learn?

And I'm sharing a few Chuck Norris jokes because laughing helps us get through difficult times, doesn't it?

Show Notes

My Unschooling Books

Where You Can Find Me

Youtube

Blog

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment. I hope to see you inside my unschooling community. And please don't forget to pass on the word about my book!

169: Unschooling Community Stories Mar 13, 2020

This week, I'm sharing some unschool English and Maths stories from my Stories of an Unschooling Family Community:

Unschooling Jane Austen

Collecting Delicious Words

Real Life Toilet Roll Maths

I'm also sharing a Moment from My Day story

And I'm asking, "Is my unschooling community the perfect fit for you?" If you're not sure, listen to this episode for more details!

Show Notes

My Unschooling Books

Where You Can Find Me

Email Me:

Youtube

Blog

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment. I hope to see you inside my unschooling community!

168: BIG Unschooling Ideas Mar 06, 2020

This week, I'm talking about unschooling ideas:

Should we encourage our kids' ideas even if they don't sound practical?

Are our ideas important?

Is it okay if our ideas fail?

What is my latest BIG idea?

Will the readers of my unschooling books join my community?

What will my community offer?

I'm also telling three stories:

Why Sophie Is Glad I Am Her Mother and Other Dusty Week Stories

Encouraging Kids' Ideas

And I have some resources to share.

Show Notes

My Unschooling Books

Where You Can Find Me

Email Me:

Youtube

Instagram

Blog

Bind a Book-Make a Journal Pinterest board

Resources

The Burnt Stick

Codecademy

Secrets of the Castle

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment. I hope you will consider leaving some feedback about my BIG idea that I can share with listeners in next week's episode!

167: Grammar and Punctuation and Other Unschool Writing Stories Feb 28, 2020

This week,

I'm sharing some feedback about episode 166.

I'm telling four unschool writing stories:

What About Grammar and Punctuation?
Learning About Punctuation the Lewis Carroll Way
Wanting to Know How to Spell
The Writing Game: No Shortage of Writing Ideas

I'm also discussing each story.

I have some resources to share.

And I'm talking about podcast chapters.

Show Notes

My Unschooling Books

What About Grammar and Punctuation?

Imogen's novels

The Crystal Tree

The Shattering Song

Blog Posts

Learning About Punctuation the Lewis Carroll Way

Wanting to Learn How to Spell

The Writing Game: No Shortage of Writing Ideas

Podcasts

Our Writing Unrules for Unschoolers

More Unschool Writing Ideas and Resources

Resources

Grammarly

Capitalize My Title

Where You Can Find Me

Youtube

Instagram

Blog

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment. I hope you will consider leaving some feedback that I can share with listeners in next week's episode!

166: Unschooling Sausages and Other History Stories Feb 22, 2020

This week:

I'm telling you where I've been for the last 3 months.

I'm sharing a new podcast format idea.

I'm talking about podcast chapters.

I'm asking for some feedback.

I'm reading 3 unschooling stories that are tagged history and geography (and also English and unschooling).

I'm commenting on my stories.

I’m sharing some resources.

Show Notes

My Unschooling Books

How Light Can Turn into Deep and Serious

Blog posts

Unschooling Sausages

Watching History as it Happened

Resources

Richard III: The King in the Carpark

The Crown

Space Odyssey: Voyage to the Planets

Where You Can Find Me

Youtube

Instagram

Blog

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about this episode. I hope you will consider leaving some feedback that I can share with listeners in next week's episode!

165: Stories About Connection from Radical Unschool Love Nov 30, 2019

This week, I'm sharing a few stories from my book, Radical Unschool Love:

A Teenager’s Thoughts
Learning Right from Wrong
Developing a Sense of Right and Wrong
Can We Be Both Parent and Friend?
One-on-One Times

I'm also sharing a blog post called Radical Unschooling: Something Beautiful

Show Notes

My Unschooling Books

Radical Unschooling: Something Beautiful

Blog post

Unschoolgram

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about this episode. Or you could just stop by and say hello!

164: Discouraged Nov 15, 2019

This week, I'm talking about:

How I'm feeling discouraged
The need to feel successful
A negative comment about technology and screentime
Letting go and moving on

I also share a story from my book, Radical Unschool Love, called The Beginning and End of Praise.

Is it okay to praise our kids? Could praise be necessary, not only for our children but for us as well?

Show Notes

My Unschooling Books

A Gradual Approach to Unschooling

Blog posts

Is it Really Okay to Give Unschooling Kids Unlimited Access to Screens and the Internet?

Podcast

Episode 162: Asking for Help

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about this episode. Or you could just stop by and say hello!

163: Time and Trust and Letting Go Nov 08, 2019

This week, I'm talking about:

how time moves so fast.
making the most of our time with our kids.
not being anxious but trusting our kids will get to where they are meant to go.
how we have to let go of each stage of our lives.
our son Thomas and grief and birthday traditions.

I'm sharing two stories

Time and Trust (from my book Radical Unschool Love)
Letting Go of Another of Thomas' Places

I tried a new podcasting recording setup for this episode. Please ignore any imperfections. Yes, there are a few skipped words and a bit of breathy breathing and other strange noises, but I hope this recording is good enough to listen to. (How did Darth Vader get into my podcast?!) When I learn how to use Adobe Audition better, my podcasts will sound better!

Show Notes

My Unschooling Books

How Did a Man Get into My Podcast?

Blog posts

Letting Go of Another of Thomas' Places

Podcast

Beginning and Endings and a Simple Christmas

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about this episode. Or you could just stop by and say hello!

162: Asking for Help Oct 27, 2019

After a break, I'm back with a new episode!

This week, I'm discussing the following questions:

Where have I been?
Why did I record 3 versions of episode 162?
Can crisis points become turning points?
What changes am I making?
Do most of us think we can do everything all by ourselves?
Do we need social media to spread the message about our work?
Do we need more silence in our lives?
Are you willing to help me?

I'm also sharing two stories:

When We Reach Crisis Point (from my blog)
Sue Elvis: An Interview (from my book Radical Unschool Love)

Show Notes

My Unschooling Books

When We Reach Crisis Point

Blog posts

Time to Unschool

Book

The Power of Silence by Cardinal Robert Sarah

Unschoolgram

Unschoolgram menu

Unschoolgram: 2019 October and September (Do you ever yearn for more silence in your life?)

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about this episode. Perhaps you have a crisis point story you'd like to share. You could give me some feedback on my podcast ideas. Or you could just stop by and say hello!

161: Registered Homeschoolers Who Unschool, Confidence and Other Thoughts Sep 06, 2019

This week, I'm sharing another story about younger unschoolers. It's called Giving a Child Unasked-For Help.

I'm also chatting about last week's unschooling meeting in Canberra where Imogen, Sophie and I spoke about unschooling.

I discuss the following questions:

Does unschooling work?
Can registered homeschoolers unschool?

I talk about support groups, having confidence, adopting a positive attitude towards homeschool registration and lots of other things!

Show Notes

My Unschooling Books

Giving a Child Unasked-For Help

Blog Posts

Posts About Registration and Homeschool Record-Keeping

How Choosing a Different Path Can Cause Conflict

The Curious Unschoolers Book Club

Where You Can Find Me

Youtube

Instagram

Blog

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about this episode. And please join me on Instagram!

160: Shall We Talk About Christian Unschooling? Aug 23, 2019

This week's episode is for my Christian unschooling friends.

I'm exploring the question: can Christians unschool?

I share some quick (and maybe muddled!) thoughts on such things as trust, freedom, unconditional love, passions and interests, respect, families, our missions in life, and forgiveness from a Christian unschooling perspective.

I didn't aim for a perfect podcast covering all aspects of Christian unschooling. Instead, I just wanted to share a few thoughts that might open up some conversations.

I'm also sharing an adventurous mother story from one of my children's novels.

Show Notes

My Unschooling Books

The Angels of Abbey Creek

My Children's Novels

The Angels of Gum Tree Road

Blog Post

Bringing God into the Unschooling Picture

The Curious Unschoolers Book Club

Where You Can Find Me

Youtube

Instagram

Blog

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about this episode. Are you interested in talking more about Christian unschooling? Join us in the Curious Unschoolers Book Club. And please join me on Instagram!

159: Turning Waiting Times into Unschooling Adventures Aug 16, 2019

This week, I'm talking about how we can make the most of waiting times by filling them with adventures.

I'm also discussing:

Perfection and how it stops us from doing important and enjoyable things.
How we can be adventurous parents.
My vlogging plans.
How life and our typical unschooling days change as our kids get older and their needs and interests change.
How we don't need to set assignments for our kids after they've enjoyed an adventure.
The Curious Unschoolers Book Club
My Baby Loss Club website.

I'm also sharing two stories of when my kids were younger:

An Adventure Hiding in Every Moment
The Photography Girls Head into the Bush

Show Notes

My Unschooling Books

An Adventure Hiding in Every Moment

Blog Posts

The Photography Girls Head into the Bush

The Bush Walk

Podcast

Episode 2: Mistakes, a Teenager's Love of Learning, and Loose Change

The Curious Unschoolers Book Club

Where You Can Find Me

Youtube

Instagram

Blog

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about this episode. Share your waiting time adventures! Join us in the Curious Unschoolers Book Club. And please join me on Instagram!

158: Old and New Stories, a Book Club and Other Unschooling Things Aug 09, 2019

This week, I'm sharing some old stories and some new ones, as well as some news.

I talk about:

When my kids were younger by sharing a snow story and a homeschooling camp story.
How my ideas about how kids learn have changed.
How Gemma-Rose (15) has been enriching her own life.
Our family passion for musicals.
How our kids can come alive when they are involved with their passions and using their talents.
How young kids can join in with things we might think are too advanced for them.
My new Curious Unschoolers Book Club.
How Imogen, Sophie and I are travelling to Canberra on 31st August to meet up with other unschoolers.

Show Notes

My Unschooling Books

Blog Posts

I Am a Pirate King!

When Unschooled Kids Charge Off on Their Own Learning Adventures (includes links to mentioned musicals)

The Curious Unschoolers Book Club

Books by Father James Tierney

The Bush Boys books

Where You Can Find Me

Youtube

Instagram

Blog

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about this episode. Join us in the Curious Unschoolers Book Club. And please join me on Instagram!

157: Fearing Our Kids Will Fail Jul 19, 2019

This week, I'm discussing the following questions:

Do things sometimes seem like they'll never change?
Is 'grinned' a fabulous word?
Do we notice and worry about things that relate to ourselves that others don't notice?
Do our fears for our kids get in the way of encouraging them to do the things they enjoy?
Can our fears deprive our kids of joy?
Is failing really a big deal?
What's my latest unschooling book idea?
Where are we going when we take unschooling on the road?
Does encouragement work both ways?

I'm also sharing the story Fearing Our Kids Will Fail from my book Curious Unschoolers.

Show Notes

My Unschooling Books

Episode 140: Difficult Things

Podcast

Youtube

Instagram

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about this episode. You could let me know what you think about my new unschooling book idea. Maybe you have a fear of failing story of your own to share.

And please join me on Instagram!

156: Building Strong Relationships with Our Kids Jul 12, 2019

This week, I'm sharing 3 stories about my young adult son Callum (who likes to grin!):

How I Removed an Engine from a Car
Engines, Muscles and Spending Time with Dad
My Fridge Adventure

I talk about building strong relationships with our kids by:

Taking an interest in their passions.
Spending time with them.
Being daring and adventurous parents who like to have fun.

As well, I talk about:

Self-directed learning.
Being honest.

I also share a couple of reviews for my books Curious Unschoolers and Radical Unschool Love.

Show Notes

My Unschooling Books

Youtube

Instagram

Another Way of Looking at Our Kids' Learning

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about this episode. (You could tell me how many times I said the word 'grin' in this episode!) And please join me on Instagram!

155: Another Way of Looking at Our Unschooled Kids' Learning Jul 07, 2019

This week, I'm sharing and discussing the story, Another Way of Looking at Our Kids' Learning.

I talk about my teenager's morning:

What Gemma-Rose did
How I could record that learning in terms of school subjects
And how I could think about her learning in another way

I also talk about the importance of play for both children and adults.

And I share a couple of podcast reviews that I was thrilled to receive. A big thank you to The Simple living Mom and Home Ed Fam!!

Show Notes

Blog Post

My Unschooling Books

Youtube

Instagram

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about this episode. You could just stop by and say hello. And please join me on Instagram!

154: Stories from Radical Unschool Love Jun 26, 2019

This week, I'm sharing some of the stories from my recently published unschooling book, Radical Unschool Love:

Radical Unschool Love
The Next Instalment of the Unschooling Story
Not as Wild as it Sounds
Unconditional Love
An Active Approach to Radical Unschooling
How Radical Unschooling Might Not Look Radical
What if We Have Differing Beliefs and Opinions?

I also have some odds and ends of news to share!

Show Notes

My Unschooling Books

Youtube

Instagram

The Global Homeschooling Summit

Unschooling books by Suzie Andres

Homeschooling with Gentleness

A Little Way of Homeschooling

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about this episode. Or you could just stop by and say hello. And please join me on Instagram!

153: More Unschool Writing Ideas and Resources Jun 18, 2019

My author daughter Imogen joins me for a bumper episode about unschool writing.

In episode 148, we talked about how unschooling children learn to write. This week, we continue the unschool writing discussion by answering a couple of listener questions and then sharing some ideas and resources for anyone, young child to adult, who wants to improve their writing skills.

We also talk about:

The Global Homeschooling Summit and give a taste of Imogen and Sophie's interview.
My soon-to-be-published unschooling book Radical Unschool Love.
My daughter Charlotte's new design project: her Red Bubble shops.

Show Notes

Go Teen Writers

Go Teen Writers blog

Go Teen Writers book: How to Turn Your First Draft into a Published Book

Go Teen Writers Facebook Group

NaNoWriMo

Camp NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program

Blogging

Blogger

Wordpress

Books

Plot and Structure: Techniques and Exercise for Crafting a Plot That Grips Readers from Start to Finish by James Scott Bell

Revision and Self-Editing (Write Great Fiction) by James Scott Bell

Bird by Bird: Some Instruction on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

Podcasts

Episode 148: Our Writing Unrules for Unschoolers

Writing Excuses

Charlotte Elvis

Charlotte's Redbubble Shop

The Stories of an Unschooling Family Red Bubble Shop

Instagram: charlotte.elvis

Imogen Elvis

Website

Youtube

Imogen's novel

Instagram

Sue Elvis

My Unschooling Books

Youtube

Instagram

The Global Homeschooling Summit

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about this episode. Or you could just stop by and say hello. And please join me on Instagram!

152: Stories from My Closet May 17, 2019

This week, I've taken my mic into my closet!

Sitting amongst my clothes, I'm sharing:

Why I'm in my wardrobe.
My new book idea.
How I was interviewed for the Global Homeschooling Summit.
My Susan Skeleton story.
A homeschool registration story from my book Curious Unschoolers.
The birthday urn story.
And the huge ornate mirror story.

Of course, along the way, I'm also sharing some unschooling ideas!

Show Notes

My Unschooling Book

Curious Unschoolers

Youtube

Instagram

The Global Unschooling Summit

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about this episode. Or you could just stop by and say hello. And please join me on Instagram!

151: Stories from 'Curious Unschoolers' May 08, 2019

This week, I'm sharing the first 3 parts of my newly published book Curious Unschoolers. I hope these stories will give you an idea of what my book is all about. Perhaps after listening to them, you'd like to read the whole book!

6:27 Curious Unschoolers

7:06 Part 1: An Introduction
7:10 Something Important
10:33 The Friend Who Comes to Tea
13:08 Just in Case We’re Not Already Friends
14:53 A Book of Stories

17:22 Part 2: An Introduction to Unschooling
17:28 What is unschooling?
20:48 Why Unschooling Isn’t a Method of Homeschooling
32:01 Does Unschooling Work?

38:04 Part 3: What Unschooling Looks Like
38:10 What is Unschooling All About?
48:12 Is Unschooling Just Living Life?
54:08 The Curriculum of Life
1:03:07 A Typical Unschooling Day

Show Notes

My Unschooling Book

Curious Unschoolers

Youtube

Instagram

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about this episode. Or you could just stop by and say hello. And please join me on Instagram!

150: Unschooling Books and Bedtimes Apr 12, 2019

This week, I'm chatting about unschooling and bedtimes.

What if our kids want to stay up late?
Can kids get up early if they have to?
Do we sometimes want our kids to go to bed early because it suits us?
What if we are criticised because of the way we parent our kids?

I share lots of stories including one about entertaining unexpected guests in my pyjamas while feeding a baby.

Also, I share

My latest unschooling book news
An excerpt from my book Curious Unschoolers.
Some family news.
And a few bits and pieces!

Show Notes

Youtube

Instagram

Episode 27: The Tricky Business of Registering an Unschooler as a Homeschooler

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so that we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. You could just stop by and say hello. And please join me on Instagram!

149: My Unschooler's Homeschool Registration Visit Mar 25, 2019

This week, I'm sharing details of my daughter Gemma-Rose's homeschool registration visit. I discuss the following questions:

Can registered homeschoolers unschool?
How do we write homeschool plans when we don't know what our unschooling kids will be interested in?
How can we fulfil homeschooling registration requirements without forcing kids to learn things they're not interested in?
Is forced learning real learning?

I also talk about:

How we might be tempted to push our kids to use their talents or extend their interests.
How kids can surprise us. They're often not like us. They do things on their own timetables and not ours.

And I share my latest unschooling book news.

Show Notes

Podcasts

Episode 45: How Registered Homeschoolers Can Unschool

Blog Posts

My homeschool registration and record keeping posts

Youtube

Instagram

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. You could just stop by and say hello. And please join me on Instagram!

148: Our Writing Unrules for Unschoolers Feb 24, 2019

This week, my daughter Imogen and I are chatting about unschool writing. How do unschoolers learn to write? We share my writing unrules which are based on my observations of my children who all love writing.

We talk about:

Imogen's writing story: how she learnt to write, her university degree, how she is turning her passion for writing into YA novels
How free play is the foundation for creative writing
How drawing is a form of writing
How we learn by following someone else's example
How motivation for writing must come from within a child
Books and reading
How English workbooks are unnecessary
The progress of my unschooling books
And lots more!

Show Notes

Imogen Elvis

Website

Youtube

Imogen's novel

Instagram

Podcasts

Homeschool Solutions with Pam Barnhill

Episode 150 of the Exploring Unschooling podcast with Pam Laricchia.

Books and Authors Mentioned

Jackie French

Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak

Rick Riordan

Alice in Wonderful by Lewis Carrol

My Instagram

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything we talked about in this episode. You could just stop by and say hello. And please join me on Instagram!

147: A Big Chat About Unschooling Teenagers Feb 09, 2019

My daughters Imogen and Sophie join me to talk about unschooling teenagers:

What do teenagers need?
Should parents introduce more structured learning during the high school years?
Or do teenagers need to be free to continue to explore their passions?
What should we do if a teenager doesn't appear to have any particular passions?
What about university?
Do parents keep teenagers safe by keeping a tight hold on them? Is this the responsible thing to do?
Or do we keep teenagers safe by giving them their freedom to discover who they are?
Should parents be friends with their teenagers?
Is it never too late to build close relationships with our teenagers?
Is it essential we do this?

These are just a few of the many questions we discuss during our big chat about unschooling teenagers!

Show Notes

Imogen Elvis

Website

Youtube

Write. Rewrite. Read

Imogen's novel

The Crystal Tree

Sophie Elvis

Instagram

Youtube

My Instagram

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything we talked about in this episode. You could just stop by and say hello. And please join me on Instagram!

146: Finding Unschooling in Unexpected Places and Other Things Feb 01, 2019

This week my daughters Imogen and Sophie join me to talk about:

Imogen’s novel ‘The Crystal Tree’ and its sequel ‘The Shattering Song’
YA or Young Adult novels
Imogen’s book review videos
How parents hold the key to a child’s happiness
How some parents push their kids to fulfil their own dreams
The YA novel ‘A Thousand Perfect Notes’
Imogen’s opinion of my first unschooling book ‘Curious Unschoolers’
How we’re getting on with the formatting and publishing of my unschooling book
A progress report for my second unschooling book ‘A Radical Unschool Love’
How Sophie is teaching Imogen photography
The joy of sharing passions
Creativity and learning
How we all have bad days
How our family isn’t perfect
Sophie’s new job
Sophie’s transition from unschooling to structured learning
Sophie’s beta personal training clients
How it can be difficult for parents to accept help and advice from their children
How kids can outlearn their parents

Show Notes

A Novel

A Thousand Perfect Notes by CG Drews

Imogen Elvis

Youtube

Imogen's novel

Instagram

Website

Sophie Elvis

Instagram

Youtube

My Instagram

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Or you could just stop by and say hello. And please join me on Instagram!

145: Taking the Unschooling Yeti for a Test Drive Jan 05, 2019

This week, my teenager Sophie joins me to test drive my new Yeti mic! Hopefully, our conversation sounds good!

We talk about:

Sophie's vlogging plans
Encouraging children's ideas
How we shouldn't be afraid to try new things
The temptation to edit our pasts and rewrite our stories
The temptation to delete early blog posts to eliminate our unschooling mistakes
The problem of looking like we've never made any mistakes
How we can impact other people's lives in a positive way
Do I have an online persona?
How we can capture our life stories
How choosing the right gift can make a difference to the receiver's life
Planning our year instead of making New Year's Resolutions
Things I want to achieve in 2019
My unschooling book news
Things Sophie wants to achieve this year

Show Notes

Imogen Elvis

Youtube

Imogen's novel

The Crystal Tree

Sophie Elvis

Instagram

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School's Out

Sallie Borrink's Blog Post

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Or you could just stop by and say hello. And please join me on Instagram!

Perhaps you have a question or topic you'd like me to discuss in a future podcast episode. Please let me know so that I can add it to my planning notes for next year.

144: Reading Out Loud and a Generous Christmas Dec 14, 2018

This week, I'm answering some questions about reading out loud:

What is our reading out loud process?
Should we have a time (for reading) built into the flow (of our day)?
What if this time crowds out other projects our children are working on individually?
How do we choose books?

I talk about

Why I never enjoyed listening to books being read aloud as a child
How I used to regard reading out loud as the dessert of my kids' education rather than the main course.
How we should move over and let our kids occupy the reader's chair
How we have to be patient while our kids are learning how to read out loud
My reading-out-loud experiment: What happened when I stopped correcting my daughter when she made reading-out-loud mistakes

I also return to the topic of Christmas presents:

Do presents belong only to the commercial side of Christmas or do they have spiritual significance?
Can we tell others to be generous?
Or do we only learn about generosity by experiencing it ourselves?

Show Notes

Blog Posts

Respecting Kids and Christmas Presents

The Reading Out Loud Experiment

A Main Course of Reading Out Loud

Listening

Instagram

My Perfect Christmas Present Secret

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Or you could just stop by and say hello. And please join me on Instagram!

Perhaps you have a question or topic you'd like me to discuss in a future podcast episode. Please let me know so that I can add it to my planning notes for next year.

This is my last episode for 2018. I'm taking a break over Christmas. Please join me again in 2019!
Happy Christmas!

143: Respecting Kids and Christmas Presents Dec 08, 2018

This week, I'm sharing some news about my unschooling book.

I'm also sharing two stories, one about respecting children, and the other about perfect Christmas presents and love.

And I'm discussing the following questions:

Is it the right of every child to be respected?
How do we show respect to children?
Do we sometimes do things for our kids only because we want them to do things for us?
Is it okay to buy and enjoy giving Christmas presents?
Is it okay to look forward to receiving them?
Can choosing and giving presents be an act of love?

Show Notes

Blog Posts

Making an Aussie Bush Christmas Tree

YouTube

Imogen's Christmas Music Playlist

Instagram

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Perhaps you have a question or topic you'd like me to discuss. Or just stop by and say hello. And please join me on Instagram!

142: An Unschooler Talks About Life, Work and Dreams Nov 30, 2018

This week, my teenage daughter Sophie (17) joins me to talk about:

How she balances her busy unschooling life with work
Why it's important to trust kids and not squash their ambitions
Why she is choosing not to go to university
Sophie's dream to be self-employed and how she plans to achieve it
How a lot of people react when they hear Sophie is working full time in a cafe
NaNoWriMo events and making friends
How we need to believe in our kids and cheer them on

Show Notes

Podcasts

Episode 133, A Balanced and Productive Unschool Life

Episode 139, Unschool Socialisation: Making Friends, Being Different

Instagram

Sophie Elvis

Sue Elvis

When Excitement for Learning Appears to Disappear

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything we talked about in this episode. Perhaps you have a question for Sophie. Or you could just stop by and say hello. And join me on Instagram!

141: When a Child Is No Longer Gripped by a Passion Nov 23, 2018

This week, I'm answering the question: "Have your kids ever been between interests?"

I talk about:

Exciting times when kids are gripped by a passion
Quiet times when they appear to be drifting along
How we can help our kids during quiet times by trusting and strewing
Some strewing ideas

Show Notes

Blog Posts

Regaining Her Enthusiasm for Learning

Preparing our Kids for an Unknown Future: Can We Do It?

What Happened When I Strewed a Painting on the Wall

Unschooling, Strewing, and Unplanning

My Unschool Unplanning Strewing Notebook

Podcasts

Episode 4: Exciting Times, Slow Times, and Unschool Holidays

Episode 83: How to Start a Great Art Conversation

Novel Writing

Camp NaNoWriMo

Coding Lessons

Codecademy

Youtube Exercise Channel

Fitness Blender

My Unschooling Newsletter

Subscribe

Instagram

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Perhaps you have a question or topic you'd like me to discuss. Or just stop by and say hello. And join me on Instagram!

140: Difficult Things Nov 16, 2018

This week, I'm talking about things that are sometimes difficult:

Letting kids do what they want even if there is a risk of failure
Taking risks so that we continue to learn
Not pushing kids to use their talents
Balancing the role of school teacher with that of unschooling father
Talking to reluctant spouses about a desire to unschool
Listening and building up trust
Writing a 50,000-word novel
Losing a child
Reaching out to those who are grieving

Show Notes

Pam Laricchia's Podcast

Exploring Unschooling

Episode 150 of the Exploring Unschooling Podcast: Stories of an Unschooling Family with Sue Elvis

Novel Writing

NaNoWriMo

Instagram

Gemma-Rose (9) Talks about Novel Writing

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Or just stop by and say hello. And join me on Instagram!

139: Unschool Socialisation: Making Friends, Being Different Nov 02, 2018

This week, I'm talking about unschooling and friends.

Is it sometimes difficult for unschoolers to find kindred spirit friends because we're different?
What if our kids don't have many friends?
If someone doesn't want to be our friend, is there something wrong with us?
How do you become a cool kid?
Should we pretend to be someone we're not so that we'll be accepted and have friends?
Or is it better to be ourselves?
Do we need lots of friends in order to learn good communication skills and how to get on with other people?
Or maybe some 'socialised' people who have no trouble talking don't actually have many communication skills?

Of course, some unschoolers may be part of big unschooling groups and have no trouble finding like-minded friends!

I'm also talking about

NaNoWriMo and friends
My unschooling book
How I stepped outside my comfort zone and had an exciting adventure!

Show Notes

Podcast

Episode 48: Do Unschoolers Mind Being Different

Novel Writing

NaNoWriMo

Video

Pam Laricchia's Podcast

Exploring Unschooling

Instagram

Why Unschooling Isn't Just Another Method of Homeschooling

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Or just stop by and say hello. And join me on Instagram!

138: Is Unschooling More Than a Method of Homeschooling? Oct 27, 2018

This week, I'm discussing the question: Is unschooling a method of homeschooling? Or is there more to unschooling than that? Could it be a way of life?

I'm sharing and discussing a story, Why Unschooling Isn't Just Another Method of Homeschooling

I'm also talking about

the issue of unlimited screen time again
criticism and the power of love
how can we encourage kids to become the people they are meant to be?

Show Notes

Blog Post

Podcast

Episode 70: Trust, Respect and Love Unconditionally

Article

Unschooling 101 by Bridget Bentz Sider:

Instagram

Junk Food and Poor Hygiene: Is Radical Unschooling Wrong?

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Or just stop by and say hello!

137: Guiding Our Kids by Radically Unschooling Oct 19, 2018

This week, I'm returning to the topic of radical unschooling.

I'm sharing a story about junk food and poor hygiene and then discussing the following questions:

Is it okay if our kids make choices that are detrimental to their health and happiness?
Should we stand back and let kids make their own minds up about everything?
Or is it okay to guide them?
Do all parents influence their children in some way?
How do we guide our kids without forcing our values, beliefs and practices on them?
What's the difference between unschooling and unparenting?
Why do I think everyone should radically unschool?

I also share

My bad haircut story
My Instagram news
An update about the unschooling book I'm writing

Show Notes

Blog post

Podcast

Episode 109: Why You Should Consider Radical Unschooling

Books

The Crystal Tree by Imogen Elvis

Finish: Give Myself the Gift of Done by Jon Acuff

Instagram

Is It Really Okay to Let Unschooling Kids Have Unlimited Access to Screens and the Internet?

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Or just stop by and say hello!

136: The Complicated Issue of Unlimited Screen Time Oct 12, 2018

This week, I'm chatting about unlimited screen time. Is this a simple issue? If we let our unschooled kids have unlimited access to screens and trust them, will they learn to self-regulate their usage without any problems? Or is there more to discuss than that?

I'm sharing my story, Is It Really Okay to Let Unschooling Kids Have Unlimited Access to Screens and the Internet?

And I'm discussing the questions:

Will kids learn to self-regulate their screen usage?
Do adults have trouble self-regulating?
Should we respect our kids’ choices?
Why do we fear letting go of control?
What is sensible screen behaviour?
Is the Internet really addictive?
Is making screen rules a responsible thing to do?
Or is there a better way to help kids self-regulate their usage?
Do we have to do more than just step back and give our kids complete freedom to do what they want?

Show Notes

Blog Posts

My Unschool Unplanning Strewing Notebook

Podcast

Episode 105, Social Media, Internet Addiction, and Screen Time

Youtube

Instagram

A Gradual Approach to Unschooling

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Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Or just stop by and say hello!

135: A Gradual Approach to Unschooling and More Oct 05, 2018

This week, I'm talking about how unschooling can be approached in a gradual way.

I'm sharing a story: A Gradual Approach to Unschooling.

And discussing the following questions:

Is a gradual approach the best way for many families to begin unschooling?
Is mutual trust between parent and child essential?
Is it really okay if our kids spend all day in front of screens?
Why do some kids have trouble self-regulating their screen time?
Is it wrong if parents want their kids to exercise and go outside?
How can we encourage kids to leave their screens?

Show Notes

Blog Posts

Is It Really Okay to Give Unschooling Kids Unlimited Access to Screens and the Internet

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating would help too!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Perhaps you'd like to tell me what you think of my new look blog. Or just stop by and say hello!

134: Do Unschoolers Need Holidays? Sep 28, 2018

This week, I'm sharing my story Funny How Things Change. It's about school term time and holidays. It's also a typical day story.

I'm also discussing the questions:

How did our attitude towards holidays change when we became unschoolers?
Do unschoolers need holidays?
If we want our kids to respond to our strewing invitations, do we need to respond to theirs?
Do we have to be prepared to give our time and full attention to our kids?

Also:

I talk about homeschool record keeping
I have some resources to share
I reveal what happened to my Catholic Radical Unschool Cheese blog
And I tell you about some changes to my unschooling blog

Show Notes

Blog post

Funny How Things Change

Resources

Novels

To Love a Sunburnt Country by Jackie French

The Billabong Books by Mary Grant Bruce

The Far Side of the Loch by Melissa Wiley

Poem

Clancy of the Overflow by Banjo Paterson

Videos

Secrets of the Castle

The Hollow Crown

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling.

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Perhaps you'd like to tell me what you think of my new look blog. Or just stop by and say hello!

133: A Balanced and Productive Unschool Life Sep 21, 2018

This week, I'm chatting with my teenage daughter Sophie.

We start with these conversation prompts:

Something we've been thinking about
Something we've found difficult
Something we've enjoyed
Something we've read or listened to
Something we've watched

And we end up talking about:

Why making rules can be dangerous
Balancing work, passions, and taking care of ourselves
How unschooling isn’t about drifting aimlessly through the day
An easy way to keep a journal
Intentionally seeking joy in our lives
Becoming happier and more positive people
How we can all make a difference to other people’s days
Resisting the temptation to check apps and waste time
Creativity
Growing and developing as people

Show Notes

Podcasts

episode 10: Should a Child Be Given the Freedom to Choose

The Accidental Creative

Blog post

Unschoolers Talk About Freedom to Choose

Books

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery

Louder Than Words by Todd Henry

TV Series

Agents of SHIELD

Call the Midwife

Sophie's Blog

Tough Turtle

My Youtube Channel

When an Unschooler Isn't Interested in Maths

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling.

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Or just stop by and say hello!

132: When an Unschooler Isn't Interested in Maths Sep 14, 2018

This week, I'm sharing and discussing the post When an Unschooler Isn't Interested in Maths. It's the promised update to my daughter Gemma-Rose's unschooling maths story.

Also, I have a maths resource to share.

And I tell a couple of stories. One involves a huge kangaroo and the other ponders the questions: What is success? How do we measure it?

Show Notes

Blog Post

Maths Youtube Channel

Eddie Woo

My Youtube Channel

Making Unschooled Kids Learn Maths Just in Case

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling.

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Or just stop by and say hello!

131: Making Unschooled Kids Learn Maths Just in Case Sep 07, 2018

This week, I'm sharing a story called Making Unschooled Kids Learn Maths Just in Case. And I'm discussing the main points in it.

Is it sensible to make all kids learn maths just in case they might need it?

What if kids need maths to go to university?

What if they decide they want to go to school?

Show Notes

Blog post

Videos

Are You a Curious Unschooler?

What Will You Strew Today?

Youtube channel

Are You a Curious Unschooler?

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling.

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Or just stop by and say hello!

130: Are You a Curious Unschooler? Sep 01, 2018

This week, I'm sharing a story called Are You a Curious Unschooler?

I'm also discussing the following questions:

Is everyone curious?
Or can we lose our curiosity?
Can we strew verbally?
Do we have to be good examples of learning for our kids?
Does our curiosity make homeschool recordkeeping easier?
How can we unschool and also be registered homeschoolers?

Show Notes

Podcast

Episode 58: Responding to Unschooling and Other Critics

Blog posts

Saying Yes: Unschool Bits and Pieces

A Resource

The House with Annabel Crabb

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling.

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Or just stop by and say hello!

129: Unschoolers Earning Money, Following Passions Aug 02, 2018

In this week's episode, I'm talking about:

How my daughters are earning money while they continue to pursue their passions
Why it's okay not to finish everything we start
What I've been doing recently
Why I left Instagram
Why Gemma-Rose is painting the interior of our house
Imogen's first novel and where you can buy a copy!

As usual, I have some stories to share and a resource as well.

Show Notes

Imogen

Blog: Write, Rewrite, Read

Novel: The Crystal Tree, available as a paperback or Kindle ebook.

TV Series

The Great Interior Design Challenge

You might find some episodes on Netflix or other sites.

Podcast

Episode 86: Are You an Unschooling Multipotentialite?

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling.

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Or just stop by and say hello!

128: Hitting the Pause Button and The Colin Show May 10, 2018

This week, Cricket is my unschooling guest podcaster.

The Colin Show

Cricket tells us about her family
She shares their journey from school-at-home homeschooling to unschooling

Cricket recorded her guest podcast with her son Colin’s help. Please visit Colin’s Youtube Channel, The Colin Show, and subscribe!

Hitting the Pause Button

I share some of the responses from my Stories of an Unschooling Family survey
I respond to some constructive criticism
I talk about some changes I could make
I tell you what I'm going to do next, how I'm hitting the pause button for a while and taking a break

I also talk about:

Accepting ourselves as well as our kids
Quiet times and how they are essential
How we can make a big difference by doing little things
The importance of feedback

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling.

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Or just stop by to say hello.

A big thank you to Cricket for being this week's guest podcaster!

127: Thankful and Facing Facts May 03, 2018

This week, Venisa McAllister is my guest podcaster.

Thankful

Venisa is talking about:

Her own educational and childhood experiences
How her family moved from homeschooling to unschooling
Her children and how they have their individual learning styles
The reasons she is thankful her family is unschooling

Facing Facts

I'm talking about:

How perfectionists like me don't always face facts
What I discovered when I was brave enough to look at my blog, podcast and video stats
How data can help us do better work
A survey I'm hoping you'll fill in so that I can find out if what I'm doing is helpful.
Changes I could make

Show Notes

Website

Cal Newport

Book

Finish by Jon Acuff

Survey

Stories of an Unschooling Family Survey

Patreon

My Stories of an Unschooling Family Patreon page

Instagram

How I Got My Mother to Do a 100 Squat Challenge

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling. Maybe you'd also like to support my work and receive some exclusive content by becoming a patron.

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Or just stop by to say hello.

A big thank you to Venisa. If you'd like to be a guest podcaster, please let me know!

126: My Number One Unschooling Fan Apr 26, 2018

This week, I'm chatting with my teenage daughter Sophie.

We're discussing lots of questions including:

What extra content am I producing for my Patreon patrons?

What has Imogen been doing instead of making music videos?

Why have I asked my daughters Imogen and Sophie to be regular contributors to my blog?

Why should we take an interest in our kids' passions?

Do I present my children in an honest and truthful way?

How do we encourage our kids to be themselves and not follow the crowd when they go out into the world?

Why would Sophie become a patron of my blog and podcast (if she were an unschooling parent)?

Show Notes

Podcasts

Episode 110: An Interview with a Teenage Radical Unschooler

Episode 34: Learning from My Daughter and Other Unschool Stories

Video

Blog Post

Youtube

Patreon

My Stories of an Unschooling Family Patreon page

Instagram

sophie_elvis

Ashamed of Being Ashamed of Looking Older

Fitness

Fitness Blender

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling. Maybe you'd also like to support my work and receive some exclusive content by becoming a patron.

.

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Or just stop by to say hello.

125: Connecting Unschooling and Ageing Apr 18, 2018

This week, I'm talking about ageing and unschooling.

I share the reasons why I'm finding my ageing appearance difficult to accept. Maybe you are a lot younger than me. You could think this conversation isn't relevant to you. However, this episode, despite first impressions, is about unschooling. If everyone lived an unschooling way of life, would the problems associated with ageing disappear? Does the world need unschooling?

Show Notes

Blog posts

Playing for Ian

Patreon

My Stories of an Unschooling Family Patreon page

Instagram

stories_ofan_unschooling family

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling. Maybe you'd also like to support my work and receive some exclusive content by becoming a patron. I hope you will!

.

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Or just stop by to say hello.

124: Does Unschooling Work? Apr 11, 2018

This week, I'm discussing the question Does Unschooling Work? The answer, of course, depends on what we mean by the word 'work'.

I'm also talking about:

My fabulous Patreon patrons and the work I hope to do with their help
Camp NaNoWriMo
How kids learn new things when they have a need
How younger siblings think they are just as capable as their older siblings
How sorting out a problem isn't always as difficult as it seems
A new podcast idea which involves collaborating with other unschoolers

Show Notes

Patreon

My Patreon page

My Instagram Account

My Unschooling Newsletter

Blog posts

Does the World Needs Unschooling?

Are We Incomplete Without Our Passions and Interests?

Youtube channels

Videos

Mission: Surviving Holy Week

Music

Podington Bear's Sound of Picture

Writing

'NaNoWriMo

Camp NaNoWriMo

4theWords

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling. Maybe you'd also like to support my work by becoming a patron!

.

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode. Or just stop by to say hello.

123: Epic Plans for My Podcast and Blog (and Other Things) Apr 04, 2018

This week,

I'm sharing my new BIG idea. I'm joining Patreon! I hope you will join me as I set out on this next chapter of my unschooling adventure.

I'm also talking about:

The need for us to take risks
How the world needs unschooling
Instagram
How we shouldn't lose our playful spirit as we grow older
How Sophie filmed a Passion Play on Good Friday
And other Easter news

Show Notes

Patreon

My Patreon Page

Video: Join Me On My Patreon Adventure

My Instagram Account

stories_ofan_unschooling family

Blog post

Does the World Needs Unschooling?

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling. Maybe you'd also like to support my work by becoming a patron!

.

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment on this episode. Or just stop by to say hello.

Podcast music: Twombly by Podington Bear, (CC BY-NC 3.0)

122: My Unschooling Teenagers' Typical Days Mar 07, 2018

This week, I'm sharing my teenagers' typical unschooling days. I'm discussing the following questions:

Is there such a thing as a typical unschooling day?

Can we have too many resources? Do our kids sometimes get overwhelmed by too many possibilities?

Are documentaries and lifestyle TV series a good source of learning adventures?

What TV series have Gemma-Rose and I been enjoying recently?

Why did I initially reject this episode?

Show Notes

Podcast

Episode 110: An Interview with a Teenage Radical Unschooler

Sophie's Youtube Channel

The Wobbly Moments of Life

Sophie's Vlog Series

A Week in the Life of

Videos

Back in Time for Dinner

Further Back in Time for Dinner

Back in Time for the Weekend

The Secrets of Your Food

The Big Family Cooking Showdown

Website

Open Learn: Free learning from the Open University

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling

.

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment on this episode. Or just stop by to say hello.

Podcast music: Twombly by Podington Bear, (CC BY-NC 3.0)

121: Kids, Needs, and Church Feb 28, 2018

This week, I'm talking about:

The importance of trying to see the world through our kids' eyes

How we're not giving in to kids when we respond to their needs

How we should respond to the needs of our kids even if it's inconvenient or difficult

How making kids feel welcome at church isn't a matter of tolerating their crying during the service

Should we force unschooled kids to go to church? Why this might be the wrong question

The trials of aspiring authors

How we have to be brave and do things without worrying about the opinions of others

I'm also sharing some stories about:

Kangaroos and dogs and the late rising sun

A child who cried in a restaurant because he couldn't cope

A Note

When it comes to sharing our faith with our kids, I am talking from my own experience which may be different from yours. My husband Andy and I share a faith. We both go to church. When it comes to passing on our beliefs, I'm sure we have it easy compared to families where spouses have differing religious beliefs or levels of commitment.

Show Notes

Game-Making Website

Stencyl: Create Amazing Games Without Code

Blog Posts

When A Child Can't Cope

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling.

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment on this episode. Or just stop by to say hello.

Podcast music: Twombly by Podington Bear, (CC BY-NC 3.0)

120: Unschooling and University: Learning from Our Own Experiences Feb 14, 2018

This week, I'm sharing my husband Andy's and my university experiences, and what we learnt from them:

The Opportunity to Discover, the Freedom to Learn

My Dean's Medallist of a Husband

I discuss the following questions:

Can unschooled children study successfully at university?

What is the best motivation for successful learning?

Should unschooling teenagers be allowed to continue exploring their interests?

Or should we structure their education in the final years so that they are prepared for university?

Is it ever too late to follow our dreams?

Is it ever too late to learn new skills?

Something I didn't mention: If a child knows what she wants to do, making a plan in order to achieve that goal seems to be a sensible thing to do. My daughter Imogen made a plan for getting into university. And it was successful.

My Youtube Videos:

Imogen Talks About Unschooling

From Unschooling to University and Work (Part 1)

From Unschooling to University and Work (Part 2)

Unschooling and university is a big topic. I didn't cover all aspects of it in this podcast, but maybe I offered a few ideas we can discuss.

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment on today's episode. Or just stop by to say hello!

Podcast music: Twombly by Podington Bear, (CC BY-NC 3.0)

119: When Unschooling Kids Reach the Teenage Years Feb 07, 2018

This week, I'm talking about:

The progress of my unschooling book
How unschooling transforms families
Duty and love
Supporting young adults
How it's hard to admit mistakes and change what we're doing
How it's never too late to unschool
Possible reasons why there's a shortage of older unschooling bloggers
Why we don't need to make rules for our teenagers in order to keep them safe from the dangers of the world

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment on today's episode. Or just stop by to say hello!

Podcast music: Twombly by Podington Bear, (CC BY-NC 3.0)

118: Dragon Mothers and Parenting Mistakes Jan 29, 2018

This week, I'm talking about the times when we don't like who we are and the way we're parenting our kids. I answer the following questions:

How did I get the nickname The Dragon Mother?
How did I get on top of my quick-temper and become a more calm and patient mother?
Am I now a perfect mother or do I still make mistakes?
How did my first child cope with her inexperienced dragon mother? Was she irreversibly affected by my far-from-perfect parenting?
Do we actually need to be perfect parents?
Is the unschooling life perfect?

I also tell a lot of stories during this episode.

Show Notes

Blog posts

Confessions of a Former Quick-Tempered Mother

Memories of an Inexperienced Mother

An Unschooling Imposter

Imogen

Youtube channel, Imogen Elvis.

Facebook: Imogen Elvis

Instagram: Imogen Elvis

Imogen's Mad World music video

The Mad World behind-the-scenes video

Podcast music

Bringing God into the Unschooling Picture

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider writing a review or rating this episode and sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment on today's episode. Or just stop by to say hello!

117: Christian Unschooling and Other Things Jan 19, 2018

This week, I'm talking about:

Christmas in summer
Evernote planners
My blogging/podcasting plans for 2018
Christian unschooling
My faith story
Being open-minded
Doing the impossible
Letting go of control
How life can change in a moment
Snakes
Family news

Show Notes

Blog posts

Letting Go of Control

An Impossible Adventure

Imogen

Youtube channel, Imogen Elvis.

Facebook: Imogen Elvis

Instagram: Imogen Elvis

My Youtube channel

Podcast music

My Evernote workshop series

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider writing a review or rating this episode and sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment on today's episode. Or just stop by to say hello!

116: Why it's Important to Allow Kids to Follow Their Passions and Interests Dec 12, 2017

This week, I'm discussing the following questions:

Does planning have any place in unschooling?
Can we make attractive planners using Evernote?
Will I continue my Evernote workshop series?
How does balance fit into an unschooling life?
Why is it very important that we let our kids follow their passions and interests?
Is it okay to acknowledge our kids' talents?
Can we praise our kids?
Are we obliged to develop and use our own talents?
Can reality, lifestyle and documentary TV series provide us with lots of wonderful learning experiences?
How do we make homeschool record notes about TV shows we've watched?

Show Notes

50 Coloured Evernote Background Note Templates (to download)

Evernote and homeschool record keeping

My unschooling book series

Are We Incomplete Without Our Interests and Passions?

Should Unschooled Kids Live Balanced Lives?

Unschooling Sausages

The Big Painting Challenge (episodes available on Youtube at time of posting)

Blog posts about The Big Painting Challenge

Imogen Elvis on Youtube

Podcast music: Twombly by Podington Bear, (CC BY-NC 3.0)

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider writing a review and sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment on today's episode. Or just stop by to say hello!

115: Learning During a Crisis Dec 04, 2017

This week, I'm sharing and discussing two stories: Learning From Life and Homeschooling in a Crisis

I'm talking about those times when we don't need to strew because life is rich enough without any help from us. Maybe life is sometimes too rich. We might have a crisis to deal with that prevents us from getting involved with our kids' learning. Should we worry if we can't do all the things we normally do? And what about our homeschool records books? What will we write in them when we're learning from life or homeschooling in a crisis?

Show Notes

Evernote and homeschool record keeping

My unschooling book series

Imogen Elvis on Youtube

Podcast music: Twombly by Podington Bear, (CC BY-NC 3.0)

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider writing a review and sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment on today's episode. Or just stop by to say hello!

114: All About Strewing Nov 27, 2017

This week, I'm sharing and chatting about two strewing stories:

Time for Some Strewing

What to Do When Strewing is Rejected

I discuss the following questions:

What is strewing?
When do we need to do it?
How do we do it?
And what if our kids reject our strewing?

Show Notes

Blog post: Unplanning Notebooks for Strewing and Unschool Record-Keeping

Podcast episode 82: How to Start a Great Art Conversation

Blog post: What Happened When I Strewed a Painting on the Wall

My unschooling book series

Podcast music: Twombly by Podington Bear, (CC BY-NC 3.0)

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider writing a review and sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment on today's episode. Or just stop by to say hello!

113: How Do We Encourage Our Kids to Be Independent Learners? Nov 20, 2017

Have you heard I'm writing an unschooling book? I've been working on it for a very long time but, finally, I'm making progress. While I'm writing and editing, I'm publishing a series of short podcasts, each one based on a blog post from my archive.

This week, I'm sharing and discussing the story Independent Learners, Toast and Heavy Washing Baskets.

Show Notes

Leonie's blog: Living Without School

podcast music: Twombly by Podington Bear, (CC BY-NC 3.0)

Maybe you'd like to read my unschooling book series. I'm publishing bits and pieces of my book-in-progress as blog posts.

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider writing a review and sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment on today's episode. Or just stop by to say hello!

112: Why I'm Not a Good Homeschooling Teacher Nov 13, 2017

This week, I'm sharing and discussing another blog story, Why I'm Not a Good Homeschooling Teacher:

Will unschooled children really be prepared for tertiary education (if that's their goal)?
What role do I play in the education of my older teen unschoolers?
How do I record all their learning activities for homeschool registration purposes?

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider writing a review and sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment on today's episode. Or just stop by to say hello!

podcast music: Twombly by Podington Bear, (CC BY-NC 3.0)

111: Critics, Unschooling, and Independent Learners Nov 06, 2017

This week, I'm talking about:

A new podcast series
A blog post series
My unschooling book-in-progress

I'm also sharing an unschooling story: Nurturing Independent Learners and chatting about it.

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider writing a review and sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling!

Please feel welcome to visit my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family to leave a comment on today's episode. Or just stop by to say hello!

110: An Interview with a Teenage Radical Unschooler Oct 16, 2017

Last week, I was chatting about radical unschooling. This week, I'm interviewing Sophie (16) who is a radical unschooler. If you're unsure about this way of life, perhaps our conversation will reassure you that radical unschoolers aren't wild and irresponsible!

This is a very lively interview. I hope you enjoy it!

In this episode, Sophie and I are chatting about:

her unschooling week
her part-time job
her passions and interests and where she hopes they will lead
the importance of parent-child friendships
how unschoolers are different
siblings and how to avoid rivalry and encourage strong bonds between brothers and sisters
how we can protect our kids without making rules
how she has developed a strong sense of right and wrong
mutual trust
how unschooled kids can be themselves both in front of their friends and when they are with their family
Sophie's health and exercise challenge
our joint podcasting idea
and lots of other things!

Show Notes

Sophie's previous podcast episode

Episode 70: Trust, Respect and Love Unconditionally

Podcast music

Rules, Responsible Parenting and Radical Unschooling

Where you can find us

Sue

You'll find lots of unschooling posts in my archive on my blog Stories of an Unschooling Family.

You can find me on Instagram at sue_elvis.

Imogen
Please take a look at Imogen's latest music video, Symphony which is on her Youtube channel, Imogen Elvis.

You can also find Imogen on her Facebook page, Imogen Elvis. She livestreams with the Team on Thursday mornings, Australian time.

And please watch out for a new music video on Wednesday 18th October.

Sophie

You can find Sophie on Instagram at Sophie Elvis and The Technomaid.

Thank you

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider writing an iTunes review and sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling! (Thank you, Samantha, for your recent review. Your very kind words were greatly appreciated!)

Would you like to continue the conversation?

Do you have unschooling teenagers? Are they different from most other young people? Do you make rules? And what about exercise? You could join us and accept Sophie's health and exercise challenge! I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. You could stop by my blog and say hello!

109: Why You Should Consider Radical Unschooling Oct 06, 2017

This week, I'm discussing radical unschooling.

Do you unschool but don't like the sound of radically unschooling? Maybe you're convinced you'll never do it? If so, I hope to change your mind!

I'm pondering lots of questions including:

How did we end up becoming radical unschoolers (when I said we'd never do this)?
Are radical unschooling parents irresponsible? Or are the critics wrong?
How will our kids learn to do the things that are necessary and right if we don't make any rules?
Can anyone radically unschool? Or is radical unschooling associated with only a particular lifestyle?
Can Catholics unschool?
How do we protect, care for and share our beliefs with our radically unschooled children?
Is it possible to let kids make their own choices and, at the same time, be confident that they will make the right choices?
What could happen if we force our kids to live by our rules?
Is it really okay if kids don't wash their hair and clean their teeth?
What is at the heart of a radical unschooling way of life?

Show Notes

Blog Posts

The 'Risky' Business of Trusting Children

How to Live Radically

Podcast music