Unschooling Mom2Mom

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Latest Episodes:

#179 School “Lessons” Fueling Your Parenting Doubts? Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

School taught us lessons we didn’t even realize we were absorbing—and they’re still messing with us today.

Most of us didn’t realize it while we were sitting in classrooms—but school was teaching us a lot more than math and grammar. It was shaping how we see ourselves, how we parent, and even how we value creativity and curiosity.

In this episode, we’re digging into 3 hidden “lessons” school taught us that still show up in our lives every day:

Follow directions. Don’t ask questions.
Creativity only counts if it looks like everyone else’s.
If you don’t fit the mold, you’re the problem.

These aren’t just school rules—they’re a kind of brainwashing we carry long after graduation. You may not even realize how much this is creeping into your parenting—but it’s probably at the heart of why you’re doubting yourself so much.

Let me know what you think of this!

Support the show

_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.

Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.

Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.

Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.

Come spend a week with us!

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

#178 - What If Learning Isn’t Linear? Trusting the Spiral in Unschooling Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

Do you ever wonder if your child is learning "enough"?

Or worry that they’ve missed something important?

Let's explore how learning actually unfolds—through spirals, not straight lines.

Instead of a rigid, step-by-step sequence, unschoolers learn by revisiting ideas over time, layering understanding, and making meaningful connections when they’re ready. This spiral approach to learning naturally fills in what schools call “gaps”—without forcing, pressuring, or sticking to arbitrary timelines.

You'll learn:
🌀 Why unschooling doesn’t follow a linear path—and why that’s a good thing
🌱 How natural curiosity leads to deeper, more lasting learning
📚 What it looks like when kids circle back to topics on their own terms
🌻 How spirals show up in nature—and what they teach us about growth and learning
💬 How to reframe those “behind” worries and trust your child’s unique rhythm

If you’ve ever googled:
🔍 “How do unschoolers catch up?”
🔍 “What if my child misses something important?”
🔍 “How does learning happen without a plan?”
🔍 “Can kids really learn without school?”

—this conversation is for you.

✨ Learning doesn’t follow a checklist.
✨ There are no missed windows.
✨ Growth is happening—even if it’s quiet, slow, or spiraling.

Come take a breath and lean into the spiral.

_________________________________

See the graphic for how Spiral Learning Works:

https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/learning-isn-t-linear-it-spirals

Let me know what you think of this!

Support the show

_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.

Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.

Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.

Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.

Come spend a week with us!

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

#177 - Thousands of Unschooling Families Later... Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

When we started Unschooling Mom2Mom back in 2014, I had no idea it would grow into a space that would support thousands of families across the world—but 11 years later, here we are. 💛

🎉 Happy Anniversary to all of us!

Unschooling Mom2Mom has stood the test of time. 🌻

Because even though the online landscape is always changing, certain truths about unschooling still hold up—year after year, family after family.

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking:
🌀 “Am I doing this right?”
🌀 “Is this even working?”
🌀 “Why does everyone else seem so confident?”
...this community is for you.

So much of this journey is easier when you know you’re not the only one. Finding community can be a game changer for decreasing your doubt and growing your confidence.

Have you found unschoolers to brainstorm with? Has Unschooling Mom2Mom helped you? Let me know in the comments.

___________DON'T MISS THIS!______________

If you want hand-holding through this (often stressful) season, join the Not Back to School 30-Day Reset.

The 2025 Cohort starts together on August 11th.

But you can get an Early Bird discount AND a ton of Bonus resources if you hop on this before July is over! August 1st is on FRIDAY - I know, crazy - but don't miss out!

https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/NBTS-2025

Let me know what you think of this!

Support the show

_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.

Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.

Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.

Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.

Come spend a week with us!

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

#176 Back to School Season: Handling the Second-Guessing Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

Feeling the pressure as everyone heads back to school?
Even the most committed unschooling parents can feel a wave of doubt this time of year.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:
– Why second-guessing shows up (even when you know unschooling is right)
– How to stay grounded when the school supply sales and social media posts start rolling in
– What real support looks like during this season of uncertainty

You don’t have to do this alone.

If the back-to-school energy is messing with your mindset, this episode is for you!

_________________________________________________

✨ NOT Back to School: 2025 Cohort

When everyone’s going back to school—and you’re not—it’s completely normal to feel the pressure.
Even if you’re still unsure about unschooling, one thing’s clear: that school bus isn’t stopping at your house this year.

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Join a group of parents walking this same path—asking the same questions, finding their footing, and building something better for their families.

That’s exactly what the Not Back to School: 30-Day Guided Reset is here for.

A full month of coaching, encouragement, and specific resources to help you start the year feeling confident and supported.

🎁 Sign up by July 31 to get Early Bird pricing ($99) and unlock exclusive bonuses!

👉 https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/NBTS-2025

Let me know what you think of this!

Support the show

_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.

Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.

Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.

Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.

Come spend a week with us!

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

#175 Connecting with Your Gamer Teen Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

🎮 How to Connect with Your Gamer Teen (Without Pushing Them Away)

Do you feel like your teen is slipping away—and gaming is the wall between you?

You’re not alone. Whether you're unschooling or just trying to build a healthier relationship with your teen, this episode will help parents reframe what gaming means and how your reactions might be unintentionally creating more distance.

In this episode of the Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast, Sue Patterson (unschooling coach, mom of 3 grown unschoolers, and author of Homeschooled Teens) explores:

Why “roommate mode” isn’t disconnection—it’s maturity.
How presence without pressure can rebuild trust.
Ways parents accidentally sabotage connection (even with good intentions).
How gaming can be a bridge—not a barrier—to deeper relationships.
5 questions you can start asking today to connect with your gamer teen.

Whether you unschool or not, this conversation will show you how simple shifts in language and presence can spark meaningful moments—without forcing anything or hovering awkwardly.

💬 Grab the free PDF: Tips for Healthier Tech Interactions with Kids
https://unschooling-mom2mom.ck.page/55b73066c7

👩🏼‍💻 Join the Membership Group for community and coaching!

https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-membership

📬 Stay in the loop + weekly encouragement
Join Sue’s email list for podcast updates, YouTube extras, and unschooling tools that actually work.

📌 Chapters
0:00 Why It Feels Like You’re Losing Connection
1:49 Welcome
2:37 Unschooling Resources
3:09 What “Roommate Mode” Really Means
4:09 Was It Ever True Connection During Curriculum?
5:12 Presence Without Pressure
6:06 Using Gaming as a Bridge
7:56 Membership for Parents of Teens
9:19 Free PDF
10:00 Parenting in a New Way—Letting Connection Evolve

✨ Subscribe + Rate if this helped!
And remember, connection isn’t lost—it’s just changing form.

Let me know what you think of this!

Support the show

_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.

Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.

Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.

Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.

Come spend a week with us!

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

#174 Your Unschooling Questions - ANSWERED! Jun 28, 2025

Show notes

If you're feeling stuck, let's talk!

Every June, I open up discounted private coaching sessions—because I know this is the time when so many parents are pulling their kids from school or rethinking their homeschooling path.

But what should you actually do next?

A private coaching call can offer the clarity and confidence you need right now. Whether you’re brand new to unschooling, feeling overwhelmed by choices, or just want someone to help you see your child’s strengths more clearly and maybe you're next steps forward—I’ve got you.

This kind of call is for you if:
– You’re pulling your child from school and want to know what to do first
– You’re second-guessing your unschooling journey and need support
– You’re craving a judgment-free space to brainstorm with someone who’s raised grown unschoolers

💬 Membership is a great resource too—but sometimes, you just want a private, one-on-one session focused entirely on you and your family.

🎯 This weekend is your chance to get the special coaching rate before it goes away on Monday night! $50/half-hour call.

(Some parents are setting up a schedule of MONTHLY half hour calls, grabbing the good price. That's a great idea too!)

Book your call here:

http://www.suepatterson.as.me/June2025

Let me know what you think of this!

Support the show

_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.

Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.

Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.

Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.

Come spend a week with us!

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

#173 Why Unschooling Can Feel So Hard - 10 Common Struggles Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

If unschooling feels harder than you expected, you’re not alone. In this episode, Sue Patterson walks you through 10 of the most common struggles parents face when they start unschooling — from doubting your instincts to feeling overwhelmed by outside pressure.

We’ll explore why these challenges come up, how to reframe them, and what practical steps you can take to move from fear to confidence. Whether you're brand new to unschooling or just having a tough week, this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and ready to move forward.

🔗 Read the Transcript & get the full list and resources here:

From Doubt to Confidence: 10 Unschooling Struggles You Can Overcome

Get the FREE PDF to Dive Deeper:

Tackling 10 Common Struggles

Let me know what you think of this!

Support the show

_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.

Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.

Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.

Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.

Come spend a week with us!

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

#172 Transcripts for Unschoolers or Relaxed Homeschoolers: How to Do It and Why It Matters Jun 13, 2025

Show notes

Worried about how to create a high school transcript for your unschooler or relaxed homeschooler??

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to wait until senior year (or ditch your unschooling approach) to figure it out. In this episode, Sue Patterson shares why it’s actually easier and more empowering to start thinking about transcripts long before you “need” one.

Whether your teen is headed to college, trade school —or isn’t sure yet— setting up a transcript will show you how to see the learning already happening, document it gently, and keep future doors open without shifting away from the educational approach you and your teen loves.

How about...

5 reasons to start thinking about transcripts earlier
How to translate real-world learning into academic language
Common fears—and how to shift your mindset
Why transcripts are just a tool, nothing to fear

🎁 Podcast listener bonus: Use code PODCAST to get the full Unschooling Transcripts Course for just $65 (reg. $99).

Let me know what you think of this!

Support the show

_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.

Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.

Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.

Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.

Come spend a week with us!

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

#171 How to End Your Homeschool Year with Confidence May 27, 2025

Show notes

Don't Miss: Free End-of-Year Celebration Checklist!

What if the school year didn’t go as planned?
It's ok to call it "Done!"

Sue Patterson shares supportive, real-world advice for homeschoolers and unschoolers who feel like they fell short this year. You’ll learn how to let go of guilt, reframe “unfinished” learning, and even throw a meaningful end-of-year celebration — whether your child is 8 or 18.

Plus, Sue walks you through how to spot real learning in your everyday life and use it to create progress reports, transcripts, or just reassurance for yourself.

Whether you're transitioning to unschooling or wrapping up your final homeschooling year, this episode will help you end the year with confidence and clarity. 💛

Resources mentioned:

Free End-of-Year Party PDF - Celebration Checklist
Membership Group - for Teen Version of Wrapping Up the Year PDF
Coaching with Sue
Transcript Link

Let me know what you think of this!

Support the show

_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.

Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.

Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.

Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.

Come spend a week with us!

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

#170 What Is Deschooling? 5 Reasons to Make It a Homeschooling Priority May 02, 2025

Show notes

What Is Deschooling? 5 Reasons to Make It a Priority

Deschooling isn’t a one-time break—it’s an essential shift that helps unschooling thrive. In this episode, Sue Patterson shares 5 quick reasons to actually prioritize deschooling and what happens when we don’t.

🎧 Whether you’re just getting started or circling back after burnout, I want to help you reconnect with your why—and get rid of some of that sneaky school baggage - AND see practical suggestions for HOW to deschool whether you're unschooling, homeschooling more traditionally, or just thinking about it.

🔗 NEED MORE?
Unschooling Guide: Deschooling
Unschooling Guide: Brainstorming
Sign Up for the Emails!
Unschooling Pinterest Boards
DESCHOOLING at the Website:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/deschooling

Let me know what you think of this!

Support the show

_____________________________________________________
You don't have to do this alone.

Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.

Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.

Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.

Come spend a week with us!

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com