confessions of an unschooling mom

i don't exactly know how to use an abacus and never really did. I've never stepped foot into a chemistry class. Ever. [H2O what? Just kidding.] The spelling errors i make are endless. Because i was always afraid of my best not being good enough, i would do the basics to get by and fly mostly under the radar. In school my motto was always 'i'm an average girl, i'll get average grades'. I failed geometry, but the teacher passed me anyway because he thought i was a punk. My multiplication tables aren't memorized, i'm pretty good up to the 6's and fantastic with a calculator. I'm not keen to read out loud in front of people, but i'll read to myself in public or out loud to my children for hours and hours. English is my second language. I didn't go to college for more than 1.5 years. I am not very tech savvy. I was a late reader. And...my parents finally gave in and bought me a digital watch when telling time with the two hands just wasn't clicking.

However...

I can be weird and serious and witty and recognize ignorance as bliss. I know how to be myself. I can find any book i could ever need via the dewey decimal system, by asking the right person or a quick looksie online. I know how to dream. I am quick with a dictionary. I gave birth to three beautiful little girls without a single childbirth class and married a great guy to boot [though i don't give him the boot]. My first language has always been love. I can change up a knitting pattern without a hitch if i really love the potential outcome. I choose not to debate but rather carry on respectful conversation. I'm brave. I'm clever. I make a yummy bowl of popcorn and my homemade pizza is to die for [or so i'm told]. I have a very good memory. I open my heart to others and feel deeply when they are hurting. I find value in nutritious food, a hot water bottle and a listening ear. I like adventure and sleeping in. The laundry waits more often than not in a big pile, but i have my toes in the sand near the waters edge which is more valuable to me than a folded t-shirt. I know where my priorities lie and how to say no.

.......................................................................

My children are unschooled and will always know they are nothing short of amazing, loved and their parents eye apple. My children are resourceful, funny, kind, spontaneous, dramatic, and strong. They know how capable they are of anything they set their mind to. Sometimes they are nervous about trying new things, but they know when they are ready that is the perfect time to try. They strive to identify their feelings and honor what they are feeling. They value those around them that are different and respectfully decline when someone invites them to be apart of conversation or action that could hurt themselves or others. They may or may not care to memorize facts and number sequences, it will all depend on what they are desiring to do. They may or may not have a love for history. They may or may not have impeccable spelling. They may or may not know the difference of a hexagon + octagon. But they all know how to swing a hammer, dream big dreams, ride a bike, jump with a free spirit into a cold cold lake, be chased by pacific waves, sink into their family when they need to be comforted, curl up and enjoy a good story on a gray blustery day, take time out from under the hot sun to drink a smoothie under the canopy of the redwoods, pick up a newt without squishing it, gross out their mother, frighten their dad and open their hearts to others.

And what else... they do and will have confidence to walk tall knowing who they are: cherish, valued, creative, smart, capable, thoughtful, mindful, generous, strong, independent, compassionate, empowered,

capable,

capable,

capable.

Something their mother didn't always know of herself but has learned through living and loving and unschooling with her children.