More random ramblings and reflections

Sometimes I feel misunderstood (and sometimes I should just close the lid on my laptop to spare myself reading things I don't want to). And a lot of the time I feel like a bit of a weirdo with our desire for the simple life and with some of the parenting choices we've made (and of course now adding home education into that mix). But at the end of the day, we choose what we do for our family because it's right for us. We don't make these choices to compare ourselves against others or as a challenge to others to do things differently or to "make" them feel certain ways. I blog here as a record for myself, for the kids dad who like many is out of the home for 10+hrs a day (he loves to read about what the kids have been up to and to look at the photos) but also to connect with like minded people around the world.

Unschooling in this house is not about me, the mum, over-scheduling or *making* the kids do as many activities as they can pack into a day. Nathan is very self-motivated and loves doing a wide range of things - I can't imagine telling him he was learning too much today or coming up with too many interesting or fun ideas and that some people might think he is doing too much (or that his mother is making him do too much lol). He generates his own ideas probably 95% of the time and I just run with them when I can. Some days we do seemingly "nothing" and that's totally ok. Every day has such a seamless flow to it. We don't go on many field trips or outings aside from visiting a few friends, the library or getting out into nature by visiting the local beaches and parks - but the learning just keeps on going despite that! Around here, books generate a lot of Nathan's inspiration - they really open up our world.

I'm not a highly energised person, but if I've been sleeping well the days are generally going to go well; not enough sleep - well, they're more of a challenge. It is important to me that I re-energise myself frequently during the day which can happen by reading a book, having a cup of tea, browsing the internet or meeting up with friends for the kids to play. I know that blogs can come across all rosie - but as we all know there is a flip side when there are days that the kids are at each others throats and I spend my day constantly working through issues such as sharing their things, yelling at each other and trying to minimise the irritation and frustration in myself in dealing with those issues.

Overall, we aim for a simple, meaningful life that is relaxing, enjoyable, satisfying and fulfilling.

It really is an Unschooling life for us and I love it!