Boundaries, Continued

Responding to Boundary Violations Our rule about boundaries is not an easy one for the kids to learn.  This is not one of those lessons that you teach once and move on to the next thing.  It is confusing.  It seems contradictory.   Figuring out the nuances takes a lot of work.  Maya is having … Continue reading “Boundaries, Continued”

We Begin with Boundaries

When other kids encounter the way our family works, they sometimes get the impression that our family has absolutely no rules.  And compared to traditional education and discipline practices, it’s kinda true.  The kids do have an unprecedented amount of freedom.  But no rules?  Not exactly.  We do have one rule.  A big one.  And it … Continue reading “We Begin with Boundaries”

Exploring Excess

“A little dab’ll do ya!” Most of the preschool teachers I’ve worked and volunteered with used this catchphrase, or something similar, in their efforts to guide young children in their use of glue.  A little dot of glue is adequate to secure a square of construction paper, or a googly eye.  Using more is wasteful, … Continue reading “Exploring Excess”

My Path to Unschooling

No assignments.  No lectures. No homework.  No tests.  No grades. No academic work required, ever. Children are allowed to do as they will with their time.  There are rules that are in place for practical reasons, but within those rules kids are allowed to do literally whatever they want.  Screen time all day long? Go … Continue reading “My Path to Unschooling”

Worth the Risk

I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to say about risk.  About why I wholly embrace risky play for my child, and frequently encourage other parents to do the same. Risk, particularly risk to children, is a complicated and controversial topic in our society.  None of us want to see children come to … Continue reading “Worth the Risk”

Why Should I Worry?

My daughter is a late talker.   Way late.  As she grew and developed, I watched in bemusement as younger babies and toddlers blew past her in verbal milestones.  But I didn’t worry. Since preschool teachers are often the first to recognize developmental delays, I was taught when to worry. Or at least, when to … Continue reading “Why Should I Worry?”