While driving somewhere in a car, I make decision after decision about which turns to take. As a general rule, I do not choose the roads that are the prettiest. I do not simply try to go the direction that the majority of the other cars are going. I make my decisions based on my … Continue reading “Why Do We Educate?”
Tag: Child Development Theories
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”
Needs, Wants
Toys. Treats. Outings. Parties. As a child, there were a great many things that I desired with a powerful intensity. So I would ask my mom. Sometimes she would say yes, but generally the answer was no. As an adult, I am grateful that she did not give me everything I wanted all the time. … Continue reading “Needs, Wants”
Surprise!
Last Sunday was a very rough day. Cat was in an extremely defiant mood. She placed a ball into her mouth. I asked her to take it out, as it’s a choking hazard. A minute later, she placed it back in her mouth, seeming to shove it in as far as she could. I confiscated … Continue reading “Surprise!”
Filling the Toolbox
I spent 8 years as a 911 operator and fire / rescue dispatcher. I spent over 7 of those years as a 911 operator and dispatcher trainer. I was a good trainer. Easily one of the best in the center. And a big part of my success as a trainer came down to a decision … Continue reading “Filling the Toolbox”
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?”
Dealing with Feelings
Feelings are difficult. My own feelings are difficult enough. But when I started working in childcare I suddenly became responsible for helping little, emotionally immature people handle their massive emotions. And that was way, way more difficult. It is quite a trick to maintain composure when a intense ball of rage trapped in a 2-year-old … Continue reading “Dealing with Feelings”
Parenting on Purpose
Parenting is difficult. Teaching children is difficult. And our society makes it so much more difficult than it needs to be. Parents and caregivers use wildly different methods, philosophies, styles, and systems. Many of these parenting methods flatly oppose one another. It is not possible to make parenting or childcare choices that fit everyone’s … Continue reading “Parenting on Purpose”
Whatever She Wants
We are raising Cat according to a fairly unique set of parenting philosophies. We give her what many feel is an insane amount of freedom. She does not attend school, and never will unless she chooses to. Her education consists of ‘unschooling’, meaning that academic work is not required at any time. Any and all … Continue reading “Whatever She Wants”