S7E159: The Unschooling Journey- From Childhood To Adulthood with Missy Willis

In this insightful episode I am joined by the hosts of Homeschool Unrefined, Angela and Maren. We dive deep into their personal journeys transitioning from homeschooling to public schooling with their children. As seasoned homeschoolers with a combined experience of over a decade, they share the challenges, surprises, and rewards that have come with this significant shift. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Homeschool Unrefined: Meet Angela and Maren, the voices behind Homeschool Unrefined. A brief history of their homeschooling journey and how they transitioned into podcasting. Angela's Journey: Life in Minnesota with three teens: 19, 17, and 15. Reflecting on 10 years of homeschooling and the decision to move her children into public high school. Maren's Journey: From teaching in a classroom to homeschooling her four children: 17, 15, 15, and 13. Navigating the complexities of homeschooling with neurodiverse children and how that influenced their learning styles. Homeschooling to Public School Transition: The decision-making process behind the shift from homeschool to public school. The importance of empowering children to take ownership of their education and advocate for their needs. Challenges and Lessons Learned: The mental shift required for parents when moving from a structured classroom environment to a more flexible homeschooling approach. How their children adapted academically and socially in the public school system. Reflections on Teaching and Education: Insights from their experiences as former classroom teachers and how that influenced their homeschooling approach. Discussing the balance between academic rigor and fostering a love of learning. Maintaining Core Values: How their family values and educational philosophies have remained intact despite the shift to public schooling. The ongoing role of homeschooling principles in their children's education and personal growth. Practical Advice for Families: Tips for parents considering a similar transition from homeschooling to traditional schooling. The importance of flexibility, understanding your child's unique learning needs, and maintaining a focus on holistic development. Reassuring advice on the long-term benefits of homeschooling and how it sets children up for success. Final Thoughts: Embrace Variety: It's okay to have multiple interests and hobbies. Trying new things adds richness to life and helps you discover more about yourself. Learning is Personal: Everyone learns differently, and that's something to be celebrated. Finding what works best for you is key to feeling good in your own skin, mind, and body. Modeling Curiosity: As lifelong learners, we set an example for our children. Curiosity and self-care are powerful tools for personal growth. Confidence in Your Path: Trust in your unique journey. The system might not always fit you, and that's okay. It's not about you—it's about the system. Continue to explore and adapt learning methods that   Resources Mentioned: Book: Think Differently About Learning: A Homeschool Where Children and Parents Thrive Homeschool Unrefined Website Instagram  If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify and share your thoughts on homeschooling and education transitions with us on our social media channels!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Am I Doing Enough?  This is a question that plagues all homeschoolers from time to time.  In this episode, Robyn Robertson of Honey! I’m Homeschooling the Kids and Kelly Edwards of 90-Minute School Day conclude their 4-part “How To Be An Awesome Homeschooler” summer conversation series.   What is ‘enough’?  How do we define it?  How do we know if we are falling behind?  What is ‘behind’? Listen-in as this topic is broken down into three steps to debunk the fears or to notice an area that needs change.  Then we share the 4 ingredients to include in your homeschool to enact that move.   This conversation guides you in shifting from wondering if you’re doing enough to feeling contentment and peace, knowing “I am enough” in my homeschooling. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: “Escape” (Pina Colada Song)    Dino Spiral Reel - Am I Doing Enough?   Assault Bike   Get your Certified Awesome Homeschool Parent Card Freebie!   Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids podcast   Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids patreon   90-Minute School Day podcast   90-Minute School Day in the Life community - Open House + Workshop Tuesday, July 23rd at 11 AM.  Join the waitlist for the workshop link.   Will you take a moment and rate the podcast?  Go to the show in your feed and scroll down to leave a 5 star review with one-click.  If you have a minute longer to support the podcast, would you write a review?  That is such a great way to say “thank you” if you enjoy the content we prepare and publish!  Thank you for your support and listening.   Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:52 Beach Days and Pina Coladas 00:08:37 Shifting Perspectives on Standards 00:10:38 Learning from Life's Lessons 00:14:46 Model Positive Behaviors 00:17:07 Finding Abundance in Homeschooling 00:20:23 Learning Even When Plans Fail 00:24:29 Speaking to Ourselves with Compassion 00:27:32 Aligning Actions with Why and Values 00:28:32 Acknowledging Common Challenges 00:28:48 Fear of Letting Go in Academics 00:30:21 Importance of Rest and Rhythms 00:31:02 Assessing and Recognizing Seasonality 00:32:23 Embracing Community for Support 00:33:41 Changes in Children Through Ages 00:38:26 Finding White Space in Life 00:40:43 Redefining What "Enough" Means 00:41:19 Finding Joy in Homeschooling 00:54:44 Building a Supportive Community 00:56:25 Upcoming Podcast Guests 00:58:01 Embracing the Process of Learning 01:01:18 Creating Inspiring Homeschool Environments See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is part 2 of 3 of our LIVE summer conversation series on "How to Be an Awesome Homeschooler."  Kelly Edwards from “90-Minute School Day” and Robyn Robertson of “Honey! I’m Homeschooling the Kids” dive into the complexities of choosing and using curriculum in homeschooling or not using curriculum at all! They discuss the myths and expectations surrounding curriculum, the importance of understanding your family's unique needs, and how to balance structure with the freedom of learning. They also explore ways to make curriculum work for you, rather than feeling controlled by it. Tune-in to hear insights for both new and seasoned homeschoolers, emphasizing the importance of connection, communication, and flexibility in education. Would you like to join the next conversation LIVE? Sign-up here to join our Summer Conversation Series! Save the date for our upcoming final conversation, hosted LIVE at 11 AM EDT: July 16th - How Do I Know If I'm Doing Enough? Other Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Wild + Free conference in Sept.   Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids podcast   Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids patreon   90-Minute School Day podcast   90-Minute School Day in the Life community   Wild Math   Will you take a moment and rate the podcast?  Go to the show in your feed and scroll down to leave a 5 star review with one-click.  If you have a minute longer to support the podcast, would you write a review?  That is such a great way to say “thank you” if you enjoy the content we prepare and publish!  Thank you for your support and listening.   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 04:43 Live Convo 38:45 Conclusion 40:10 Join Us Next Week 41:00 Outro See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to "How to Be an Awesome Homeschooler!”  In this episode, we dive into the joys and challenges of homeschooling. We ask the following questions:  What does it mean to be successful in homeschooling? How does that definition vary for each family? What are you afraid of (in homeschooling)? What does control have to do with it? What can we do to help ourselves? Robyn and Kelly share personal stories and insights on maintaining connection, open communication, and understanding family values. They emphasize the importance of reflecting on your homeschooling journey, addressing fears, and ensuring that your goals align with your family's needs. The significance of autonomy and self-advocacy for children is also discussed, especially as they grow older. Join us for a heartfelt and enlightening discussion, and don't forget to sign-up to join us LIVE for this continuing discussion. Sign-up here to join our Summer Conversation Series! Upcoming Conversations, hosted LIVE at 11 AM EDT: July 9th - Curriculum Conundrum: Dispelling Myths, Embracing Freedom July 16th - How Do I Know If I'm Doing Enough? Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical advice to help you navigate your homeschooling path successfully. Other Resources: Wild + Free conference in Sept.   Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids podcast   Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids patreon   90-Minute School Day podcast   90-Minute School Day in the Life community   Time Stamps   00:00  Introduction to How to Be An Awesome Homeschooler   01:35  Building Community and Introductions   02:02  Understanding Success in Homeschooling   02:54  Defining Success and Self-Evaluation   05:50  Realigning Goals with Why We Homeschool   09:31  Evolving Expectations and High Standards   12:40  Facing Fears and High Expectations   15:10  Overcoming Fear of Failure in Homeschooling   17:43  The Fear of Failing as a Parent   20:03  Reflecting on Homeschooling and its Values   22:36  Reflection and Reevaluation in Homeschooling   25:16  Navigating Teenage Challenges and Communication   27:25  Reanchoring Our Homeschool Goals   30:10  Closing Remarks and Looking Ahead See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to How to Be an Awesome Homeschooler! Join hosts Kelly Edwards, creator of The 90-Minute School Day, and Robyn Robertson, creator of Honey! I'm Homeschooling the Kids, as they introduce and dive into their exciting summer conversation series for 2024. In this special episode, Kelly and Robyn pull back the curtain on their friendship, families, and homeschools. They share updates from their independent lives and, most importantly, announce what’s coming up for How To Be An Awesome Homeschooler! They discuss their upcoming 2024 Summer Conversation series and how they’ve reimagined their popular summit into a three-part live conversation across three Tuesdays in July, focusing on big homeschooling questions.  The best part?  YOU!  This is a free and LIVE offering for everyone, so come and join us! Reserve your seat here.  All you have to do now is to save the dates to join the fun LIVE. Here’s the schedule: "How Do I Not Screw This Up?" on July 2nd, 2024 at 11am EDT “Curriculum Conundrum: Dispelling Myths, Embracing Freedom” on July 9th, 2024 at 11 am EDT "How Do I Know if I'm Doing ‘Enough’?" on July 16th, 2024 at 11 am EDT We can’t wait to be with you in the How To Be An Awesome Homeschooler Summer Conversation Series, where we will learn from one another’s personal homeschooling experiences, challenges faced, and the valuable lessons we’ve all learned along the way. Don't miss out on the opportunity to connect, share, and grow with fellow homeschoolers.  Tune-in and get inspired!  Save your seat here. Also inside this episode, Robyn and Kelly discuss: Why is homeschooling so scary for parents?   Where do parents get stuck?   What does school have to do with our understanding of education and learning?   What about going back to school?   How does unschooling look everyday? Other resources mentioned in this episode: That Canadian Citizenship Reel How To Be An Awesome Homeschooler Recordings Save Your Seat for Summer Conversation Series! HSLDA.ORG Homeschool Laws - United States  HSLDA.ORG Homeschool Laws - International Wild + Free conference in Sept. Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids podcast Deschooling Conscious Parenting and Deschooling Strewing 90-Minute School Day podcast Strewing Episode Deschooling Episode 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:18 How We Met 00:06:52 Life Changes 00:10:01 Reflections on Life 00:15:33 Learning is Life 00:20:25 Launching a Community 00:23:17 Reimagining the Summit 00:28:55 Getting Ready for the Podcast Series 00:30:05 Unpacking the Concept of Home Learning 00:32:47 Dealing with Challenges in Homeschooling 00:36:19 Navigating Challenges in Homeschooling 00:37:30 Understanding the Role of School in Education 00:41:25 Defining Education, Schooling, and Learning 00:42:59 Exploring Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation 00:44:21 Tailoring Education to Individual Needs 00:51:22 Reflecting on the Homeschooling Journey 00:52:06 Rethinking Education and Learning 00:55:06 Focusing on How to Succeed in Homeschooling 00:55:28 Embracing the Process of Learning 00:56:21 Looking Forward to Future ConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Homeschool and Unschool Q&A Are you considering taking this homeschooling or unschooling path but you've come to a standstill? Are you having doubts about your ability to homeschool or a lack of confidence in unschooling?  How do you juggle homeschool and work? What about working full time? How can we best support reading and writing skills?  I invited a few of my homeschool mama friends to join me on this Homeschool and Unschool Q&A episode. Liana Francisco is a grown Unschooler that now Unschools her son. She is a multi-passionate entrepreneur who was unschooled from birth to 16 when she started college full time. She is 40 years old, so she was unschooled way back in the day when you still got the evil eye from the mail man and grocery store clerks. Liana Francisco has a vegan wholesale food business, a consulting business, and a YouTube channel where she teaches moms with young kids how to make plant-based eating EASY with a system. She also teaches moms how to hack homemaking for more freedom AND an organized family. Kelly Edwards is the creator of the 90-Minute School Day. The 90-Minute School Day method connects children with learning in their natural environment: at home with their family.  Kelly is passionate about home education, connecting families through attachment, learning as a lifestyle and helping children (and parents) identify their purpose.  Kelly is entering her 9th year as a homeschool mom. She lives in the Shenandoah Valley of WV with her husband and 3 girls ages 13, 6, and 3.  She is a licensed foster parent, successful entrepreneur, and community citizen.  She uses her personal and professional experience to guide the homeschooling parent with a framework and system to overcome the overwhelm that affects each of us.  You can learn more about her by visiting www.90minuteschoolday.com or follow her on Instagram at @90minuteschoolday. In This Episode- We Came For You-And Your Questions This episode is dedicated to answering your questions. Although we did not get to all of the questions, we did our best answering and offering examples, and sharing our personal experiences. Our answers reflected our lives in neurodiversity, infancy to adulthood, homeschooling and unschooling. These are the questions we answered: 1. My kids don't engage in reading...how could I support him to feel confident to start?  2. My son learns skills, for example, reading when it becomes useful to him. I worry that he may not find a need to write because everything is typed these days. Should I worry?  3. How do you handle doubting yourself? I started out a Charlotte Mason purist a few years ago and found your podcast and unschooling 2 years ago. Have been loving and seeing so much growth and curiosity but I find myself wondering if I'm doing enough and fall back into doing structured Charlotte Mason when I feel in doubt. Any tips on staying confident in unschooling?  4. I want to homeschool my 4 kids (9,7,5,3) but I don't feel like the smartest person. Now it is fine, but later?  5. I have a 1 year old but I'm already thinking about homeschooling plans. Currently going back to work; worried if I'll be able to sustain that goal when the time comes if I'm still working full time.  Resources You can connect with Liana, Kelly and I each week in our online community on the Clubhouse app-Honey! I'm Homeschooling Learn more about our annual spring homeschool summit~ How To Be An Awesome Homeschooler Connect with Kelly on her website www.90minuteschoolday.com or Instagram @90minuteschoolday Learn more about Kelly's lifestyle approach to education in this episode- Finding Freedom Within Structure. You can connect with Liana on Instagram ~ @liana_francisco You Tube- @HomeschoolMomLife Her website~ https://www.lianafrancisco.com/ If you want to hear more of Liana’s story, then check out the first interview we ever did on this show~ Growing Up Unschooled. A Word From Our Sponsor Sponsor support allows me to continue to create this podcast and allow it to be easily accessible for you.  This episode was brought to you by MEL Science.  MEL Science MEL Science is a subscription service that offers a range of educational resources and hands-on experiments for homeschooling families. From chemistry to physics, medicine to STEM, MEL Science subscription boxes are packed full of exciting experiments and activities that will inspire and educate. These boxes are a perfect way to give homeschooling kids a practice with the hands-on boxes and get them involved in science activities. With MEL Science, you’ll get all the materials needed for each experiment, including detailed instructions and educational materials that explain the scientific concepts behind each experiment. If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to teach science, MEL Science is a great choice. Don’t forget to take advantage of the 60% discount for your first box, and start exploring the fascinating world of science with MEL Science today. USE CODE MEL60 At CHECKOUTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Impacts of Technology on Learning The world of learning today looks a lot different from the learning world that I grew up in. When my kids were younger they loved the story I told of a memorable day in my first grade class when my teacher rolled a large machine into our classroom. As we sat there in silence, she announced that the contraption she had brought in was called a.... computer! And the entire class would get a chance to use it. You can imagine our excitement. The computer produced questions on the screen and we each took turns typing the answers. It was the first and only time we had access to a computer that year and for years to come. By the time I was in junior high school we had computer labs and classes using computers. By high school I even ventured to take a rudimentary programming class.  Fast forward to today and my home educated children can travel to countries they are interested in visiting via Virtual Reality.  They can take a University level class from an Ivy League school from the couch, for free.  They can get help refining their resume through a chat generative pre-trained transformer.  They can learn a new skill or technique for an infinite number of things via YouTube. They have access to the world at their finger tips.   Technology has brought major shifts in learning.  Should we be excited about what the future holds for our learners?  Will homeschoolers and unschoolers have more access to opportunities previously held by education gatekeepers?  Do our technological tools bring dangers that we should be wary of?  How can we best support and protect our children from pitfalls? Or do we need to? How can we create and foster educational programs and environments that will prepare our children for the future?  In This Episode- Technology, Digital Learning and Impacts on Learners In this episode I spoke with Josh Davidson. Josh is a dad and founder of an award winning online learning program, Night Zookeeper. As the Managing Director of a digital platform that services families and in particular kids under the age of 12, I wanted to hear his insight on the influence of technology and digital learning on education, the job market and the future.  Technology has brought major shifts in learning. We explored a few of those shifts and shared our ideas on the good and bad. Should we be excited about what the future holds for our learners?  Do our technological tools bring dangers that we should be wary of?  How can we best support or protect our children from dangers? Or do we need to? How can we create and foster educational programs and environments that will prepare our children for the future?  What impacts will technology and Artificial Intelligence have on the job market?  I enjoyed Josh's viewpoint on technology and how it is shaping our future. His perspective is uplifting and pragmatic. He offers a good reminder that we are all really seeking solutions to problems. And as much as sometimes we may be drawn to worry about the bad, there is still a lot of good that we are contributing to the world. Resources Josh Davidson is the Founder and Managing Director of Night Zookeeper, the award-winning online language arts program designed to make learning fantastically fun for children ages 6-12. With a dedication to improving online education over the past 12 years, Josh has brought enthusiasm and passion to the field of education, offering an exciting learning experience beyond the confines of traditional classrooms. Josh's pioneering spirit emerged during his MA in Digital Art, making him one of the trailblazers in the United Kingdom for this field of study. Leveraging his creative expertise, he has elevated online learning to new heights through Night Zookeeper. Every aspect of this innovative program reflects his commitment to fostering children's creativity, encouraging them to unleash their imagination by designing their own imaginative animals within an interactive world that ignites a love for reading and writing. At the forefront of innovation and growth, Josh and the Night Zookeeper team have continuously pushed the boundaries of online education. Embracing the ever-evolving landscape of technology, they have seamlessly integrated cutting-edge solutions to keep up with the dynamic trends shaping the thriving world of technology and education. As a result, Night Zookeeper has emerged as a pioneer in its field, providing adaptable solutions that redefine the learning experience for children worldwide and encourages children to have fun whilst learning. If you would like to learn more about the platform and program, go HERE.  Josh referenced author Daniel Pink. https://www.danpink.com/I referenced Dr. Peter Gray and his work on the importance of kids playing modern day tools mentioned in his book Free To Learn. Thank You To Our Sponsor Sponsor support allows me to continue to create this podcast and allow it to be easily accessible for you.  This episode was brought to you by MEL Science.  MEL Science MEL Science is a subscription service that offers a range of educational resources and hands-on experiments for homeschooling families. From chemistry to physics, medicine to STEM, MEL Science subscription boxes are packed full of exciting experiments and activities that will inspire and educate. These boxes are a perfect way to give homeschooling kids a practice with the hands-on boxes and get them involved in science activities. With MEL Science, you’ll get all the materials needed for each experiment, including detailed instructions and educational materials that explain the scientific concepts behind each experiment. If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to teach science, MEL Science is a great choice. Don’t forget to take advantage of the 60% discount for your first box, and start exploring the fascinating world of science with MEL Science today. USE CODE MEL60 At CHECKOUTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Overcoming Fears and Doubts Homeschooling fears got you down? Parenting doubts keeping you paralyzed? Does the worry and fear wear you down?  Erica Kesilman joined me on this episode to talk about the fears and doubts we face as homeschoolers and parents and how we can overcome them.  Erica helps parents grow strong family relationships without yelling, guilt or overwhelm. She utilizes trauma-sensitive, somatic, body-centered therapies for nervous system healing of complex developmental, psychological, neurological, or emotional challenges so you can realize inner security, safety, and optimal health and wellness. She does this through workshops, group programs or one-on-ones.  She has over 20 years of experience working with families in a wide range of capacities. Erica holds two M.Ed. degrees in Educational Administrations & Leadership, a B.A. in Clinical Psychology with Certifications in Trauma Coaching, Conscious Parenting, Somatic Attachment Therapies, EFT and Breathwork.  She is a homeschooling mom to 3.  In This Episode In this episode Erica shares her own experiences of the fear of imperfections. From the classroom to unschooling wasn't as easy for her as you may think. Just because Erica has the education credentials doesn't mean it was a breeze. She's been working through the demands of perfectionism. Demands that compromised what is most important to her- the integrity of the relationship with her kids. We talk about: The fear of imperfections and making mistakes and what to do when we were never modelled that for ourselves. How we can begin to go through the repair process with our kids Looking at how our child responds and how you respond when there is challenging behaviour Focusing on the "glimmers" Building in academics by working with the child Creating rhythms or patterns that can build the skills  Inner Resources Soft Structure Conscious Parenting Going from automatic to intentional Self Forgiveness Practice Resources To Share If you would like to connect with Erica you can find her at https://ericakesilman.com/ Instagram @erica_kesilman  Facebook  Mentioned in the episode Peter Gray Book- Free To Learn Listen to my interview with Dr. Peter Gray HERE.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Unschooling Journey- From Childhood To Adulthood with Missy Willis Missy is a mom to two, writer, and self-directed education advocate.  As a trained teacher, she imagined a life devoted to traditional education, but in 2007 she moved away from the standardized schooling model with her own kids and hasn’t looked back.    Let ‘em go Barefoot is the community and podcast she created to share stories, insights and research on conscious parenting and education. Her work has reached hundreds of thousands of people across the globe. What has emerged is a felt sense that we are in the midst of a Great Educational Awakening.   Missy is currently collaborating with another veteran unschooling mom, Ann Hansen of Inner Parent Coaching, to create a supportive community for the next generation of unschooling parents.    A foundational principle of their work is: The Future of Education is not in the Classroom   Find out more or to get involved at www.letemgobarefoot.com or on Instagram @letemgobarefoot  In This Episode This is the second time Missy has been featured on my podcast. (She has also co-hosted excellent conversations in my Homeschool Club)  I wanted to bring her back on the show to hear her perspective on unschooling through the years. Her oldest is now an adult and her youngest is in her teens. (I suggest you listen to her first interview to hear more about her background in education and their unschooling beginning).  In this episode we explored the many layers of unschooling, learning and parenting.  Peaceful Parenting and open communication in unschooling  How she has has approached academics in unschooling What helped their family to continue unschooling in the later years- getting clear on the why  Recognizing the ups and downs and the challenges Unschooling into Post Secondary- creating portfolios, dual enrolment, college entry and career tracks Building experiences, adventures and engaging with the world The research- Self Determination Theory: Autonomy, Competence and Relatedness  Resources You can reach Missy through Let Em Go Barefoot on social media and her website.  Website- Let Em Go Barefoot Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/letemgobarefoot Instagram- Instagram @letemgobarefoot  Self Determination Theory If you would like to hear additional conversations with Missy, I recommend her first interview- Conscious Educator. Or, her recorded Honey! I’m Homeschooling Co-Hosted Conversations- Veteran Unschooling Moms Q&A, and Conscious Parenting & Deschooling.  For Support on your homeschooling and Unschooling journey join my Honey! I’m Homeschooling Patreon Community. Or connect with me One-On-One HERE.  Thank you Sponsors Sponsor support allows me to continue to create this podcast and allow it to be easily accessible for you.  This episode was brought to you by MEL Science.  MEL Science MEL Science is a subscription service that offers a range of educational resources and hands-on experiments for homeschooling families. From chemistry to physics, medicine to STEM, MEL Science subscription boxes are packed full of exciting experiments and activities that will inspire and educate. These boxes are a perfect way to give homeschooling kids a practice with the hands-on boxes and get them involved in science activities. With MEL Science, you’ll get all the materials needed for each experiment, including detailed instructions and educational materials that explain the scientific concepts behind each experiment. If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to teach science, MEL Science is a great choice. Don’t forget to take advantage of the 60% discount for your first box, and start exploring the fascinating world of science with MEL Science today. USE CODE MEL60 At CHECKOUTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This community conversation was all about risk taking.  My friends Kelly Edwards and Tira Hunter joined me to lead this this community conversation on the importance of allowing our kids (and teens) to take risks and what that looks like in our lives. In This Episode Kelly Edwards is the founder of the 90 Minute School Day. She is a homeschooling mom to her 3 daughters, ages 15, 8 and 5. Tira Hunter unschooled her daughter Zoi who is now grown, runs a business and is a mom to Zoi, a professional artist. This conversation brought our community of parents that come from different backgrounds, places, ages, races and circumstances to share their ideas, and ask questions.  Here's what we explored in this conversation: What is risk taking? Risky play- the benefits, examples and balancing safety  Risk taking at different ages Trust- the element that makes risk okay Parent Fears Why are some parents more risk-adverse?  Tools, knives, guns and independent experiences Risk and Race And let's not forget, risk taking in choosing to homeschool! Resources We shared some fantastic resources- podcasts, books and articles throughout this discussion. Books Teen Mind, Teen Brain-What Parents Need To Know To Survive The Adolescent Years by Dr. Ron Clavier Free To Learn- Why Unleashing The Instinct To Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self Reliant, and Better Students For Life by Dr. Peter Gray Articles and Research The Nature Of Things- Risky Play For Children- Why We Should Let Kids Go Outside And Then Get Out Of The Way National Library of Medicine- Risky Play and Children's Safety: Balancing Priorities For Optimal Child Development outsideplay.ca -Helping Caregivers and Educators Gain The Confidence and Skills To Support Children's Outdoor Play Podcast Episodes Free To Learn with Dr. Peter Gray Supporting Passions and Unschooling To Adulthood with Tira and Zoi Hunter Finding Freedom Within Structure with Kelly Edwards Supporting Passions and Unschooling in the Teen Years  Homeschooling Support Join Our Community   One on One Coaching Support Clubhouse Community  OUR SPONSORS Sponsor support allows me to continue to create this podcast and allow it to be easily accessible for you.  This episode was brought to you by Fearless Learners by Success Codes and MEL Science.  Fearless Learners by SuccessCodes;Where all children can learn and grow fearless with a Learning Success Coach by their side. Their certified Learning Success coaches make learning easy with their proven holistic coaching methodology which is a unique and superior alternative to tutoring and teaching in all subjects.All of their coaches are certified teachers as well as certified Learning Success Coaches, who have left the school system to create the ‘right’ environment to provide customized and personalized learning experiences.    *Kohila is offering a FREE 45 minute clarity coaching call to Honey! I’m Homeschooling The Kids listeners. Just go to learningsuccessacademy.com Watch From Fear To Fearless, Kohila’s weekly show on Wednesday, 11am Pacific Time at fearlesslearners.live MEL Science MEL Science is a subscription service that offers a range of educational resources and hands-on experiments for homeschooling families. From chemistry to physics, medicine to STEM, MEL Science subscription boxes are packed full of exciting experiments and activities that will inspire and educate. These boxes are a perfect way to give homeschooling kids a practice with the hands-on boxes and get them involved in science activities. With MEL Science, you’ll get all the materials needed for each experiment, including detailed instructions and educational materials that explain the scientific concepts behind each experiment. If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to teach science, MEL Science is a great choice. Don’t forget to take advantage of the 60% discount for your first box, and start exploring the fascinating world of science with MEL Science today. USE CODE MEL60 At CHECKOUTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.