—Amy Childs
(from Amy's podcast series on unschooling)
photo by Chrissy Florence
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"Look for moments in the day that are good—especially the ordinary moments. Pause and appreciate them when you see them. Let them set the mood for how you move forward. Listen for pleasing sounds. A giggle. A child's breath. Your own heartbeat. Some music. Close your eyes, notice and appreciate those sounds. Find the ones that make you smile. Let your smile soften your mood." —Karen James | ![]() |
"Please take time for reflection. Take time for your mind to be calm and quiet." —Pam Sorooshian | ![]() |
Send a thank-you note to someone who has helped you this year, or maybe deliver one by hand to the nicest person at your grocery store, or a neighbor who smiles and waves. Maybe someone has been nice to you online, and you could send an e-mail or a facebook message. | ![]() |
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"You can't give what you don't have," some people say, and if you want your children to give generosity and kindness and patience to others, you should give them so much they're overflowing with it. It works with respect, too. | ![]() |
![]() | "My Little Pony" figures and stories have changed over the years, but their contributions to happiness and learning continue to grow. |
How can one get from resentment and rigidity to an outpouring of love? Too mushy? It happens. | ![]() |
I am willing to watch it with her because I know she loves it. I affirm something about her by taking her interest, her pleasure seriously. I let her know she matters by making it clear that she matters to me. | ![]() |
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![]() | "What makes your child happy and comfortable?" —Joyce Fetteroll |
![]() | If you're just starting to homeschool I have a few words of advice: Breathe. Smile. Your kids will be sharing your stress and fear, so move quickly to get over them. Meet experienced homeschoolers and model your practice on families you like and respect. Deschool yourselves, and the kids will follow easily. |
Find a comfortable way to relax into the flow of life, as often as you can, appreciating the sweet surprises along the way. | ![]() |
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How much are supplies for unschooling? It ranges somewhere between nothing and everything—the whole budget. Once a family starts to consider everything educational, even groceries and cleaning supplies
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