Just Add Light and Stir

Cynicism feels like intelligence. Pessimism can feel like energy conservation. Eeyore never jumps up and runs. Eeyore never bothers t...

When people come here and their messages are like parroted little recordings of things their teachers said, that their grandparents an...

a mom wrote: I like how you wrote that I need to be my child's partner not the program's partner. I will listen to my child ...

In early 2008, sharing some interesting connections that had happened at our house, I wrote: That all 'just happened,' but it ...

If the only right choice is the mother's choice, then the mother will win when she gets her way, but the child will lose. The only...

"Intellectually, I got unschooling all the way from the very beginning. The part that took more time was relationships and wholen...

Response to this: I tend to err on the side of just spending time together. Don't think of it as erring. And don't think of it ...

Experience is the only true teacher. Give your kids experiences, not lessons. Give them opportunities to follow their hearts until they e...

Rippy wrote: If parents of school children ask, I usually say our homeschooling is pretty eclectic. I may give certain examples such as...

If you can envision the kind of relationship and the life of learning you want to have, then every time you make a choice, choose t...

Someone wrote once: "I really have to be vigilant on myself and try not to control." I was amused, but responded, in par...

I wrote this verse for a Christmas card we made when my children were eight, five, and three years old. Abundant joy,    a special toy,  ...

Ripandeep Saran wrote: When I was 14 years old, I asked the leader of the Sikh ashram I was visiting what to do when I am feeling blue an...

"Changing our own thought patterns is hard and it can help to have strong motivation along with examples of alternative ways to think...

"The goal of unschooling is not education. It is to help a child be who she is and blossom into who she will become. Learning happens...

Nurture your own curiosity and amazement. Let life be marvelous. Let nature and music be bigger than you are, and find gratitude in be...

Live a light and playful life. Be patient and sweet. Be generous. Play with your children, and gently. Play with your friends, and ki...

Just as being kinder and gentler with a child makes one a kinder, gentler parent, being more attentive and concerned about a spouse or pa...

You have helped me be more kind to my children. The best thing anyone could have done for them and me. Thank you! —Anonymous (I didn...

Negativity is contagious poison. Turn just a little bit away from it. Then you can turn away easier the next time; and take a step away, ...