Thoughts on this Blog

When I began this blog I fell in love with writing.I loved the way it enabled me to work through stuff.The connections it enabled  me to make with like minded folk.I "needed" to record our days,it was compulsive.

Over the last few months I have fallen out of love a little.

I often get frustrated because I can't find the right words to convey things in the way I would like. I don't know if people are able to read what I write in the way I intended it.I look at the other blogs out there that are writing such inspirational posts.Some of the posts about the Badman situation have been amazing.I suppose I have been feeling a little inadequate:-/

I toyed with the idea of quitting or having a break.I felt like I had lost my way. This was never intended as an"educational" record.It was set up because I got so much from reading other blogs and finding those that I could identify with.Others who were autonomous,or those that had an only child,with the anxieties that can cause.Those who were trying new parenting methods.Those who made me laugh.Those who provided me with inspiration.

I thought that there might be someone out there who could relate to us and our journey.


The more I thought it through, the more I realised I wanted to keep on going.My reasons for doing it now are more personal I think.

I have felt recently that there are only so many posts you can do about the day to day things we do because we aren't out and about visiting places.We haven't curriculum type things to share.Millys days are relaxed and not always full of things to blog about!

I have spent some time over the last few weeks just reading back through old posts I have done.I "see" Emily in this blog.I see the growth she has made since she came out of school.I see her passions the things that are important to her.I see how our journey into unschooling and a more peaceful and respectful parenting has brought us to this place.

I have found by recording our days on here it has allowed me to see Emily's strengths/passions in a much clearer light.It is too easy for me to focus on the TV watching or computer use as wasting time,missing the "education" that comes from all sources.It is easy to dismiss the creative process or assimilation of facts that happens when swinging in your hammock, staring dreamily at the sky :-)

No one knows Emily as well as we do.Not just because we spend so much time with her,but because we listen to her,we talk to her.We value her opinion.She has a voice in the way things are done..She is a fully paid up member of this family.She is not waiting to grow up,to become a person.She is a child, but she is a person .She is growing, with our guidance.She does not have to be a grown up before she can make grown up decisions.We trust her to make the right decisions for her.She is "learning" by living a life that involves real challenges and real outcomes.

There is so much about the learning process that is hidden,we can't measure with tests,but being with our children so much of the time, we can see with our eyes and hear with our ears.

This blog is my hearing aid and maginfying glass when I need it ;-)