First Ever Australian Unschooling Conference

I am very excited to be able to go to this conference (find information here). I went to the Australian Homeschooling Conference a couple of years ago and came away inspired and energised to continue this journey. The last couple of months I have let go of a lot of bookwork type activities and am embracing a more natural approach with N (13). He is my step-son and so I have always felt the need to "produce" work, not only for his mum but also for registration. I am now recording things we do each day but have no expectations of learning required. I think it also helps that his two older brothers (my two boys) are reaching an age where they are self-directed, responsible, curious and intelligent learners and I know that they have a great grounding to be life long learners. N is working a bit with his dad, reading a lot, doing puzzles, playing Runescape, watching docos and movies and developing a passion for gardening, mainly growing fruit trees from seed. We will see where this takes us but I am very comfortable with it so far.

What I struggle with is radical unschooling. I LOVE the concept but it's like I don't have the energy to be always there for my kids. I like time to myself each evening, that's one of the things that keeps my energy levels up throughout the day, looking forward to my time of peace each night. I also prefer to feed them healthy options rather than eat what they want, when they want. I like to have a tidy kitchen after each meal, not have kids continually eat all through the day so the place always looks like a bomb - OK, as I am writing this it does sound terribly controlling, hmmmmmm......

So, I am open to learning and hearing about radical unschooling a la Dayna Martin. I have read a lot of books about it but am nowhere near that free yet. I say yes a LOT more often than I used to so slowly inching my way along the spectrum. By the time my kids are grown up, I will have let go of my control issues, I'm sure - lol! Anyway, I believe this opportunity is in my life for a reason, whether it is to show me a glorious new path and kick me out of my comfort zone or to cement my deep seated values that I believe children need direction with sleep, health, food, etc. We'll see......