Honey! I'm Homeschooling The Kids Robyn Robertson

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

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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 wit

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 CHECKOUT
See 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 explori

Evgenia is a homeschooling mama of one boy and the founder of Fit Mama Method. She was born in the Soviet Union and lived in Russia until 29 years old. She holds 2 Master Degrees in Journalism and Sports. Evgenia came to Canada to complete a college program and decided to stay. She was the head coach of an Acrobatic Gymnastics Program and a personal trainer until she decided to stay home with her son. 

Evgenia is a homeschool mom and entrepreneur. Her Nourished Motherhood Program has helped many homeschooling mamas to beat burn-out with a holistic approach to wellbeing, motherhood and homeschooling. 

In This Episode​

Often, my podcast interviews offer perspective into different points of view, circumstances and the rest of the world. It can be easy to live our life and assume that everyone shares similar thoughts, ideals and circumstances. But that is not always the case. I personally enjoy hearing the stories from others that have grown up and lived a learning life quite different from my own, or the one that I know. It gives me a better understanding of the world. 

In this episode Evgenia shares about life growing up in the Soviet Union and how that reflects on childhood and parenting. What does a life shaped by living behind the Iron Curtain look like? We talked about:


The school system (a day in the life of the school day, and class in the Soviet Union)
Raising children (the expectations on both kids and parents) 
Family and community purpose (How differently they varied from life in the western world today)
Homeschooling 

This was a wonderful discussion on not only how we are shaped, but the changes that we go through in our lives that begin to change our world, values and parenting. And of course...lead us to homeschooling.

Resources

Connect with Evgenia on her website- fitmamamethod.com

Instagram- @fit.mama.method

If you want to learn more about getting started in homeschooling, listen to my episode 7 Steps To Begin Homeschooling

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 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 CHECKOUT
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.