Unschooling Mom2Mom

Sue Patterson
  • 4.9 (85)
  • EDUCATION FOR KIDS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast is a quick conversation with Sue Patterson, coach, author, and mother of 3 grown unschoolers. Sue shares inspiration and tips to help you find the unschooling confidence you're looking for! Even if you’re more of a “homeschooler” than an “unschooler,” these 10 minute(ish) podcasts can help you find more joy in parenting, educating and connecting with your children!

  1. 3D AGO

    205 - Do You Need to Revisit Deschooling? When Unschooling Doubts Show Up

    Text Sue what you think! Do you need to revisit deschooling as your child gets older? Many unschooling and homeschooling parents start worrying about learning gaps, grade levels, falling behind, and whether unschooling is “working.” Deschooling is often treated as a beginning phase of homeschooling. But school conditioning doesn’t disappear once. It resurfaces in layers. In this episode, we talk about: • Why deschooling isn’t one-and-done  • How grade-level thinking creeps back in  • Why independence can trigger anxiety  • Common fears about gaps and timelines  • How to recalibrate without returning to school-at-home structure If you’re homeschooling without curriculum, exploring unschooling, or noticing old school-based fears resurfacing, this episode will help you pause, recognize the pattern, and revisit deschooling with steadiness instead of urgency. Deschooling isn’t finished. It evolves as your child grows. ____________________________ RESOURCES:  Creating Confidence (private community or daily app) https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-daily Deschooling Toolkit https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Deschooling-Toolkit Read Transcript at the Blog  https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/deschooling-isnt-something-you-finish Support the show _____________________________________________________ As always, reach out if you need more help. You don't have to do this alone! Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need! Start Free Trial Today! Creating Confidence Membership Group Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! UNSCHOOLING 101 Course Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course Unschooling Transcript Course Seasonal Unschooling Guides Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue Stay Connected: Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

    6 min

  2. FEB 27

    204 - Those Voices in Your Head? Let Me Elbow In

    Text Sue what you think! If you’re an unschooling or homeschooling parent struggling with doubt, internal criticism, or wondering if you’re doing enough, this episode is for you. We talk about how unschooling confidence is built through daily reinforcement — not one-time inspiration. Start your free week of Creating Confidence Daily here: https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-daily Unschooling doubt doesn’t disappear just because you left school. Old scripts — about productivity, laziness, timelines, and “doing enough” — are still there criticizing you. And when real life gets loud, those voices get louder. In this episode, we talk about: How to grow your confidenceHow old school-conditioned thinking resurfaces under stressWhy reinforcement matters more than motivationWhat it looks like to “practice perspective”And why adding a steady voice into the mix can change everythingYou don’t have to silence the critical voices completely. But you don’t have to let them be the only ones speaking.  I want to be in there too —elbowing them out of the way. If daily reinforcement would help you stay grounded in your unschooling values, Creating Confidence Daily was built for exactly that — short, steady reminders that fit into real life. Try it free for a week here: https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-daily I’ll see you there — and I’ll be back here next week. Support the show _____________________________________________________ As always, reach out if you need more help. You don't have to do this alone! Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need! Start Free Trial Today! Creating Confidence Membership Group Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! UNSCHOOLING 101 Course Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course Unschooling Transcript Course Seasonal Unschooling Guides Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue Stay Connected: Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

    7 min

  3. FEB 14

    203 - The Real Reason Your Unschooling Confidence Disappears (And How to Strengthen It)

    Text Sue what you think! You feel steady about unschooling…  and then one comment, one comparison, one tired day — and you spiral. Why does confidence disappear so fast? Let's unpack why unschooling confidence doesn’t “stick” — even when you understand the philosophy. Confidence doesn’t grow on autopilot. It comes from intentionally brining it back to the front of our minds. Rhythm and repetition.  Today, we'll talk about:  • Why doubt resurfaces in cycles  • The difference between insight and daily reinforcement  • Why bingeing encouragement doesn’t work  • How 10–15 intentional minutes can steady your thinking If you’ve ever thought, “I know this… so why am I still worried?” — this one’s for you. NEW UNSCHOOLING RESOURCE: Creating Confidence Daily opens February 22.  A simple daily reset to help you stay steady instead of riding the emotional rollercoaster. Learn more:  https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-daily Read the transcript:  https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/the-real-reason-your-unschooling-confidence-disappears-and-how-to-strengthen-it Happy unschooling. Support the show _____________________________________________________ As always, reach out if you need more help. You don't have to do this alone! Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need! Start Free Trial Today! Creating Confidence Membership Group Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! UNSCHOOLING 101 Course Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course Unschooling Transcript Course Seasonal Unschooling Guides Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue Stay Connected: Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

    7 min

  4. FEB 5

    202 - Unschooling the Olympics: No Curriculum Needed

    Text Sue what you think! When the Olympics roll around, it’s easy to feel pressure to “do something educational.” You don’t need a unit study, curriculum, or lesson plan for real learning to happen. Big cultural events like the Olympics are already rich with opportunities for curiosity, connection, and noticing — if you let them be. In this episode, Sue talks about how to strew the Olympics: leaving learning invitations available without turning them into lessons or checklists. You’ll hear what strewing actually looks like in everyday life, how to follow interest without forcing it, and why resisting the urge to document or capture learning often creates more space for it to happen naturally. Whether your kids are glued to the events or barely paying attention, this conversation will help you relax and trust that learning doesn’t need to be organized to be meaningful. Resources mentioned: The Strewing Guide and Strewing Calendar — both included inside the Creating Confidence Membership. Strewing GuideStrewing CalendarCreating Confidence Membership Support the show _____________________________________________________ As always, reach out if you need more help. You don't have to do this alone! Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need! Start Free Trial Today! Creating Confidence Membership Group Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! UNSCHOOLING 101 Course Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course Unschooling Transcript Course Seasonal Unschooling Guides Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue Stay Connected: Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

    7 min

  5. JAN 22

    201 - I Want to Do More to Teach — Why That Feeling Shows Up

    Text Sue what you think! Feeling lost about teaching is common when you step away from school. Sue Patterson explores why the urge to teach more keeps showing up — and why learning doesn’t depend on parents doing more teaching, but on staying focused on the learner. __________________ “I want to do more to teach, but I feel lost.” If that thought has crossed your mind, you’re not the only one. That feeling often shows up when you step away from school-based learning and realize you’re still carrying old ideas about what teaching is supposed to look like. Let’s talk about why parents feel lost when they start on the unschooling path, how we’ve been conditioned to believe learning only happens when someone is teaching, and what to focus on instead when your days don’t look like school. This is a calm, reassuring conversation for parents who are doing something unconventional — and want steadier footing without more pressure. Additional Unschooling Support: If you’d like more examples and a little support, you’ll find related resources here: Blogpost: "I Want to Do More to Teach" — Why that feels so confusing Deschooling Toolkit (for that 365 Days of Deschooling guide)  Creating Confidence membership Support the show _____________________________________________________ As always, reach out if you need more help. You don't have to do this alone! Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need! Start Free Trial Today! Creating Confidence Membership Group Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! UNSCHOOLING 101 Course Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course Unschooling Transcript Course Seasonal Unschooling Guides Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue Stay Connected: Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

    6 min

  6. JAN 15

    200 - Learning from Dragons - Without Planning a Thing!

    Text Sue what you think! How do kids really learn without curriculum? What if learning is hiding in the things we almost dismiss as “just for fun”? Let's use Appreciate a Dragon Day as a real-life example of how learning shows up naturally — through curiosity, imagination, conversation, and play — without planning lessons or following a curriculum. Parents exploring unschooling or questioning traditional homeschooling can learning how to notice learning instead of trying to engineer it. You’ll hear about: How everyday interests connect to real learningWhy play, storytelling, and imagination matterWhat learning without curriculum actually looks likeHow to see subjects woven into ordinary momentsFor more ideas and specific ways to weave multiple subjects into a day, check out the blogpost with  10 creative ways unschooling shows up through dragons here: https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/what-do-dragons-and-homeschooling-have-in-common You can read the transcript at this link too.  📅 Want daily sparks like this — without having to come up with them yourself? The Strewing Calendar delivers interesting ideas and everyday celebrations that invite curiosity and connection all year long: https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/category/Strewing-Calendar-Subscriptions   Support the show _____________________________________________________ As always, reach out if you need more help. You don't have to do this alone! Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need! Start Free Trial Today! Creating Confidence Membership Group Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! UNSCHOOLING 101 Course Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course Unschooling Transcript Course Seasonal Unschooling Guides Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue Stay Connected: Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

    6 min

  7. JAN 13

    199 - Why Deschooling Is Really for Parents: Letting Go of Schoolish Thinking

    Text Sue what you think! Many parents expect deschooling to work like a big reset button — pull kids out of school, give it a little time, and everything will fall into place. But when kids seem to be “vegging out,” parents often panic: Is this really how it’s supposed to work? In this episode, I unpack what’s actually happening in those moments — and why that panic makes sense. Leaving school doesn’t automatically erase the habits we learned growing up. Even when unschooling feels right, school-shaped ideas about productivity, pace, comparison, and structure can quietly shape how we interpret learning at home. We’ll talk about: Why deschooling isn’t instant — and why that’s normalWhat kids are actually doing when it looks like “nothing”Why deschooling is active parent work, not passive waitingHow connection, partnership, and shared life replace school-based frameworksWhy successful deschooling doesn’t lead kids back to school thinking — it helps school fade into the background entirelyDeschooling isn’t about rejecting learning.  It’s about letting go of patterns that belonged to a system built for sameness — not real families. Read Transcript at the Blog https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/why-deschooling-is-really-for-parents ____________________________ DESCHOOLING TOOLKIT - for kids and parents! The practical support resource for parents who find themselves in that in-between space — where unschooling makes sense, but school-shaped thinking keeps creeping back in. The Deschooling Toolkit is a collection of parent supports designed to walk alongside you as you step away from system-focused ideas and sort through what actually supports your family’s learning now. It includes: 365 Days of Deschooling — gentle, real-life prompts for kids and familiesA Parent Deschooling Guide — to help you recognize school-conditioned habits and rethink them intentionallyDeschooling Affirmation Cards — steady reminders for moments when doubt or outside pressure shows upThere’s no schedule to follow and nothing to Support the show _____________________________________________________ As always, reach out if you need more help. You don't have to do this alone! Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need! Start Free Trial Today! Creating Confidence Membership Group Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! UNSCHOOLING 101 Course Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course Unschooling Transcript Course Seasonal Unschooling Guides Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue Stay Connected: Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

    7 min

  8. JAN 6

    198 - When School-at-Home Homeschooling Stops Working

    Text Sue what you think! When traditional homeschooling stops working, there’s nothing wrong with exploring your options. The Unschooling 101 mini-course can help. Let’s talk about what’s going on together. -> Unschooling 101 -> Creating Confidence Membership (Unschooling 101 is included) ___________________________ If you’ve been homeschooling for a while — especially in a more traditional or school-at-home way — there often comes a point when it just doesn’t feel like it’s working anymore. Not because you’re doing something wrong. Not because your kids are failing. But because the structure you started doesn’t fit your family. In this episode, Sue Patterson talks through what it really means when traditional homeschooling stops working. She explores why so many families reach this place, why it often shows up midyear, and why unschooling frequently enters the conversation at this stage. You’ll hear about the difference between homeschooling and unschooling, what “deschooling” actually looks like in real life, and why questioning your current approach is a thoughtful, responsible response — not a failure. This episode is especially helpful if you’re searching for alternatives to traditional homeschooling or trying to understand whether unschooling might be a better fit for your family. Rather than offering quick fixes or rigid plans, this conversation focuses on clarity, reassurance, and next steps you can take without panic or pressure. If homeschooling isn’t working the way you expected and you’re wondering what comes next, this episode will help you slow down, make sense of what you’re noticing, and feel less alone as you explore your options. Sue also shares how the Unschooling 101 mini-course can support parents who want a practical, grounded introduction to unschooling — especially those transitioning away from school-at-home methods and looking for a clearer understanding of what unschooling actually looks like day to day. Read the Transcript at the blog Support the show _____________________________________________________ As always, reach out if you need more help. You don't have to do this alone! Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need! Start Free Trial Today! Creating Confidence Membership Group Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! UNSCHOOLING 101 Course Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course Unschooling Transcript Course Seasonal Unschooling Guides Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue Stay Connected: Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

    10 min
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4.9
out of 5
85 Ratings

About

The Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast is a quick conversation with Sue Patterson, coach, author, and mother of 3 grown unschoolers. Sue shares inspiration and tips to help you find the unschooling confidence you're looking for! Even if you’re more of a “homeschooler” than an “unschooler,” these 10 minute(ish) podcasts can help you find more joy in parenting, educating and connecting with your children!

Information

  • Creator
    Sue Patterson
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    205
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Unschooling Mom2Mom
  • Show Website
    Unschooling Mom2Mom

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