I read this post from Radio Free School http://radiofreeschool.blogspot.com/ yesterday and it seems to still be resonating inside me. I thought this was good grounds for sharing.
10 Unschooling Mistakes You Want to Avoid
1.Comparing.
I believe that the root of all evil is comparison. When you find yourself about to do the "is my child keeping up?" or the "her child is better at piano then mine, and they're the same age," just stop. Don't do it.
When you look at another unschooling mum and back at yourself and feel that you fall short, don't go there. Rather, allow her to inspire you; don't feel down.
2.Believing that everyone should agree with you.
This is the attitude of any newbie. I remember how militant I was when I first became a vegetarian (I no longer am-a vegetarian). I couldn't tolerate people who weren't. I must have been an insufferable 'know it all.' I know I certainly annoyed people.
3. Getting offended/feeling hurt when people don't (agree with you).
The world owes you nothing. If someone tosses you a dubious look or expresses doubt in what you are doing-deal with it in a mature way. Learn not to take yourself so seriously. Laugh.
4.If there really is a problem, being afraid of admitting it.
Your kids are unruly, or they really don't seem to be 'getting it'-there might actually be an underlying cause for it. Or they don't seem to have any interests. Don't panic.You can still uphold your values and raise a child that is learning naturally. Get the support you need.
5. Expecting your kids to be best buddies and get along all the time, just because they're unschooled.
They fight. They say they hate one another. That's okay. We can't choose our family but we share as heck have to learn to get along. That's one advantage of unschooling. They HAVE to work it out because they spend so much time together.
6.Expecting your kids to become educated by osmosis.
This is magical thinking. They won't. You have to engage them. You have to make sure they get exposure to a wide range of activity.
7. Thinking that you are their one and all.
Share them.
8. Over-protectiveness.
Let them venture forth according to their strengths, age and ability.
Be sensitive to the needs of the changing and growing child.
9.Having to proof that unschooling works-especially in BIG ways.
Funnily enough-BIG gets redefined over and over and you realize that they are doing BIG things but not in the way you and others might have envisioned it. And remember, behind a shining star, there might be an even brighter star shining so be careful not to block that light because of your belief in the first.
10. Immediate evidence of 'learning' taking place.
Relax. You will be amazed at how what you angst-ed over last year is all but a distant memory this year. Learning unfolds-often with out us noticing.
1.Comparing.
I believe that the root of all evil is comparison. When you find yourself about to do the "is my child keeping up?" or the "her child is better at piano then mine, and they're the same age," just stop. Don't do it.
When you look at another unschooling mum and back at yourself and feel that you fall short, don't go there. Rather, allow her to inspire you; don't feel down.
2.Believing that everyone should agree with you.
This is the attitude of any newbie. I remember how militant I was when I first became a vegetarian (I no longer am-a vegetarian). I couldn't tolerate people who weren't. I must have been an insufferable 'know it all.' I know I certainly annoyed people.
3. Getting offended/feeling hurt when people don't (agree with you).
The world owes you nothing. If someone tosses you a dubious look or expresses doubt in what you are doing-deal with it in a mature way. Learn not to take yourself so seriously. Laugh.
4.If there really is a problem, being afraid of admitting it.
Your kids are unruly, or they really don't seem to be 'getting it'-there might actually be an underlying cause for it. Or they don't seem to have any interests. Don't panic.You can still uphold your values and raise a child that is learning naturally. Get the support you need.
5. Expecting your kids to be best buddies and get along all the time, just because they're unschooled.
They fight. They say they hate one another. That's okay. We can't choose our family but we share as heck have to learn to get along. That's one advantage of unschooling. They HAVE to work it out because they spend so much time together.
6.Expecting your kids to become educated by osmosis.
This is magical thinking. They won't. You have to engage them. You have to make sure they get exposure to a wide range of activity.
7. Thinking that you are their one and all.
Share them.
8. Over-protectiveness.
Let them venture forth according to their strengths, age and ability.
Be sensitive to the needs of the changing and growing child.
9.Having to proof that unschooling works-especially in BIG ways.
Funnily enough-BIG gets redefined over and over and you realize that they are doing BIG things but not in the way you and others might have envisioned it. And remember, behind a shining star, there might be an even brighter star shining so be careful not to block that light because of your belief in the first.
10. Immediate evidence of 'learning' taking place.
Relax. You will be amazed at how what you angst-ed over last year is all but a distant memory this year. Learning unfolds-often with out us noticing.
It was -7 out, not -20 like the previous day but it was still really cold with the gusting wind. The first trek around the property was to create the 2 ft deep ski trails, the second lap worked out much better :)
This picture was taken of Groovy on Sunday after a walk in the woods. The temperature was 5 so the knee deep snow was a bit sticky. It really slowed her down... poor pup.
This week Ken and Sid were both on TV at different times for different reasons. Wow these two are hard to keep up with!
Sid drew this picture and had me send it in to CJOH
J.J. Clarke, the local weather man featured it on Tuesday nights news as the Weather Watcher Picture of the day!
On Monday morning Ken was on TV on the Rogers Daytime show. He was backing up musician friend Andy Mason. He had to be at the studio super early to tape the songs. You can see them here:
Morning Trainhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHT2soAl4O4
Barbwire Blues
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PavxFlfw7s
Andy Mason is one of the musicians playing with Ken in 4Way Street and one of the guys who Ken will have back him up on his album.
4Way Street is playing this Saturday at the Royal Oak in Gloucester. Should be a great time!
I am so proud of my family!
What are the cats thinking??? Fruit and pancakes!!! They don't eat either of these things.
The red dot on her head is a stage light behind her not a ball or strawberry 
The little blue kit was sitting in her playroom gathering dust because now she is a big girl and plays the full size kit. Her friends Charlotte and Emily love the little blue kit but their dad who is 6ft 2" and a drummer loves it even more! Check out the movie of Siddy out on the big kit taken this morning.
We spent the first day of 2009 with our good friend Jules and her friend Gerry. We went sledding and the guys played some tunes while we warmed up by the fire. What a great time. It was cold out but still a great day for playing in the snow. In the pictures below you can see Sid and I taking a face full of snow then me spitting it out! (love that new camera Ken xoxox)
The hill was steep and fast but Daddy was there to tow Siddy back to the top. He is our hero!
Jules' new friend Gerry is a really sweet guy and an EXCELLENT guitar player. He and Ken hit it off. I suspect Jules and I are about to be seeing a lot more of each other now that the boys can play together too. I must dust off my bass and get back into the swing of playing too. It sounded really good hearing them play together.
2008 has come to a close and what a wonderful year to reflect on. Ken has completed his first year back in business for himself and is really happy with the new structure of his company. The airplane is coming along too with the engine now mounted and running as it should. Sidney is in preschool and is starting to make her own friends. I have reached a whole new level of hockey by sparing for a open competitive AA hockey team as well as playing for my regular competitive team. We camped, we cottaged we shared good times with friends and family. Our biggest excitement for 2008 is the arrival of Addison, Sidney's little cousin who is growing and blossoming right before our eyes (Congrats Greg and Shae!!!!). Our families have been fortunate to have a healthy year and a positive one and we hope for the same for 2009. What a gift 2008 has been for me having my loving husband and my beautiful bright daughter by my side. I cannot wait to see what tomorrow will bring! We are wishing everyone a very healthy and happy 2009 full of laughter and love.