Ahhhh.  Doesn't that look so grand and peaceful?  We were on our way to go canoeing this last weekend and I just had to stop and take a picture of "America's Mountain."   Yes, that is Pike's Peak!

One of the greatest benefits of unschooling, to me, is that I can relax. Most days, I sit around watching soaps and eating bon-bons while my kids do whatever they want.

Did you believe me?

Although some may find that a form of relaxation, that isn't what I mean. Maybe I should have used the word "peace" instead of relaxation. I want my home/life/educational journey with my children to embody peace. I think there are many ways that we are finding that peace.  I also know that there are many "things" out there that can steal our peace or give us a sense of security.  Much of what we do in life is because "it was always done that way."  But maybe we need to question why?

It isn't always easy for us to be at peace with our decisions, no matter what they may be. Some people may second guess themselves at every turn. I know I have that problem at times. Sometimes we have false peace. Routines can foster a sense of peace, but sometimes those routines are not right for us. We can get in a rut, and have peace because it is familiar, but that rut can run deep and be dangerous and damaging to us and our children if we stay stuck in it.

Institutional school thought is a rut. "Schooling" is a routine that is so hard to break out of. You have heard many writers call it the "conveyor belt education."  I want to be off the belt, but find myself jumping back on occasionally, and it is very dangerous to do that.

Peace involves trust. In my family, I am blessed to have a husband who is trustworthy and I endeavor to be a trustworthy, faithful mate in return. We are training our children to be faithful to the family, trustworthy and also to have faith in a stronger entity than this fragile family. Our faith in God is what moves us to have peace in any area we are struggling with.

Call me crazy, but in many areas of my life I struggle if I don't have control. I am fine driving dangerous switchback roads while I am at the wheel. But get me in the passenger seat and I am a literal ball of frazzled nerves. I have to pray very hard for peace. It does come.

With our lifestyle of homeschooling I have to pray hard for the peace too.....even though I am here leading and guiding my kids, I have no control over how, when why, what or where they are going to "learn." I can present the material 20 different ways, 20 different times, etc., but only when they are ready, willing or able on an individual basis will that tidbit of information become a part of them. I can't force-feed them. Well, I can, but what good is it? I think that Divine Inspiration is one learning style that is left out of a lot of programs.

My peace in all this will only come through my relationships with the kids, and time spent with the Lord.  My trust that what we are doing will have the desired outcome will only come through seeking His wisdom. Most times, I don't even know what that outcome is supposed to be!   My desires are not always the best outcomes for my children.  I will leave the outcome to the Lord.

 Institutions have a desired outcome, and so do teachers. Teachers (outside the home) are bound by the institutional plan. There are some awesome teachers out there, but they are under the thumb of the powers that be.

Moms can be bound by the "inspirational plan" even though it should be a source of peace. We can either relax, and trust the Lord for the outcome of our children, or we can buck the system and be full of stress.

We can peacefully go about our days, question the routines and ruts we are in and if need be, and get off the conveyor belt. We were each created to learn. 

My vote for today is that we trust, relax and enjoy seeing what we will learn together with our children!  Let me know how it goes, ok?

Blessings!

Nancy

Thanks for coming by the porch!  I would love to hear from you.  Please feel free to visit me also on my other blog, Homeschooling Is Life!

 And, don't forget to join the carnival of unschooling voices!!! It is time to send in your posts:  Here.