theconrad.family
The Conrad Family
80Following55Followers203Likes
📚 Unschooling 🌎 Full-time traveling 👣 4 kids TheConrad.Family/links
Videos
Liked
Deinstitutionalizing our Minds: The Sacred Path of Deschooling
Have you ever felt like you're doing nothing, but deep down, you know that's exactly what you should be doing? Well, that's the beauty of the deschooling process, or as Lucy AitkenRead puts it, the "de-institutionalizing" of ourselves.
It's not easy to sit with the discomfort of feeling like you should be doing more, but that's exactly what this process is all about. It's about unpacking the institutionalization in our bodies and minds, questioning the "shoulds" that we've been taught all our lives, and discovering what truly matters to us.
Deschooling is not just about learning outside the traditional education system. It's about redefining what success means to us, letting go of the need for constant productivity, and recognizing that simply living our lives is enough. All you built on top is just a bonus.
So, if you're feeling lost or unsure about where you're headed, take a step back, sit with the discomfort, and start the sacred path of unschooling.
Listen to the whole podcast episode at https://theconrad.family/podcast or listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube, or where you usually enjoy your podcasts :)
#Deschooling #Unschooling #Deinstitutionalizing #SelfDiscovery #QuestionTheShoulds
Have you ever felt like you're doing nothing, but deep down, you know that's exactly what you should be doing? Well, that's the beauty of the deschooling process, or as Lucy AitkenRead puts it, the "de-institutionalizing" of ourselves.
It's not easy to sit with the discomfort of feeling like you should be doing more, but that's exactly what this process is all about. It's about unpacking the institutionalization in our bodies and minds, questioning the "shoulds" that we've been taught all our lives, and discovering what truly matters to us.
Deschooling is not just about learning outside the traditional education system. It's about redefining what success means to us, letting go of the need for constant productivity, and recognizing that simply living our lives is enough. All you built on top is just a bonus.
So, if you're feeling lost or unsure about where you're headed, take a step back, sit with the discomfort, and start the sacred path of unschooling.
Listen to the whole podcast episode at https://theconrad.family/podcast or listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube, or where you usually enjoy your podcasts :)
#Deschooling #Unschooling #Deinstitutionalizing #SelfDiscovery #QuestionTheShoulds
There's something about nature that draws us in and calls us back. For Lucy AitkenRead, moving from the bustling city of London to a yurt was a way to answer that call and reconnect with the natural world. And while she admits that it may sound cringey or stereotypical, there's something archetypal about this journey - the idea of humans getting caught up in what we're supposed to do, only to realize there's more to life than ticking boxes.
For Lucy and her family, that realization came with having children and considering the life they wanted to create for their kids. It was a chance to shake things up and ask themselves: do we want to stay in the city and keep doing what we're supposed to do, or are we willing to throw it all out the window and see what develops?
In the end, the pull toward nature was too strong to ignore. It was a chance to rewild themselves, connect with the natural world, and create a different kind of life.
Listen to the whole podcast episode at https://theconrad.family/podcast or listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube, or where you usually enjoy your podcasts :)
#nature #rewilding #citylife #family #archetypes #adventure #personalgrowth #offthegrid #yurtlife #sustainability
For Lucy and her family, that realization came with having children and considering the life they wanted to create for their kids. It was a chance to shake things up and ask themselves: do we want to stay in the city and keep doing what we're supposed to do, or are we willing to throw it all out the window and see what develops?
In the end, the pull toward nature was too strong to ignore. It was a chance to rewild themselves, connect with the natural world, and create a different kind of life.
Listen to the whole podcast episode at https://theconrad.family/podcast or listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube, or where you usually enjoy your podcasts :)
#nature #rewilding #citylife #family #archetypes #adventure #personalgrowth #offthegrid #yurtlife #sustainability
Schooling and educating are not the same thing. Do you know the origin of the word "education"?
Did you know that the word 'education' comes from the Latin 'educare', which means to draw forth? Specifically, it refers to the act of drawing forth mother's milk - a nurturing, nourishing act that's all about supporting growth and development. But in our modern schooling system, we've lost sight of this original meaning. Instead of drawing forth the natural curiosity and creativity of young learners, we push them to conform to a fixed curriculum and schedule. That's why unschooling and self-directed learning are so powerful - they prioritize the individual needs and interests of each learner and give them the freedom to explore and grow in their own way.
If you're interested in learning more about this approach, check out the latest episode of the Self Directed podcast, where Pat Farenga talks about the true meaning of education.
Link in bio!
#homeschooling #unschooling #education #learning #family #parenting #childhood #kids #conversation #community #inspiration #patfarenga #johnholt #weareunschoolers #GWSJohnholt #freetolearn #theconradfamily #selfdirectedpodcast
Did you know that the word 'education' comes from the Latin 'educare', which means to draw forth? Specifically, it refers to the act of drawing forth mother's milk - a nurturing, nourishing act that's all about supporting growth and development. But in our modern schooling system, we've lost sight of this original meaning. Instead of drawing forth the natural curiosity and creativity of young learners, we push them to conform to a fixed curriculum and schedule. That's why unschooling and self-directed learning are so powerful - they prioritize the individual needs and interests of each learner and give them the freedom to explore and grow in their own way.
If you're interested in learning more about this approach, check out the latest episode of the Self Directed podcast, where Pat Farenga talks about the true meaning of education.
Link in bio!
#homeschooling #unschooling #education #learning #family #parenting #childhood #kids #conversation #community #inspiration #patfarenga #johnholt #weareunschoolers #GWSJohnholt #freetolearn #theconradfamily #selfdirectedpodcast
Are you a Tourist or a traveler?
There is a big difference between being a tourist and being a traveler.
Massy & Sarah are full-time travelers - They travel with three children and have explored the world for the last five years. One of the biggest changes that have happened to them is that they have moved from being tourists to travelers.
“You have to change your behavior based on the place and the environment that you are in. When you travel, you immerse yourself in the local culture.
if you are a tourist, it's a different story. You go there for a week or less, and you behave as you behave at home. You bring your behavior with you, and nothing changes.
But when you start traveling, the mindset change. So you are not a tourist anymore. You have to change based on the country you are in - and here lies the internal growth.”
If you enjoyed this clip from our podcast 'Self Directed,' then you can find the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/@theconradfamily365
#worldschooling #homeschooling #education #travel #culturalimmersion #experientiallearning #familytravel #unschooling #languaglearning #globalcitizenship #parenting #alternativeeducation #remotelearning #internationaltravel #curriculumdevelopment
There is a big difference between being a tourist and being a traveler.
Massy & Sarah are full-time travelers - They travel with three children and have explored the world for the last five years. One of the biggest changes that have happened to them is that they have moved from being tourists to travelers.
“You have to change your behavior based on the place and the environment that you are in. When you travel, you immerse yourself in the local culture.
if you are a tourist, it's a different story. You go there for a week or less, and you behave as you behave at home. You bring your behavior with you, and nothing changes.
But when you start traveling, the mindset change. So you are not a tourist anymore. You have to change based on the country you are in - and here lies the internal growth.”
If you enjoyed this clip from our podcast 'Self Directed,' then you can find the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/@theconradfamily365
#worldschooling #homeschooling #education #travel #culturalimmersion #experientiallearning #familytravel #unschooling #languaglearning #globalcitizenship #parenting #alternativeeducation #remotelearning #internationaltravel #curriculumdevelopment
Age segregations negative effect on children’s social development.
One of the most often asked questions to a homeschooler is, “But how will they learn social skills?”
But this is not a problem - quite the opposite. One of the major benefits of homeschooling your children is that they don’t grow up in an age-segregated world - they interact with people of all ages regularly. When they don’t need all those hours in school, they also have proper time to do their inner work.
We discussed this with Robyn Robertson in our podcast ‘Self Directed.’
Age segregation can have a negative effect on a teenager’s social development:
1. Stunted emotional intelligence: Adolescents need to interact with people of all ages to develop empathy, understanding, and emotional intelligence,
2. Lack of role models: Age segregation can also mean teenagers have limited access to role models outside their peer group. This can limit their exposure to people with different perspectives and experiences, making it harder for them to develop a sense of identity and purpose.
3. Limited learning opportunities: Segregating teenagers from other age groups can limit their learning opportunities. For example, they may miss out on the chance to learn from older people who have more life experience, or they may not be exposed to new and challenging ideas from interacting with people of different ages.
4. Social anxiety: Adolescents not exposed to a range of social situations may feel anxious or uncomfortable when in new or unfamiliar situations. This can lead to social anxiety and make it harder for them to make friends or engage in new activities.
Overall, age segregation can limit teenagers' social development in several ways.
It is important for adolescents to have access to a range of people and experiences to help them develop into well-rounded, socially skilled individuals.
We hope you enjoyed this clip from our podcast. If you want to listen to the whole episode, then you can find the link in our bio :)
#homeschoolpodcast #homeschoolfamily #unschoollife #deschooling #unschooling #agesegregation #selfdirectedlearners #deschool #homeschool #weareworldschoolers #homeschool #selfdirectedlearning
One of the most often asked questions to a homeschooler is, “But how will they learn social skills?”
But this is not a problem - quite the opposite. One of the major benefits of homeschooling your children is that they don’t grow up in an age-segregated world - they interact with people of all ages regularly. When they don’t need all those hours in school, they also have proper time to do their inner work.
We discussed this with Robyn Robertson in our podcast ‘Self Directed.’
Age segregation can have a negative effect on a teenager’s social development:
1. Stunted emotional intelligence: Adolescents need to interact with people of all ages to develop empathy, understanding, and emotional intelligence,
2. Lack of role models: Age segregation can also mean teenagers have limited access to role models outside their peer group. This can limit their exposure to people with different perspectives and experiences, making it harder for them to develop a sense of identity and purpose.
3. Limited learning opportunities: Segregating teenagers from other age groups can limit their learning opportunities. For example, they may miss out on the chance to learn from older people who have more life experience, or they may not be exposed to new and challenging ideas from interacting with people of different ages.
4. Social anxiety: Adolescents not exposed to a range of social situations may feel anxious or uncomfortable when in new or unfamiliar situations. This can lead to social anxiety and make it harder for them to make friends or engage in new activities.
Overall, age segregation can limit teenagers' social development in several ways.
It is important for adolescents to have access to a range of people and experiences to help them develop into well-rounded, socially skilled individuals.
We hope you enjoyed this clip from our podcast. If you want to listen to the whole episode, then you can find the link in our bio :)
#homeschoolpodcast #homeschoolfamily #unschoollife #deschooling #unschooling #agesegregation #selfdirectedlearners #deschool #homeschool #weareworldschoolers #homeschool #selfdirectedlearning
Right now, so many children are suffering.
School-aged children live in a world where everything from morning routines to after-school activities are planned for them by adults. With the goal of them getting a good education, so they can go to college and then to university.
But the result is that they are suffering from stress and its associated anxiety and depression at epidemic levels.
And if they look at the “grown-ups,” what is it they see?
As Juliet Silveira puts it:
“My parents don't look very happy right now. They're burnt out. They're stressed out. You're telling me that if I study hard and take all of these steps, I can be just like them.
Listen to our whole dialogue with @Juliet in our weekly podcast: Self Directed. New episodes are out every Thursday! You can find it on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube, or wherever you usually listen to your podcasts. Or enjoy it right on our website - Link in bio
#julietlearns #FreeToLearn #PlayfulLearning #SudburySchool #ChildDevelopment #unschooling #NaturalLearning #SelfDirectedEducation #AlternativeEducation #DemocraticEducation #EducationReform #PlayMatters #PlayfulParenting #ChildhoodUnplugged #ChildrensRights #DevelopmentalPsychology #EducationRevolution #LearningThroughPlay #Autonomy #IntrinsicMotivation #Homeschooling #EducationFreedom #SelfDiscovery
School-aged children live in a world where everything from morning routines to after-school activities are planned for them by adults. With the goal of them getting a good education, so they can go to college and then to university.
But the result is that they are suffering from stress and its associated anxiety and depression at epidemic levels.
And if they look at the “grown-ups,” what is it they see?
As Juliet Silveira puts it:
“My parents don't look very happy right now. They're burnt out. They're stressed out. You're telling me that if I study hard and take all of these steps, I can be just like them.
Listen to our whole dialogue with @Juliet in our weekly podcast: Self Directed. New episodes are out every Thursday! You can find it on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube, or wherever you usually listen to your podcasts. Or enjoy it right on our website - Link in bio
#julietlearns #FreeToLearn #PlayfulLearning #SudburySchool #ChildDevelopment #unschooling #NaturalLearning #SelfDirectedEducation #AlternativeEducation #DemocraticEducation #EducationReform #PlayMatters #PlayfulParenting #ChildhoodUnplugged #ChildrensRights #DevelopmentalPsychology #EducationRevolution #LearningThroughPlay #Autonomy #IntrinsicMotivation #Homeschooling #EducationFreedom #SelfDiscovery
Who makes the standardized test for schools? And who earns the money on creating them?
Juliet is a former teacher turned advocate for self-directed education who wants to use the knowledge from this area to improve public schools in the states. She holds a Master’s in Education Research and has worked both as a curriculum developer and a teacher.
One thing that annoys Juliet is the lack of knowledge from parents about who makes the standardized tests and the curriculum and who makes the money on it. As she explains:
“One of the unique things to the United States is that private companies facilitate our standardized tests. So we're funneling billions of dollars to private companies to create these tests. And those same private companies make the curriculum for the tests, write the teaching textbooks for the texts and create the tests that prepare the students for the test. And the taxpayers are paying for all this - to private companies. And the companies even use millions of dollars a year lobbying to keep things exactly as they are.”
Juliet believes that if even more parents know this and if the states would make the tests themselves, then the money today sent to private companies could be used to make better public schools.
We hope you will enjoy the latest episode of our podcast "Self Directed" You can find it on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube, or wherever you normally listen to your podcasts. Or enjoy it right on our website - Link in bio
#julietlearns #FreeToLearn #PlayfulLearning #SudburySchool #ChildDevelopment #unschooling #NaturalLearning #SelfDirectedEducation #AlternativeEducation #DemocraticEducation #EducationReform #PlayMatters #PlayfulParenting #ChildhoodUnplugged #ChildrensRights #DevelopmentalPsychology #EducationRevolution #LearningThroughPlay #Autonomy #IntrinsicMotivation #Homeschooling #EducationFreedom #SelfDiscovery
@Juliet
Juliet is a former teacher turned advocate for self-directed education who wants to use the knowledge from this area to improve public schools in the states. She holds a Master’s in Education Research and has worked both as a curriculum developer and a teacher.
One thing that annoys Juliet is the lack of knowledge from parents about who makes the standardized tests and the curriculum and who makes the money on it. As she explains:
“One of the unique things to the United States is that private companies facilitate our standardized tests. So we're funneling billions of dollars to private companies to create these tests. And those same private companies make the curriculum for the tests, write the teaching textbooks for the texts and create the tests that prepare the students for the test. And the taxpayers are paying for all this - to private companies. And the companies even use millions of dollars a year lobbying to keep things exactly as they are.”
Juliet believes that if even more parents know this and if the states would make the tests themselves, then the money today sent to private companies could be used to make better public schools.
We hope you will enjoy the latest episode of our podcast "Self Directed" You can find it on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube, or wherever you normally listen to your podcasts. Or enjoy it right on our website - Link in bio
#julietlearns #FreeToLearn #PlayfulLearning #SudburySchool #ChildDevelopment #unschooling #NaturalLearning #SelfDirectedEducation #AlternativeEducation #DemocraticEducation #EducationReform #PlayMatters #PlayfulParenting #ChildhoodUnplugged #ChildrensRights #DevelopmentalPsychology #EducationRevolution #LearningThroughPlay #Autonomy #IntrinsicMotivation #Homeschooling #EducationFreedom #SelfDiscovery
@Juliet
Age-segregated childhood is a problem
In schools, kids are segregated by age.
Age segregation is not normal.
Age segregation creates unhealthy competition and bullying.
Peter Gray states the following in his article: “Why We Should Stop Segregating Children by Age: Part II”
“My main point is this: Age-mixed play is less competitive, more creative, and more conducive to practicing new skills than is same-age play.
Age-mixed play is, in short, more playful than is same-age play. When children who are all nearly the same age play a game, competitiveness can interfere with playfulness. This is especially true in our current culture, which puts so much emphasis on winning and on all sorts of comparisons aimed at determining who is better, an emphasis fostered by our competitive, graded school system.
In contrast, when children who differ widely in age play a game together, the focus shifts from "beating" the other to having fun. There is no pride to be gained by the older, larger, more skilled child in beating the much younger one, and the younger one has no expectation of beating the older one. So, they play the game more joyfully, in a more relaxed manner, modifying the rules in ways to make it both fun and challenging for all involved.”
We hope you enjoyed this clip from our podcast - and If you want to know more, then listen to the whole podcast of Self Directed with Dr. Peter Gray.
https://theconrad.family/selfdirected6
#PeterGray #FreeToLearn #PlayfulLearning #SudburySchool #ChildDevelopment #unschooling #NaturalLearning #SelfDirectedEducation #AlternativeEducation #DemocraticEducation #EducationReform #PlayMatters #PlayfulParenting #ChildhoodUnplugged #ChildrensRights #DevelopmentalPsychology #EducationRevolution #LearningThroughPlay #Autonomy #IntrinsicMotivation #Homeschooling #EducationFreedom #SelfDiscovery #agesegregation
In schools, kids are segregated by age.
Age segregation is not normal.
Age segregation creates unhealthy competition and bullying.
Peter Gray states the following in his article: “Why We Should Stop Segregating Children by Age: Part II”
“My main point is this: Age-mixed play is less competitive, more creative, and more conducive to practicing new skills than is same-age play.
Age-mixed play is, in short, more playful than is same-age play. When children who are all nearly the same age play a game, competitiveness can interfere with playfulness. This is especially true in our current culture, which puts so much emphasis on winning and on all sorts of comparisons aimed at determining who is better, an emphasis fostered by our competitive, graded school system.
In contrast, when children who differ widely in age play a game together, the focus shifts from "beating" the other to having fun. There is no pride to be gained by the older, larger, more skilled child in beating the much younger one, and the younger one has no expectation of beating the older one. So, they play the game more joyfully, in a more relaxed manner, modifying the rules in ways to make it both fun and challenging for all involved.”
We hope you enjoyed this clip from our podcast - and If you want to know more, then listen to the whole podcast of Self Directed with Dr. Peter Gray.
https://theconrad.family/selfdirected6
#PeterGray #FreeToLearn #PlayfulLearning #SudburySchool #ChildDevelopment #unschooling #NaturalLearning #SelfDirectedEducation #AlternativeEducation #DemocraticEducation #EducationReform #PlayMatters #PlayfulParenting #ChildhoodUnplugged #ChildrensRights #DevelopmentalPsychology #EducationRevolution #LearningThroughPlay #Autonomy #IntrinsicMotivation #Homeschooling #EducationFreedom #SelfDiscovery #agesegregation
Peter Gray: How children learn to read.
All the research Dr. Peter Gray has done shows the same thing. If you can remove the fear of learning to read and remove outside pressure of that there should be a “correct age” to learn to read - then all children will learn to read. Peter even researched multiple cases o children who had been diagnosed with dyslexia.
After moving over to unschooling or a democratic school the children learned to read - when they choose to, without fear, without pressure.
If you want to know more, then listen to the whole podcast of Self Directed with Dr. Peter Gray - Or read his research - we are linking to it from the show notes, which you can find at https://theconrad.family/selfdirected6
#petergray #drpetergray #FreeToLearn #PlayfulLearning #SudburySchool #ChildDevelopment #unschooling #NaturalLearning
#SelfDirectedEducation
#AlternativeEducation
#DemocraticEducation
#EducationReform
#PlayMatters
#PlayfulParenting
#ChildhoodUnplugged
#ChildrensRights
#DevelopmentalPsychology
#EducationRevolution
#LearningThroughPlay
#Autonomy
#IntrinsicMotivation
#Homeschooling
#EducationFreedom
#SelfDiscovery
#CriticalThinking
All the research Dr. Peter Gray has done shows the same thing. If you can remove the fear of learning to read and remove outside pressure of that there should be a “correct age” to learn to read - then all children will learn to read. Peter even researched multiple cases o children who had been diagnosed with dyslexia.
After moving over to unschooling or a democratic school the children learned to read - when they choose to, without fear, without pressure.
If you want to know more, then listen to the whole podcast of Self Directed with Dr. Peter Gray - Or read his research - we are linking to it from the show notes, which you can find at https://theconrad.family/selfdirected6
#petergray #drpetergray #FreeToLearn #PlayfulLearning #SudburySchool #ChildDevelopment #unschooling #NaturalLearning
#SelfDirectedEducation
#AlternativeEducation
#DemocraticEducation
#EducationReform
#PlayMatters
#PlayfulParenting
#ChildhoodUnplugged
#ChildrensRights
#DevelopmentalPsychology
#EducationRevolution
#LearningThroughPlay
#Autonomy
#IntrinsicMotivation
#Homeschooling
#EducationFreedom
#SelfDiscovery
#CriticalThinking
Do you respect people who do not respect you? Why should it be different for your children?
Being a parent is about learning to listen to your child, learning who they are as a person, and how you can be the best parent for them. You cannot “parent” children in the same way - just like you cannot treat friends alike. People are different, they have individual needs, and different temperaments, no matter their age.
Jae Williams worked as a middle school history teacher for six years but resigned due to feeling unable to improve the flawed American education system from within and decided to unschool his children at home. He documents his unschooling journey on the BlackDad YouTube channel, providing valuable insights and tips for parents considering unschooling or relaxed homeschooling.
Recorded October 6 th 2022
Connect with Black Dad
https://www.youtube.com/@BlackDad
https://www.instagram.com/blackdadjourney
If you enjoyed this clip from our podcast 'Self Directed' then you can find the full episode on Spotify, Apple, and Google, or watch it here on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
#unschooling #homeschooling #PeacefulParenting #AttachmentParenting #radicalunschooling #deschooling #childhoodredefined #decolonizeeducation #selfdirectedlearning
#blackdads
#blackhomeschoolers #blackhomeschooling #blackhomeschool365
#homeschooldad
#unschoolingdad #theunschooldad #SelfDirectedPodcast
Being a parent is about learning to listen to your child, learning who they are as a person, and how you can be the best parent for them. You cannot “parent” children in the same way - just like you cannot treat friends alike. People are different, they have individual needs, and different temperaments, no matter their age.
Jae Williams worked as a middle school history teacher for six years but resigned due to feeling unable to improve the flawed American education system from within and decided to unschool his children at home. He documents his unschooling journey on the BlackDad YouTube channel, providing valuable insights and tips for parents considering unschooling or relaxed homeschooling.
Recorded October 6 th 2022
Connect with Black Dad
https://www.youtube.com/@BlackDad
https://www.instagram.com/blackdadjourney
If you enjoyed this clip from our podcast 'Self Directed' then you can find the full episode on Spotify, Apple, and Google, or watch it here on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
#unschooling #homeschooling #PeacefulParenting #AttachmentParenting #radicalunschooling #deschooling #childhoodredefined #decolonizeeducation #selfdirectedlearning
#blackdads
#blackhomeschoolers #blackhomeschooling #blackhomeschool365
#homeschooldad
#unschoolingdad #theunschooldad #SelfDirectedPodcast