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 sure 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 prove 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.
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