What Does Unschooling Actually Look Like?

[@maureenhyman758]

Another wonderful video, Erin! Leo and I both enjoy watching them on the computer with morning coffee in hand!

[@BeautifulUnschoolLife]

I'm glad you are enjoying them!! Hopefully I'll have another really fun one for you soon!

[@craig73]

Another great video Erin. They are getting better and better each time. I miss my girls very much, but they are having the most wonderful time out there and learning so much. What wonderful memories you are all making. I am homeschooling the dog and cat at the moment. Dewy is learning to not eat Kalib's food, and Kalib is learning to not eat the cat Litter. Can't wait for the next video.

[@BeautifulUnschoolLife]

😂 That is important work you are doing there, Craig!! 😂 The girls miss you too! They let me know that any time I say "no": "I don't like you any more, Mom. I miss Dad!" HA!

[@daniellelehn8554]

You really inspire me to work on being more patient with with my kids.

[@BeautifulUnschoolLife]

Eeeeeeee! That is the highest compliment! ❤

[@MyAlabamaFarmLife]

It is so green there ! What an adventure!

[@BeautifulUnschoolLife]

Aren't the colours wonderful?! Such a contrast to the grey that we left behind!

[@sararush6951]

I also have ADHD and I struggle with mess. Mess gives me anxiety and cleaning the mess can set off my sensory issues giving me more anxiety. When I get anxious I have a very hard time being patient. This is my biggest struggle with my kids because I know they need to get messy to learn and meet their own sensory needs and curiosity. Any tips you have on this would be wonderful. Also how do you teach your kids things that you struggle with yourself? Like how to be patient or how to face fears.

[@BeautifulUnschoolLife]

Oh, these are really good questions! I honestly think I could make a whole video about this (and, I actually think that I will!). The first thing that you can do, when you feel your anxiety rising, is breathe! Be aware of your anxiety, and try to breathe slowly and deeply to counteract your fight-or-flight response. And watch what you are saying to yourself - are you cursing the mess in your head? Or are you focusing on the learning that is happening? Keep an eye here in the coming weeks, and I will definitely address these issues in more detail. Good luck to you!!

[@sararush6951]

@@BeautifulUnschoolLife thank you so much! I’ve been trying to self reflect on my response to things and that is why I now at least recognize that mess makes me anxious. I was only diagnosed less than a year ago so I am still learning everything about my own ADHD while also trying to understand my son’s ADHD which is very different from my own. I will be looking forward to your next video!

[@BeautifulUnschoolLife]

The girls' father was also diagnosed ADHD after we learned about it because of Bethany. We found it both a relief to know why he was the way he was, and sad to see that he had struggled so much through his whole life because of lack of diagnosis. It is hard work, not only helping your ADHD child but also repairing your own damage. I wish you strength and self-compassion in your journey!!