Self Directed

Reflecting on #Unschooling and Self-Direction 🌱 "I think the question people really want to know is, 'Am I happy and successful in life in the way that matters to me?' - Bria Bloom, grown-up unschooler and Executive Director of the Alliance for Self-Directed Education (ASDE) and a passionate advocate for alternative education methods. Bria Bloom captures the essence of what many of us seek - happiness and success on our own terms. In a world where traditional schooling often dictates our path, it's refreshing to hear voices from the #UnschoolingCommunity. 🔍 Focusing on the Self: Unschooling encourages us to turn inward, to understand what truly matters to us. It's not just about academic achievements or societal standards but about personal growth, self-awareness, and fulfillment. 🤝 Relationships and Respect: Unschooling taught Bria, and can teach us, the value of viewing adults not as rulers but as equals. This perspective fosters mutual respect and a richer learning experience, where knowledge flows freely in both directions. 🌈 Support and Empathy: By focusing on what we want, how we feel, and how we interact with others, unschooling can enhance our ability to support and empathize with those around us. It's about building meaningful relationships and contributing positively to the lives of others. How does your learning environment shape your relationships with people of other ages? Do we feel like equals, able to learn from and contribute to each other's growth? Unschooling isn't just an educational choice; it's a way of embracing life with curiosity, respect, and self-direction. 🚀 #UnschoolingLife #SelfDirectedLearning #PersonalGrowth #Empathy #LifeLessons

Would you ever talk to adults the way we often speak to our kids? Just because they've lived fewer years doesn't mean they deserve any less respect or autonomy. "The only mistake my children have made is that they have only lived for 12 years, 15 years, or seven years. Yet, magically, at 24, we begin to treat them differently, as equals." It wasn't easy for me to acknowledge how I talked to my children. It saddened me, annoyed me, but also ignited a will to change. Let's strive to be guides, not owners, recognizing our children as the young, vibrant humans they are. 💭 #childism #respectallages #ParentingJourney #unschooling #betterdadinstitute #dads

Authentic Conversations with Your Kids: The Power of No Secrets and Age-Appropriate Truths. 🎙️ "I'm being more truthful with my kids than I ever thought I would be. I want them to know, when they mess up, I've done worse." 🎙️ - Jen Keefe As our kids grow older, the conversations we have with them evolve. It's not just about what they did at school today; it's about life, mistakes, and the lessons we've learned. 🌱 I've found myself sharing more of my past with my kids, not to glorify my mistakes, but to humanize them. To let them know that messing up is a part of life, and it's okay. 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♂️ The goal is to create a shame-free zone where they can be open about their experiences and learn from them, just as I did from mine. 🚫🙈 We have a general rule: no secrets. While some truths are age-appropriate, you can always offer a version of the truth that aligns with where they are in life. 📏 Clip from the podcast Self Directed Episode 35 with guest Jen Keefe and hosts Cecilie & Jesper Conrad - Listen to the full episode at @TheConradFamily365 #Parenting #NoSecrets #LifeLessons #AgeAppropriateTruths

Jesper Conrad: "The biggest gift of unschooling is the connection with our children. The second biggest? The connection with ourselves." 🎙️ Unschooling is more than an educational choice; it's a transformative journey. When Storm, over a decade ago, told us that traditional school wasn't for him, we listened. And that decision didn't just change his life; it changed ours. 🌱 This path has led to a deeper understanding of not just our children, but also ourselves. It's as if unschooling has been a mirror, reflecting back the parts of us that we didn't know needed attention. 🪞 I find myself healthier, happier, and more in tune with my relationships than ever before. It's a profound shift that's hard to put into words but is felt deeply. 🌿 Listen to episode 35 of our podcast Self Directed with guest Jen Keefe and hosts Cecilie & Jesper Conrad - Find the podcast on all major podcast platforms - or check our channel @TheConradFamily365 #unschooling #parentingtips #selfdiscovery #lifetransformationn #Homeschooling #unschooldad #unschoolinglife

Cecilie Conrad: “if you do this every day... then it becomes true. Even though underneath that, there is a great pain... the pain of doing something that's very wrong to your children and the pain of lying to yourself." Let's talk about the emotional toll of societal expectations, especially when it comes to leaving our children in institutions. We're told it's for their own good, for 'education,' for 'women's liberation.' But what about that gut-wrenching feeling as you walk away, hearing their cries fade into the distance? This pain isn't just your burden; it's shared with your child. And yet, society tells us to normalize this, to excuse it as a necessary part of growth. But is it? Ignoring these deeply emotional moments doesn't make them go away; it just buries them under a facade of 'normalcy.' When we do this day in and day out, it becomes a painful norm, both for us and our children. It's time to challenge these societal narratives and listen to our inner voices. The pain we feel is a signal we shouldn't ignore. Listen to episode 36 of the podcast Self Directed with guest Torsten Klaus and hosts Cecilie & Jesper Conrad - Find the podcast on all major podcast platforms - or check the link in our bio! @TheConradFamily365 #Parenting #EmotionalIntelligence #SocietalExpectations #unschooling #attachtmentparenting

Cecilie Conrad: "Social media skews the picture of how home education is 'supposed' to look." Let's talk about the 'Instagram Effect' on homeschooling and unschooling. It's easy to scroll through your feed and see picture-perfect families living what seems like an idyllic educational life. But remember, social media often shows us a curated reality. If you don't have the 'perfect' home setup, the yoga-fit body, or the homemade ice cream, it doesn't make you any less of a homeschooling or unschooling parent. Your worth is not measured by your Instagram feed. The greatest life for your kids doesn't have to look picture-perfect; it just has to feel right for you and them. So, let's celebrate home education's diverse, messy, and beautiful reality. 🌈 Listen to episode #35 of the podcast Self Directed with guest Jen Keefe @ponderingjen and hosts Cecilie & Jesper Conrad - Find the podcast on all major podcast platforms - or check the link in our bio! #Unschooling #Homeschooling #SocialMediaReality #AuthenticParenting

🎙️ "I believe this work that we do as unschooling parents is changing the world on a massive level." 🎙️ Unschooling is more than an alternative education method; it's a paradigm shift. By embracing unschooling, we're challenging educational norms and questioning the fabric of how society views learning and growth. 🤔 This isn't about heroics; it's about laying a different kind of intellectual and emotional groundwork for our children. We're creating an environment where questioning is encouraged, and the pursuit of knowledge is self-directed. 🌱 In doing so, we're contributing to a broader change that we may not fully grasp but will manifest in our children's lives. They will navigate the world differently because they stand on a different ground—inquiry, autonomy, and critical thinking. 🌍 Listen to the whole episode of the podcast - link in bio. Find the podcast Self Directed on all major podcast platforms. Episode #35 with guest Jen Keefe and hosts Cecilie & Jesper Conrad. #Unschooling #PhilosophyOfChange #QuestionEverything #CriticalThinking

🎙️ "It had to be done, but one of the downsides was that masculinity became a weird, toxic thing we disliked." 🎙️ Let's talk about the complexities of modern masculinity. In a world where women have rightfully gained power in shaping childhood and family life, masculinity often finds itself in a precarious position—either ignored or labeled as toxic. 🤔 It's become challenging to be a man who embraces vulnerability while also fulfilling roles as a father, brother, and friend. The societal narrative often pushes men towards being overachievers, doing 5,000 push-ups at 5 AM, and earning big—while sidelining emotional depth. 💪🏻❌ It's time to redefine masculinity, to make room for men who are not just "achievers" but also emotionally present in their families and communities. 🌱 Listen to the whole podcast episode of the podcast Self Directed - with guest Torsten Klaus and hosts Cecilie & Jesper Conrad @TheConradFamily365 i #masculinity #modernman #vulnerability #fatherhood #emotionalintelligence #dad #betterdadinstitute #selfdirectedpodcast

What's the opportunity you wish you'd seized? Rachel Carlson shares how she took the leap into full-time travel with zero regrets. 🎒✈️ 🗨️ "We had the opportunity to jump into full-time travel. The side of regret gave me the push. Everything is lining up for us, and more and more, we've practiced trusting the process." 👇 Regret or Reward? What would push YOU to make a life-changing decision? Comment below! 👇 🎧 Craving More? Dive into the deep end with the full conversation on our latest "Self Directed" episode, hosted by Cecilie and Jesper Conrad. You won't want to miss Rachel Carlson's game-changing wisdom! 🎧 Listen on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube @TheConradFamily365 👍 If this speaks to your adventurous soul, smash that 'Like' and 'Follow' for more eye-opening episodes! 🌟 🔖 #Unschooling #Worldschooling #Homeschooling #Parenting #AttachmentParenting 🎧 Ready to make the leap? Tune into the full episode now! 🎧

Ever feel the pressure to follow a "perfect" plan for your family's lifestyle? Rachel Carlson gets candid about why that doesn't work! 🤯 🗨️ "Don't have a picture in your head of the 'six steps to make your World School journey happen.' Your steps are going to be different than someone else's." 👉 YOUR journey is YOURS alone! Isn't it liberating to hear that? 🙌 👇 So, what 'steps' have you rethought recently? Drop a comment! We're all ears! 🎙️ 🔥 Ready for the full download? Dive into the conversation in our latest "Self Directed" episode hosted by Cecilie and Jesper Conrad. Get incredible insights into "Taking the Leap: Embracing Change and Opportunity!" 🎧 Listen on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube @TheConradFamily365 👍 Smash that 'Like' button if you're feeling this! 'Follow' us to never miss an episode that lights up your thought bulbs! 💡 🔖 #Unschooling #Worldschooling #AttachmentParenting #FullTimeTraveling #Homeschooling #FamilyAdventure #AlternativeEducation #LifeLearning #ParentingTips #EducationalFreedom #NomadicFamily #ParentingChoices 🎧 Want more Rachel Carlson wisdom? Tap into the full episode now! 🎧

What's YOUR personal record for slowing down and taking a breath? 🤔 Cecilie Conrad gets REAL about our nomadic lifestyle. 🗨️ "Sometimes I think I miss having a house, but I realize what I actually miss is more time in a place. We've moved too fast for five years." 👇👇 Drop a comment below: Have you ever confused the idea of 'home' with 'time'? Let's chat! 💬 🎧 Ready for the full convo? Tune into the latest episode of "Self Directed," hosted by Cecilie and Jesper Conrad. Dive deeper into embracing change and seizing opportunity! 🌈 Listen on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube @TheConradFamily365 👉 Hit 'Like' if you find this relatable, and 'Follow' for more episodes that make you think! 🙌 🔖#Unschooling #Worldschooling #AttachmentParenting #FullTimeTraveling #Homeschooling #FamilyAdventure #AlternativeEducation #LifeLearning #ParentingTips #EducationalFreedom #NomadicFamily #ParentingChoices

Ever felt boxed in by life's big decisions? Rachel Carlson reveals the mindset that set her family free! 🌟 🗨️ "If it doesn't work, so what? We can always switch directions. Don't let society's 'do or die' trap hold you back!" 💥 Tap into the freedom of embracing change. 🎙️ Listen to the Full episode of the Podcast ‘Selfdirected’ hosted by Cecilie & Jesper Conrad. Listen on Apple, Spotify, or TheConrad.Family/Podcast 👇 What's YOUR leap of faith? Drop a comment! 👇 👍 Like, follow, & stay tuned for more! 🔖 #Unschooling #Worldschooling #Homeschooling #Parenting #AttachmentParenting

🎙️ In the dance of life, we all stumble. Should our children seek forgiveness for mere missteps? Dive into a profound reflection on parenting, power dynamics, and understanding life's flow in our latest episode of #SelfDirectedPodcast. 🔗 Explore deeper insights and heartfelt narratives: https://www.theconrad.family/podcast #ParentingPhilosophy #LifeFlow #EqualityInUnderstanding #MistakesAreHuman #ThoughtfulPodcasts 👉 Ever pondered the balance of power in parenting? Share your thoughts and join our community of reflective listeners by subscribing!

🎙️ The moment of holding your newborn, marveling at their innate goodness, and grappling with the profound realization that our love, no matter how deep, might never truly match their purity. Join us on #SelfDirectedPodcast as we delve into the profound emotions of parenthood. 🔗 Experience more heartwarming stories and reflections: https://www.theconrad.family/podcast #Parenthood #Innocence #UnconditionalLove #DeepReflections #PodcastMoments 👉 Share if you've felt the same, and subscribe for more touching narratives!

Mastering the Power of Forgiveness: Unlocking Inner Peace and Letting Go 🎙️ "Who am I to hold that power over others with forgiveness?" Dive into a raw and personal exploration of forgiveness and the internal battles we face. Is letting go of anger truly forgiving? Join us for this introspective journey on #SelfDirectedPodcast. 🔗 Tune in for more heartfelt conversations: https://www.theconrad.family/podcast 👉 Share if it resonated, and subscribe for more soul-searching episodes! #Forgiveness #InternalStruggles #PowerDynamics #DeepDive #PodcastLife

Stop for a moment, really pause, and ask yourself – why are we sending our children to school? Is that an irrefutable axiom of our society, or is it a widely accepted assumption that hasn't been critically analyzed? It is high time we scrutinize this norm. Survey our society today – does it not strike you that people appear to be discontent, not at their happiest or healthiest? This begs the question, are we really doing right by our kids, by our society, by sticking to a traditional, possibly antiquated, approach to education? Or should we be daring enough to try something different, something that might better serve our children and our future? Unschooling, a radical, child-centered approach to learning, offers that 'something different.' It fundamentally challenges our conventional wisdom about education. Instead of forcing children into a standardized curriculum, unschooling allows them to follow their own interests, their own curiosity, and their own pace. It nurtures intrinsic motivation, fostering an innate love for learning that can remain far beyond the years of formal schooling. Sure, this may seem like uncharted territory to some, but look around again – our current path does not seem to be leading us to happiness or health. Perhaps, it is time to take the road less traveled. It is time to genuinely question, 'why, why are we doing this?' and consider the possibility that unschooling might just be the change we need. Listen to the full podcast episode of Self Directed with guest Summer Jean and hosts Cecilie & Jesper Conrad: https://theconrad.family/selfdirected23

Summer Jean is a grown-up unschooler whom we have interviewed for our podcast Self Directed Listen to the full episode here: https://www.theconrad.family/selfdirected23 “There is no academic learning that could possibly be worth damaging that connection in any way, shape, or form. I don't care what anybody says; there’s nothing worth damaging it because that parent-child connection is literally everything. And if you sacrifice one piece of that, the whole thing can crumble. That is the basis of your child's mental and emotional well-being throughout their entire life and the moment that you sacrifice that relationship and that connection. for fear, you're gonna choose fear that your child is gonna be stupid over the relationship and the connection that you have with them. I mean, what is that teaching your child about what's important in life?  You have to disconnect to force someone to do something. Force and connection do not coexist. It's impossible. And if you're connected with someone, force is not required.

Summer Jean is a grown-up unschooler who guested our podcast 'Self Directed' Summer Jean's perspective reminds us that our fear as parents often stems from our own insecurities. We worry about what our children might become because we question our own worth and intelligence at our core. 😔 The idea of exerting control and forcing our children to conform stems from a belief system passed down through generations - a belief that if we don't control them, they'll be failures. But let's challenge this cycle. When we look at the natural world around us, we see that everything unfolds according to its own nature without external authority. 🌿 Summer Jean encourages us to break free from the fear-based mindset. Instead, let's empower our children to embrace their uniqueness and trust their inner instincts. 🌟 Parenting is an incredible journey of growth for both child and parent. By letting go of fear and control, we create an environment where our children can thrive, knowing they are inherently valuable and loved. ❤️ Watch the full podcast episode here: https://www.youtube.com/@theconradfamily365

“I mean, it's literal brainwashing." 🔊 New Podcast Alert! 🔊Tune in to this week’s episode of Self Directed, where we talk with Summer Jean, who has grown up unschooling. We discussed how important it is to trust children’s sense of rightness. As children, when we are told to ignore our own instincts, passions, and interests and instead do what others dictate, it leaves us feeling conflicted. We question our own judgment and lose touch with our inner sense of rightness. What do we rely on in life if not our own innate discernment? When our trust in ourselves is undermined, we become disconnected from our true nature. We're left wondering, "What am I really made of? What is truly authentic to me?" The impact of repeatedly being told that we're wrong and can't be trusted lingers within us. It's like literal brainwashing, shaping our beliefs and limiting our potential. 😢 Let's take a moment to reflect on the importance of nurturing and empowering our children's individuality and self-trust. Let's encourage them to listen to their inner voice and follow their own path. 🌈💪 Together, we can help create a world where everyone embraces their unique truths and lives authentically. 🌍💙 Listen to the podcast and get inspired by Summer Jean's story, and gain a new perspective on independent learning and intuitive parenting. Listen, learn, and question the status quo! - Subscribe and listen to the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/@UC9D5CNnRq1RuZ6YwB4edw6A 🎧📚🌱