Thank you Sandra, for all the work you’ve done over the years—mountains of it—for the rest of it. Even though our family didn’t end up unschooling, I read deeply in my son’s early years everything you

This was written in 2001. I told the story of the 18s more lightly in an article called "King's X from the Math Monster." I didn't know "King's X" was a regional kids'-game term, but that's another th

Once a lunatic wrote to me, and we all discussed it in this group. I did ask if he was insane. It didn't seem to be the writing of a female, but let me know if you can perceive male or female clues fr

(sent for anonymous posting) I’ve been reading—a LOT—at your site lately, with a heavy focus on happiness and peace. I’m trying to keep my head up as my oldest (18) takes another tour through depressi

I got three e-mails announcing or promoting a site called "School Sucks." they were nearly the same, but not identical, and came to me personally, and as moderator of one yahoo list and owner of anoth

New on my site Parenting Peacefully, Fact, Food Usually I try to save up three similar or related pages, but this one is long and important. In January 2022 I have added to the page called Parenting P

A "greatest hits" moment. Me, my page on facebook, 2017. Five years later? Worse but there's still hope. :-) ____________________ ______________________________________________ _______________________

He has decided he wants to become an International Baccalaureate student, Levi is not an impulsive person, this plan has developed over time and with We are currently learning French together on DuoLi

I moved this section of an article to another page. Well, duplicated it. I wrote it in 2003: There is a group of homeschoolers that generally tries not to test their children at all. Because a test sc

This was sent to me, for sharing, by someone who understands unschooling well. She wrote it carefully so as not to be identified, so it's not about who it is. There are ideas to help anyone, at any le

A reader named Jen has sent a story with a question. I'm very happy to say that although the story is standard, the question is new, and very interesting! ___________________________________ We went o

I don't think it's too late to "lively up" this group. Seven years ago I wrote something about people's reactions to discussions. I was a bit... heated? Here's a response worth considering here. I wil

Analysis of a misunderstanding (or something). I've just finished rearranging and cleaning up the main monkeyplatter page. One link went to a now-defunct blog, but my practice is to provide a link if

*Brought anonymously at the request of the author:* My kids are 11 and 6, and since they were born, my husband and I have valued “Always Saying Yes!” to their interests and desires. Like many here kno

-=-Her dad has recently admitted he needs to not be so defensive over her and trust me more with her. -=- WORD ALERT! "Admitted." I guess that before, the mom told him to not be defensive and to trust

Karen, Jo and Dola caught most of the issues, so I'll try not to repeat, but I might, a bit. :-) Turns out the mom IS a teacher, and is listed as having "a 16 year old, two 14 year olds, and a 6 year

Dear all, I'm looking for help to deal with an overwhelming sense of boredom and lack of purpose. I have been dealing with terminal illnesses in the family for several years, my husband's depression a

I've brought a post without the name. The original poster named it "Concerned Parent." ______________________________________ I am a stepmother to a 15 year old girl. I have been in her life for about

Someone sent me a link to the wikipedia page on unschooling. There's a paragraph about radical unschooling, and it names me, an then misrepresents what I believe, and has a footnote to a page on my si

November 24, is the 20th anniversary of the creation of this group. Children have been born and grown up past unschooling age in that time. Some who were kids then are parents themselves, now. Thank y