Explore unschooling with Pam Laricchia, Anna Brown, and Erika Ellis. We want to help parents figure out how to apply bigger picture unschooling ideas in their everyday lives.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Exploring Unschooling Q&A (EU328 Encore)
1:02:24
1:02:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:24
Anna, Erika, and I dive into listener questions! We talk about navigating sibling and friend relationships, the idea of self-regulation when it comes to technology, and the journey of finding community and connection for ourselves and our children. And as I mention at the beginning of our conversation, our Q&A conversations aren’t focused on giving…
…
continue reading
Anna, Erika, and I dive into listener questions! We talk about cocooning and connecting with young teens, the mainstream concept of productivity and how we get curious about external messages of judgment, and the idea of an “ideal unschooler.” And as I mention at the beginning of our conversation, our Q&A conversations aren’t focused on giving anyo…
…
continue reading
Anna, Erika, and I dive into listener questions! We explore technology and “screen time,” deschooling, connection, and validation. And as I mention at the beginning of our conversation, our Q&A conversations aren’t focused on giving anyone the “right” answer. That’s because there isn’t a universal “right” answer for any given situation that will wo…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Pam, Anna, and Erika explore the abundance mindset. We often find ourselves thinking about abundance versus scarcity in conversations on the podcast and in the Living Joyfully Network. In this episode, we dive into the many ways that shifting to abundance has helped us and our families with creative problem solving. We hope you fin…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU366: Talking Consent with Sara Davidson
1:11:22
1:11:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:22
Pam and Anna are joined by Living Joyfully Network member Sara Davidson to talk about what she’s been learning about consent. Sara was previously on the podcast in episode 312. It was great to hear her family updates and to dive deep into the topic of consent. We talked about four different types of consent, enthusiastic, willing, unwilling, and co…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Pam, Anna, and Erika dive into a very interesting lens on parenting—the independence agenda. It’s fascinating to see how this seemingly reasonable goal of fostering our children’s independence can get in the way of not only our relationship with them, but their developing self-awareness and inner voice. We talk about how different …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU364: Unschooling Stumbling Blocks: Including Kids in Decisions
30:53
30:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:53
We are back with another episode in our Unschooling Stumbling Blocks series and we’re talking about including kids in decisions. There are many reasons why parents may rush through big decisions without giving children a chance to weigh in, but we’ve found that including kids in decisions provides us with useful questions and information, helps avo…
…
continue reading
Deschooling is a bit of a buzzword in homeschooling and alternative education spaces at the moment. So, let’s dive in! Pam, Anna, and Erika talk about the definition of the word, what that transition to unschooling can look like for parents and adults, the importance of letting go of expectations, some of the paradigm shifts that happen during desc…
…
continue reading
We’re back with another On the Journey episode! We had a delightful conversation with Living Joyfully Network member Kendel Ricker. Kendel is an unschooling mom of two kids, 11 and 9, and she shared some of her journey with us. Kendel’s own education included homeschooling, private school, and public school, as well as university and teachers’ coll…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Pam, Anna, and Erika explore the sibling dynamic and some of the questions that come up when unschooling families navigate sibling relationships. We talk about letting go of expectations, watching out for casting our children in roles, understanding our own triggers, and how “fair” doesn’t mean “equal.” We hope you find our convers…
…
continue reading
What’s so magical about age 18? Pam, Anna, Erika, and our guest Erin dig into the transition from childhood to adulthood and what it means for our unschooled kids. It’s common for parents to bump up against some cultural beliefs about this phase of life and inadvertently put expectations on young adults. Strangers, friends, and […]…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU359: Unschooling Stumbling Blocks: Quitting vs Sticking It Out
37:52
37:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:52
In this episode, we are starting a new series called Unschooling Stumbling Blocks, where we talk about common challenges on the unschooling journey. For this first stumbling block, Pam, Anna, and Erika talk about “quitting” vs “sticking it out.” This idea comes up in parenting regardless of whether you’re unschooling or not. Do we need […]…
…
continue reading
This week, we’re back with another On the Journey episode. Pam and Erika are joined by Living Joyfully Network member Jahaira Luzzi. Jahaira is an unschooling mom of two, ages 6 and 8, and a former early childhood educator. We talk about Jahaira’s path to unschooling, including her exploration of various types of elementary schools […]…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Pam, Anna, and Erika dive deep into building community. As we regularly mention, people are different, and each member of your family will likely have different needs for community, friendship, and social time. We talk about in-person versus online connections, the value of interest-based communities, some of the many different way…
…
continue reading
Pam shares the first edition of Harbor Highlights, the new monthly audio dispatch she’s creating for her Patreon supporters. In it, she’ll be sharing the behind-the-scenes details of her next grand adventure! Listen in to learn more. And click here to join her on Patreon! Note that it’s only her Patreon page name that has […]…
…
continue reading
We’re back with another episode in our Unschooling “Rules” series. And we use the word “rules” in quotes to draw attention to the fact that there is no such thing as an unschooling rule! It can feel easier to reach for a set of rules to follow, especially when we’re learning something new, but we […]…
…
continue reading
Quick Links Check out the Black Friday-inspired bundle specials on the newly refreshed Living Joyfully Shop! Transcript Hello, everyone! I’m Pam Laricchia from Living Joyfully and I’m popping in to share a couple of bits of news with you. First is the Black Friday-inspired sale happening in the Living Joyfully Shop right now! It runs […]…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU355: Unschooling “Rules”: Freedom Leads to Self-Regulation
33:09
33:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:09
We’re back with another episode in our Unschooling “Rules” series. And we use the word “rules” in quotes to draw attention to the fact that there is no such thing as an unschooling rule! It can feel easier to reach for a set of rules to follow, especially when we’re learning something new, but we […]…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU354: Unschooling “Rules”: Unschoolers Should Never Divorce
23:15
23:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:15
On this episode of the podcast, we’re sharing another entry in our Unschooling “Rules” series. We use the word “rules” in quotes to draw attention to the fact that there is no such thing as an unschooling rule! It can feel easier to reach for a set of rules to follow, especially when we’re learning […]…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Redefining Success and Parent-Child Relationships
1:10:52
1:10:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:52
This week on the podcast, we’re sharing a conversation I had recently for the Self Directed Podcast with Jesper and Cecilie Conrad. It was such an invigorating conversation that I asked if we could share it here as well and they graciously agreed. We dive into the art of fostering strong, respectful, and trusting parent-child […]…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU353: Unschooling “Rules”: Unschooling is Child-Led
32:41
32:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:41
This week on the podcast, we’re sharing a new episode in the Unschooling “Rules” series. We use the word “rules” in quotes to draw attention to the fact that there is no such thing as an unschooling rule! It can feel easier to reach for a set of rules to follow, especially when we’re learning […]By Pam Laricchia
…
continue reading
This week on the podcast, we’re sharing a compilation of experienced unschooling parents answering the question, “Looking back, what has been the most valuable outcome from choosing unschooling?” Another apt title might be Remembering Our Why, which is why we think it’s especially powerful to listen to during this back-to-school season. When we are…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU352: Unschooling “Rules”: Unschoolers Are Always Happy
27:52
27:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:52
This week on the podcast, we’re sharing a new episode in the Unschooling “Rules” series. We use the word “rules” in quotes to draw attention to the fact that there is no such thing as an unschooling rule! It can feel easier to reach for a set of rules to follow, especially when we’re learning […]By Pam Laricchia
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU351: Bringing It Home: Navigating Technology
27:49
27:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:49
This week on the podcast, we’re diving into another Bringing It Home episode. We’re looking deeper at our last Unschooling “Rules” topic, that unschoolers have unlimited screen time, and exploring what it can look like to navigate technology with our unschooling families. Unsurprisingly, there is no one right approach. It’s so much about seeing thr…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU350: On the Journey with Sarah McMackin
47:39
47:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:39
This week, we’re back with another On the Journey episode. Pam, Anna, and Erika are joined by Living Joyfully Network member Sarah McMackin. Sarah is an unschooling mom to Eamon, who just turned seven. She also runs a restaurant in Austin, TX with her husband, Ray. We talk about Sarah’s experience unschooling an only child, […]…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU349: Unschooling “Rules”: Unlimited Screen Time
29:35
29:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:35
This week on the podcast, we’re sharing a new episode in the Unschooling “Rules” series! We use the word “rules” in quotes to draw attention to the fact that there is no such thing as an unschooling rule! It can feel easier to reach for a set of rules to follow, especially when we’re learning […]By Pam Laricchia
…
continue reading
In this week’s Exploring Unschooling podcast episode, we’re diving deep into a listener question submitted by Michelle in Texas. She writes, I listened to the episode with Xander regarding gaming, and it really helped change my perspective, especially during this unschooling phase. The question that keeps coming for us is definitely fear-based, but…
…
continue reading
This week on the podcast, we’re diving into another Bringing It Home episode. We’re looking deeper at our last Unschooling “Rules” topic, that unschoolers don’t have bedtimes, and exploring what it can look like to navigate staying up late with our unschooling families. Unsurprisingly, there is no one right approach. It’s so much about seeing […]…
…
continue reading
This week, we’re back with another On the Journey episode. Pam, Anna, and Erika are joined by Living Joyfully Network member Cassie Emmott. Cassie is an unschooling mom with four children with diverse needs. She shares her path to unschooling and some insightful reflections about parenting and deschooling. We talk about navigating challenging seaso…
…
continue reading
This week on the podcast, we’re sharing a new episode in the Unschooling “Rules” series! We use the word “rules,” in quotes, to draw attention to the fact that there is no such thing as an unschooling rule! It can feel easier to reach for a set of rules to follow, especially when we’re learning […]By Pam Laricchia
…
continue reading
In this week’s Exploring Unschooling podcast episode, we’re diving deep into a listener question submitted by Julie in Ontario. She writes, How would you encourage parents to best unschool themselves? I’d really like to be a better example of someone who follows their passions. My husband would love to do a job more suited to […]…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU343: Bringing It Home: Navigating Lessons
27:56
27:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:56
This week on the podcast, we’re diving into another Bringing It Home episode. We’re looking deeper at our last Unschooling “Rules” topic, that unschoolers don’t use curriculum, and exploring what it can look like to navigate lessons and adult-led activities with our unschooling families. Unsurprisingly, there is no one right approach. It’s so much …
…
continue reading
This week on the podcast, we’re sharing a talk that Pam gave at the 2022 Canadian Online Homeschool Conference, Helping Kids Find Their Passion. Following our children’s interests and passions is one of the joys of unschooling. And truly, humans are born curious. As parents, we can give our children the gift of encouraging that […]…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU341: Unschooling “Rules”: Don’t Use Curriculum
27:08
27:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:08
This week on the podcast, we’re sharing our second episode in the Unschooling “Rules” series! We use the word “rules,” in quotes, to draw attention to the fact that there is no such thing as an unschooling rule! It can feel easier to reach for a set of rules to follow, especially when we’re learning […]…
…
continue reading
This week, we’re back with another On the Journey episode. Pam, Anna, and Erika are joined by Living Joyfully Network member Nora McDonald. Nora is an unschooling mom of two living in Costa Rica. She shares her journey to unschooling as well as two major a-ha moments she has had in the last year. We […]…
…
continue reading
In this week’s Exploring Unschooling podcast episode, we’re diving deep into a listener question submitted by Jessie in Colorado. She wants to explore a quote from Free to Learn that took her off guard, which is: One proviso, though. Unschooling won’t work well if you actively avoid having your family interact with the world, with […]…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU338: A Conversation with Lore Blancke
1:52:22
1:52:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:52:22
This week, we’re sharing a conversation Anna Brown and I had recently with Lore Blancke on her podcast, Intimate Breath. Lore came across unschooling and the Exploring Unschooling podcast and was intrigued by the similarities she found with her work as she listened. And while she’s not a parent herself, her enthusiasm was apparent when […]…
…
continue reading
This week on the podcast, we’re sharing our first Bringing It Home episode. In this series, we’re going to dive even deeper into the topics that we explore in the Unschooling “Rules” series, with an eye to showing how these concepts come up in our real lives and the many possibilities for how to approach […]…
…
continue reading
This week, we are excited to share our first episode in our new On the Journey series! Anna, Erika, and I are excited to bring guests on the podcast to share their experiences. We’ll be talking about paradigm shifts, a-ha moments, challenges they’ve faced, and realizations they’ve made on their unschooling journey. In this episode, […]…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU335: Unschooling “Rules”: Always Say Yes
30:15
30:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:15
This week, I’m excited to share our first episode in the Unschooling “Rules” series! We use the word “rules,” in quotes, to draw attention to the fact that there is no such thing as an unschooling rule! It can feel easier to reach for a set of rules to follow, especially when we’re learning something […]…
…
continue reading
In the intro, I share my new vision for the podcast: helping people figure out how to apply bigger picture unschooling ideas in their everyday lives. I want to help listeners explore how these big unschooling ideas work on a more practical level. In real life, with the real people that make up our family. […]…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU213 Flashback: Unschooling and Math with Marcella O’Brien
1:01:40
1:01:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:40
This week, I’m sharing a popular episode from early 2020 with unschooling mom Marcella O’Brien. Marcella’s grown sons, Jack and Sean, have also joined me in Growing Up Unschooling episode 181. Marcella’s experience as a public school teacher and math tutor gives her a unique perspective, which led to an interesting conversation about math in […]…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU239 Flashback: Unschooling Dads with Roop Bhadury
1:24:48
1:24:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:24:48
This week, I’m sharing a fun conversation I had with unschooling dad Roop Bhadury. I connected with Roop through his wife Susan, who is a member of the Living Joyfully Network. She has also joined me on the podcast in episode 220. Roop and Susan live with their now three young children in Australia. It […]…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU119 Flashback: Gaming and Growing Up Unschooling with Xander MacSwan
50:56
50:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:56
I get so many questions about “screen time” and video games and how they fit into an unschooling life, so I thought it might be helpful and fun to reshare a conversation I had with Xander MacSwan in 2018. Xander left school in the 5th grade when his parents—both professors in the University of Maryland’s […]…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU111 Flashback: Ten Questions with Jan Fortune
40:15
40:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:15
This week, I’m sharing a conversation I had with Jan Fortune back in 2018. Jan home educated her four children in the UK and wrote many articles and five books on unschooling and parenting. Her book Winning Parent, Winning Child, focuses on living with children in ways that respect their autonomy. In our conversation, Jan shares […]…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU207 Flashback: Advice from Grown Unschoolers
1:02:50
1:02:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:50
It’s compilation episode time again! This week, I’m sharing one of our listener favorites from 2019, a collection of conversations with grown unschoolers in which they offer their thoughts for newer unschooling parents. I’ve woven together answers from eleven episodes featuring twelve grown unschoolers. I think you’ll find their answers helpful and…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU282 Flashback: Teachers Turned Unschoolers
1:23:12
1:23:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:23:12
This week, we’re revisiting a popular compilation episode from last year. Many people have asked me whether any former or current teachers have been interviewed on the podcast. And the answer to that question is a big YES! We have had more than 20 podcast episodes featuring guests who were or are teachers or university […]…
…
continue reading
Anna Brown and Erika Ellis join me again this week to dive into listener questions! We talk about the fears and doubts that come up at the start of the unschooling journey, the idea of wanting to measure success, and what to do when a child is interested in a topic that seems too grown […]By Pam Laricchia
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU332: An Unschooling Journey with Jae Williams, Part 3
57:17
57:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:17
This week, I’m sharing the second part of my recent conversation with Jae Williams (you can listen to the first half here). Jae is a former teacher and new unschooling dad of two young children. We first spoke about a year ago, right at the start of his deschooling journey. It was great to catch […]By Pam Laricchia
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EU331: An Unschooling Journey with Jae Williams, Part 2
56:18
56:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:18
Jae Williams is a former teacher and new unschooling dad of two young children. I first spoke to Jae when he was about two months into his unschooling journey, in episode 290. It’s been a year now and we had so much to catch up on! Jae and I talked about the inner work of […]By Pam Laricchia
…
continue reading