168 - If We Unschool, How Will I Know They're Learning?
Text Sue what you think!FREE PDF BELOW!Worried your child might not be learning without traditional schoolwork or curriculum? You’re not alone—and this episode is for you.Whether you're new to unschooling or just hitting a moment of doubt, I’m sharing 5 real-life ways to know your child is learning—without needing tests, worksheets, or a structured curriculum.These simple, practical tips will help you spot learning as it naturally unfolds through ConversationsCuriosityCreativityReal-world experiencesYou’ll learn how to shift your perspective and recognize the learning that’s already happening all around you.✨ Don’t miss the free printable worksheet I created to go with this episode! Use it to reflect on what learning looks like in your home—month by month.🎁 Download the free PDF worksheet here: https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/e0e55ba151Support the show_____________________________________________________As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family! You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resourcesLike what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee? Now you can! Buy Me a Coffee Creating Confidence Membership Group Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! UNSCHOOLING 101 Course Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course Seasonal Unschooling Guides Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
--------
10:30
#167 How Unschoolers Cover Subjects in Spring (Real-Life Learning Tips)
Text Sue what you think!Unschooling by Subjects? Spring Reveals the Learning You Didn’t Expect!Are you a homeschooling parent wondering how unschoolers cover subjects like language arts, math, science, social studies, and fine arts—without a curriculum?Or maybe you're unschooling but you're not sure you're doing enough.You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re diving into real-life examples of how traditional school subjects show up naturally during the spring season.If you’ve ever asked:"What about the core subjects?""How will my child learn math or writing without a curriculum?""Can we still cover what they 'need' in an unschooling lifestyle?"…this episode is for you.We’ll explore: ✅ How springtime activities naturally invite learning ✅ Subject-by-subject ideas for language arts, math, science, social studies, and the arts ✅ How to recognize real learning in everyday moments ✅ Why letting go of rigid schooling structures opens up more meaningful educationPLUS: I’ll tell you how to grab the brand-new Spring Unschooling Guide, filled with ideas sorted by subject, spring holidays, links, games, and journaling pages to help you document the learning unfolding in your home.✨ Whether you’re new to unschooling or trying to trust the process more deeply, this episode will reassure you that YES—your kids are learning. Right now. All around you.🛒 Get the Spring Unschooling Guide https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Seasonal-Unschooling-Guide-Spring💌 Save 25% if you're an email subscriber!Here's the link for the subscribing to the email list: https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/49e159063f 🎉 Join our Creating Confidence Membership and the Spring Guide will be waiting for you inside the membership portal!Support the show_____________________________________________________As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family! You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resourcesLike what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee? Now you can! Buy Me a Coffee Creating Confidence Membership Group Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! UNSCHOOLING 101 Course Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course Seasonal Unschooling Guides Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
--------
8:13
#166 Celebrating Pi Day – The Quintessential Homeschool Holiday!
Text Sue what you think!March 14th—Pi Day—is this week, and if you’re new to homeschooling or unschooling, you may not realize that it’s a bit of a quintessential homeschool holiday! But why? And how can you celebrate it in a way that feels fun (and not too schooly)?Let's dive into the history of Pi Day, why it became a thing, and—of course—ways to celebrate it with your kids. From baking pies (because Pi) to fun trivia, quirky math connections, and even Pi-themed scavenger hunts, there are so many ways to turn this day into a lighthearted learning opportunity. And if math makes you cringe? Don’t worry—I’ll also help you reframe some of that old math anxiety so you can enjoy the fun, too.What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🥧 Why Pi Day even exists & how it all started at a museum retreat!) 📏 The simple explanation of Pi 🎉 Fun and easy ways to celebrate—whether your kids are into math or just want pie! 📲 How social media has embraced Pi Day (and where to find the best Pi memes) 📺 Fun Pi-related videos, movies, and books to check out 🍕 How to make Pi Day your own—without making it feel like schoolWhether you go all out with Pi-ku (Haiku, but for Pi) or just eat pizza for dinner, there are so many ways to join in the fun. And if your kids are rolling their eyes? That’s okay, too! Unschooling is all about making connections—and Pi Day is just one more way to do that.Links & Resources Mentioned: 🔗 Links for this Podcast Transcript (music, movies, scientists, etc.!)🔗Pi Day Reality Check - If Pi Day's a flop (with 100+ memes!) 🔗 Strewing Calendar🔗 Learning Math WITHOUT CurriculumJoin the Conversation! Tag me on social media if you and your kids do anything fun for Pi Day—I’d love to see! 🎉 Instagram Facebook. Pinterest <- specific Pi Day Board👉 Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an unschooling pep talk! I’d love for you to Support the show_____________________________________________________As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family! You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resourcesLike what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee? Now you can! Buy Me a Coffee Creating Confidence Membership Group Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! UNSCHOOLING 101 Course Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course Seasonal Unschooling Guides Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
--------
10:07
165 - The Art of Noticing & Individualizing: Secrets from Stage Managers
Text Sue what you think!One of the biggest shifts for unschooling parents is moving away from directing learning and stepping into the subtle but powerful art of noticing. Instead of orchestrating every next step, we learn to pay attention—to what excites our child, what sparks their curiosity, and how they naturally engage with the world.This shift is what makes true self-directed, interest-based learning possible. It’s not about following a prescribed curriculum but about recognizing that your child is already learning naturally, and trusting that process.Turns out, unschooling parents have picked up some secrets from stage managers—who knew? Just like a great stage manager works behind the scenes to create the perfect conditions for a performance, unschooling parents learn that their role isn’t to direct every move but to notice, anticipate, and support. The real magic happens not in controlling the scene, but in tuning in to what’s unfolding naturally—anticipating and adjusting, providing resources, and trusting that the star of the show (your child!) is already learning in their own way.In this episode, we’ll explore: ✨ Why Noticing is more powerful than Directing ✨ How tuning in—rather than taking charge—leads to deeper learning & individualization ✨ How to support natural learning and curiosity without pushing or orchestrating ✨ How small shifts in your parenting role can make unschooling feel easier and be more effective🎁 FREE DOWNLOAD: Want to strengthen your Noticing skills? Grab the Noticing & Individualization Worksheet—a simple, journal-style page to help you practice this essential unschooling mindset shift!👉 Download your FREE PDF here:https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/388b7b9244💬 Let’s keep the conversation going! Join our Unschooling Membership for Virtual Park Days, Moms’ Nights Out, and real-time connection with parents who are embracing this shift.Support the show_____________________________________________________As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family! You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resourcesLike what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee? Now you can! Buy Me a Coffee Creating Confidence Membership Group Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! UNSCHOOLING 101 Course Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course Seasonal Unschooling Guides Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
--------
9:08
164 - Can we talk? A Quick Chat for Homeschooling Moms Ready for Change
Text Sue what you think!Traditional homeschooling can be so overwhelming! And most of us don't realize we have options... until we're nearly in homeschool burnout! That's what I want to talk with you about this week. If your homeschool life needs a change, my suggestion is to learn more about unschooling. It's not as crazy as you may have heard. It's the natural way humans learn! And you get to skip all the anxiety and power struggles that are baked into that school approach! When you chose to homeschool, you wanted more freedom. Let's get back to that! You may need a little help figuring out how to unlearn all that conditioning from your own school experience - and maybe even what you've heard in the homeschooling communities or from social media. Here's where to start: ✔️ Listen to the podcast✔️ Sign up for the emailshttps://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/96512ee8fe✔️ Subscribe to the YouTube channel http://www.YouTube.com/c/UnschoolingMom2Mom...and be the first to know when my FREE Mini-Course SPECIFICALLY for switching from homeschooling to unschooling is ready! (should be in March 2025)If you want to dive deeper, I'm sharing nearly30 years of homeschooling and unschooling experience to help you get onto steadier ground. I can help you set up your own DIY program with a private coaching call: http://www.suepatterson.as.me Or you can join a community of unschooling parents in the Membership group where we're about to start Virtual Park Days and Moms' Nights Out! You'll find so many benefits to be in this group - let's grow your confidence! http://www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com/MembershipMore Links (mentioned in the Podcast) here at the website: Unschooling Mom2Mom: Can We Talk?Support the show_____________________________________________________As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family! You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resourcesLike what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee? Now you can! Buy Me a Coffee Creating Confidence Membership Group Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! UNSCHOOLING 101 Course Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course Seasonal Unschooling Guides Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
The Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast is a quick conversation with Sue Patterson, coach, author, and mother of 3 grown unschoolers. Sue shares inspiration and tips to help you find the unschooling confidence you're looking for! Even if you’re more of a “homeschooler” than an “unschooler,” these 10 minute(ish) podcasts can help you find more joy in parenting, educating and connecting with your children!
South Africa