PodcastsEducationUnschooling Mom2Mom

Unschooling Mom2Mom

Sue Patterson
Unschooling Mom2Mom
Latest episode

215 episodes

  • Unschooling Mom2Mom

    UM2M 215 - Can Video Games Count as High School Credit?

    2026/06/19 | 11 mins.
    Text Sue what you think!
    They're playing all the time - is there anything worthwhile that we can count for homeschooling transcript? 
    The answer may surprise you. 
    In this episode, Sue Patterson explores how gaming can support learning in subjects like history, science, math, philosophy, leadership, and communication—and shares real examples of how those experiences can be documented on a transcript.
    Many parents worry that gaming is "just entertainment," especially when their teen spends hours immersed in Minecraft, Civilization, Kerbal Space Program, Factorio, Discord communities, or competitive gaming. But when you look beyond the label and focus on what a student is actually learning, a very different picture begins to emerge.
    In this episode, you'll discover:
    • How to identify academic learning hidden inside gaming interests
    • Real examples of transcript-worthy subjects connected to video games
    • Why philosophy, ethics, history, science, and math often show up through gaming
    • How leadership and communication skills develop in online communities
    • Why "video games" isn't a course title—but can lead to many legitimate high school credits
    • Tips for translating interest-led learning into transcript language
    Whether you're homeschooling, unschooling, or creating a non-traditional high school transcript, this episode will help you recognize learning that may already be happening right in front of you.
    UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES MENTIONED:
    Unschooling Transcript Course
    https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/unschooling-transcripts
    Creating Confidence Daily APP - Talking about Technology this month!
    https://cc.unschoolingmom2mom.com/checkout/creating-confidence-daily
    Creating Confidence COMMUNITY - Full Support for the journey!
    https://cc.unschoolingmom2mom.com/checkout/creating-confidence-membership-2
    If you've ever wondered how to document gaming, screen time, or interest-led learning on a high school transcript, this episode is for you.
    Support the show
    _____________________________________________________

    As always, reach out if you need more help. 
    You don't have to do this alone!

    Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
    Start Free Trial Today!

    Creating Confidence Membership Group 
    UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
    Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
    Unschooling Transcript Course
    Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
    Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue

    Stay Connected:
    Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
    www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
  • Unschooling Mom2Mom

    UM2M 214: Are Homeschooling Questions Stealing Your Summer?

    2026/06/12 | 5 mins.
    Text Sue what you think!
    Are you wondering whether it's time to make a change in your child's education?
    Many parents spend the whole summer questioning what's working, what's not, and whether a different approach to learning might be a better fit for their family. Some are considering leaving the school system. Others are rethinking traditional homeschooling. Still others are exploring unschooling for the first time.
    They aren't just looking for answers about academics, motivation, socialization, or learning gaps. They're trying to decide what comes next—and what they need to know before making a change.
    In this episode of Unschooling Mom2Mom, Sue Patterson explores the questions parents often ask when considering homeschooling, unschooling, or a more individualized approach to learning, and shares how coaching can help families move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
    You'll hear stories from parents who:
    • Had a teen who seemed interested only in gaming
    • Felt like their child didn't fit the traditional homeschooling mold
    • Were curious about unschooling but afraid to make the leap
    • Needed reassurance that they weren't ruining their children
    • Wanted a clearer path forward before the new school year began
    Whether you're new to homeschooling, curious about unschooling, transitioning away from curriculum, or simply looking for reassurance, this episode will help you approach the new school year with more confidence and less stress.
    Special Resource mentioned:
    • 1:1 Coaching Calls (50% off during June)
    Support the show
    _____________________________________________________

    As always, reach out if you need more help. 
    You don't have to do this alone!

    Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
    Start Free Trial Today!

    Creating Confidence Membership Group 
    UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
    Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
    Unschooling Transcript Course
    Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
    Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue

    Stay Connected:
    Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
    www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
  • Unschooling Mom2Mom

    213 -What Really Prepares Kids for Adulthood?

    2026/05/18 | 6 mins.
    Text Sue what you think!
    Are we preparing kids for adulthood… or preparing them for school expectations?
    Parents worry about grades, gaps, transcripts, screen time, and whether their kids will be successful adults. But real adult life often depends on something else entirely: adaptability, communication, confidence, initiative, emotional regulation, and problem solving.
    In this episode, Sue Patterson explores how real-life experiences, play, curiosity, gaming, technology, and pursuing interests can help kids develop the skills they actually need for adulthood.
    Also:
     why school expectations still shape our fears 
     how unschooling builds real-world problem-solving skills 
     the difference between memorizing information and learning how to navigate life 
     reducing power struggles around technology 
     helping parents feel more confident taking an unconventional path 
    If you’ve ever wondered whether unschooling truly prepares kids for adult life, this episode will help you rethink what “life prep” really means.

     → Creating Confidence Community and Daily Confidence App:
    https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-sign-up

    → Read transcript at the blog
    https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/the-life-prep-unschooling-homeschooling-kids-really-need
     
    Support the show
    _____________________________________________________

    As always, reach out if you need more help. 
    You don't have to do this alone!

    Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
    Start Free Trial Today!

    Creating Confidence Membership Group 
    UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
    Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
    Unschooling Transcript Course
    Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
    Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue

    Stay Connected:
    Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
    www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
  • Unschooling Mom2Mom

    212 - The Mother's Day Fairy - For Unschooling Moms!

    2026/05/07 | 9 mins.
    Text Sue what you think!
    Mother's Day can be a lot of things — wonderful, disappointing, emotional, or somewhere in between. For unschooling and homeschooling moms, there's an added twist: your kids aren't sitting in a classroom getting reminded to make something for you. No teacher. No craft. No school newsletter nudging dad to pick up flowers.
    So this year? You become the Mother's Day Fairy. 🧚‍♀️
    In this episode, Sue Patterson — mom to three now-grown unschooled kids and founder of Unschooling Mom2Mom — shares why unschooling really is a Mother's Movement, and how you can reclaim Mother's Day so it actually fits YOU and your family.
    You'll hear:
    Why waiting and seeing is a recipe for disappointment
    The Mother's Day Fairy concept and how to make it a family tradition
    A practical night-before checklist so the day doesn't just arrive like a regular Sunday
    Why appreciation is an inside job — and what to do about it
    How to set your kids up for success without doing it all for them
    Whether your Mother's Day has been wonderful, meh, or a total flop in the past — this episode will help you create something that actually feels good. No comparisons. No "what will people think." Just a day that fits the actual humans in your family.
    Because that's what unschoolers do.
    🌸 Resources mentioned in this episode:
    The Mother's Day Collection Page — bookmarkable, comes back every year: UnschoolingMom2Mom.com/mothersday
    Mother's Day Fairy Checklist @blog: Link
    Mother's Day Songs Playlist on YouTube: Link
    Mother's Day Playlist on Spotify: Link
    Printables for Kids or Moms: Links
    Bazillion Memes to share with other moms: Link
    Join the Unschooling Mom2Mom App Community
    Try it for FREE for 7 days

    Support the show
    _____________________________________________________

    As always, reach out if you need more help. 
    You don't have to do this alone!

    Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
    Start Free Trial Today!

    Creating Confidence Membership Group 
    UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
    Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
    Unschooling Transcript Course
    Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
    Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue

    Stay Connected:
    Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
    www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
  • Unschooling Mom2Mom

    211 - What Does an Unschooling Day Look Like? Real-Life Examples by Age

    2026/05/05 | 13 mins.
    Text Sue what you think!
    What does an unschooling day actually look like?
    If you’ve been searching for a routine, a schedule, or some kind of structure you can follow… and keep coming up empty, this episode will give you something more useful.
    Instead of a rigid plan, we’re walking through real-life examples of unschooling days—what it looks like for younger kids, older kids, and teens—and why it can feel so unstructured (even when learning is happening all day long).
    Inside this episode:
    What unschooling looks like in real life (by age)
    Why “structure” feels missing at first
    How learning shows up without curriculum
    What’s actually happening during gaming, YouTube, and downtime
    How to recognize patterns, rhythms, and progress
    This is the shift most parents need:
    From trying to create structure… to learning how to see it.
    If your days feel open-ended, uncertain, or like you’re “not doing enough,” this will help you reframe what’s really going on.
    🎧 Want daily support like this?
     The Creating Confidence Daily app gives you short, practical voice notes each day to help you stop second-guessing and feel more grounded in your unschooling.
     Try it free for 7 days.
    📝 Prefer to read or revisit this later?
     You can find the full transcript on the blog.

    Looking for those Seasonal Unschooling Guides Sue mentioned?
    See all 4 Guides here.

    Support the show
    _____________________________________________________

    As always, reach out if you need more help. 
    You don't have to do this alone!

    Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
    Start Free Trial Today!

    Creating Confidence Membership Group 
    UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
    Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
    Unschooling Transcript Course
    Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
    Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue

    Stay Connected:
    Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources
    www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
More Education podcasts
About Unschooling Mom2Mom
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! All 6 Seasons listed here: https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/podcast
Podcast website

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