Differences between Unschooling and Radical Unschooling
Unschooling and Radical Unschooling are both alternative educational philosophies that emphasize self-directed learning and the interests and passions of the individual child. They both reject the school system and curricula. However, Radical Unschooling takes the concept of Unschooling a step further by extending the principles of self-directed learning to all aspects of a child's life.
In traditional Unschooling, parents focus on allowing children to learn according to their interests without following a set curricula or schedule. Therefore, children are free to explore their passions, pursue their passions, and engage in learning activities that are meaningful and relevant to them. However, parents who Unschool still retain some boundaries and rules, such as limits on screen time, bedtimes, and mealtimes.
In contrast, Radical Unschooling takes the concept of Unschooling to another level of freedom. Children learn their natural rhythm when parents remove all rules and restrictions from a child's life and replace them with personal limits and principles. When children are free to make their own choices about everything, including when to eat, what to eat, when to go to bed, and how to spend their time, they learn how to respect their body, digestive system, sleep cycles, etc.
The philosophy behind Radical Unschooling sustains that children are able to learn how to make their own choices and that they will learn from their mistakes and make better choices in the future. Radical Unschooling gives a degree of freedom and autonomy to children that Unschooling doesn't.
The parent's role in Unschooling VS Radical Unschooling
In these alternative educational philosophies, parents act as facilitators and mentors rather than teachers. By doing so, they provide resources and support to help their children pursue their interests and passions instead of imposing or forcing children to learn what they are "suppose" to learn, like in the school system.
Both philosophies place the parents in the crucial role of helping their children explore and discover what they are drawn to. They have to provide access to resources, tools, and materials related to their child's interests to help them learn and grow. Also, parents may be responsible for providing guidance, feedback, and support, but they do not dictate what their children should learn nor how they should learn it.
The difference with Radical Unschooling is that parents take a more hands-off approach and allow their children to make all their decisions, even when it comes to everyday activities such as eating and sleeping. The role of the parent is to provide a safe and nurturing environment, offer guidance and support when requested by the child, and trust in the child's natural learning process. Also, parents have a leader's presence, rather than exercising authority over their children (we will come back on that further along). Parents are there to support their children and help them find what suits them best.
Overall, parenting in Unschooling and Radical Unschooling means being a facilitator and a mentor, rather than a teacher or authoritarian figure. They both create an environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and exploration and supports their children's natural love of learning, rather than forcing them to follow a prescribed curriculum or set of rules.
As Dayna Martin, a leader in the Radical Unschooling movement, says:
"Radical Unschooling does not mean Uneducating or Unparenting! It means offering your children a perfectly individualized education, instead of the same training that everyone else receives through schooling. Radical Unschooling is not only more respectful, but it is more natural, healthy and rooted in freedom. This allows children to carve out their specific niche in this world that will foster their continued happiness and success."
Understanding Leadership and Authoritarianism
The way parents embody their guidance is very similar between the two philosophies. But since we come from a certain way of being raised, I think it's necessary to learn how to distinguish the concepts of Leadership and Authoritarianism if you want to (or if you already are) Unschool/Radicaly Unschool.
There are often a lot of Shadows around this topic. Feel free to read my post about Shadow Work, if that interest you.
Authoritarianism refers to a style of leadership or governance that relies on strict control, obedience, and the suppression of dissent. In an authoritarian system, those in positions of power use fear and coercion to maintain control, and individual freedoms and rights are often curtailed or eliminated.
A parent inclined to that kind of leadership would impose strict rules and regulations that are inflexible and non-negotiable. They would also use punishment by means of controlling their children's behaviour. They would give little or no explanation for their rules or expectations. Those parents are trying to regulate their children's behaviours or to correct a wrong way of acting or talking. Authoritarian parents are the only ones in the family deciding for their children since they often consider their kids inferior in the hierarchical structure of their family.
On the other hand, leadership refers to the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide others toward a common goal. It is often associated with vision, communication, and collaboration. It is a more flexible and dynamic way of showing up for your children.
One key difference between leadership and authority is that leadership is earned, while authority is often granted. Parents who use their leadership gain influence and respect from their children through their actions, values, and ideas, while authoritarian parents create fear by imposing their power on their position or role.
Leaders can inspire others to follow them voluntarily with respect and trust, while authoritarian can rely on forcing others or threatening them to enforce compliance.
*It is important to note that not all forms of authority are inherently authoritarian. Just keep in mind that it must be exercised in positive and constructive ways.
Partnership Parenting
Let's talk about Partnership Parenting. If you are new to Unschooling or Radical Unschooling and want to embody your leadership, this is a good starting point.
The concept of Partnership Parenting was introduced by Dr. Selma Fraiberg, a noted child psychoanalyst and professor at the University of Michigan. In her book "The Magic Years: Understanding and Handling the Problems of Early Childhood," published in 1959, Fraiberg discussed the importance of developing a collaborative and respectful relationship between parents and their children.
As Dr. Fraiberg said: "Children are not clay to be molded but are people to be unfolded."
Effectively, children are individuals with unique personalities, interests, and needs. So parents should strive to create an environment that allows them to develop and grow in their own way. Rather than trying to shape their children into a predetermined mold or ideal, parents should focus on nurturing their children's natural strengths and talents and providing them with the support and guidance they need to thrive.
Partnership Parenting is a philosophy based on mutual respect and shared decision-making. This concept emphasizes a cooperative and collaborative relationship between parents and their children.
The goal is to create a family dynamic that promotes healthy communication, positive relationships, and the development of strong, independent individuals.
In Partnership Parenting, parents view their children as individuals with their own unique personalities, interests, and needs. They strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment while allowing their children the freedom to explore and develop their identities.
Parents are expected to treat their children with the same level of respect they would give to another adult, and to listen to their children's thoughts and opinions without judgment or criticism. Parents encourage their children to express themselves freely and to participate in the family decision-making process.
Another principle of Partnership Parenting is helping your children to learn shared responsibility. Parents and children work together to create a home environment that is safe, comfortable, and conducive to learning and growth. Children are encouraged to take on age-appropriate responsibilities and to contribute to the family in meaningful ways. This is one way for every family member to learn how to co-exist and teamwork.
When working collaboratively with their children, parents are creating a family dynamic that promotes positive relationships, personal growth, and a strong sense of community.
Radical Unschooling, also places a strong emphasis on trust and respect between parents and children. Parents are encouraged to involve their children in decision-making processes, giving them a say in everything from what they eat to how they spend their time. The goal is to create an environment in which children feel empowered to take charge of their own learning and development. It allows children to develop a love of learning and a sense of independence that can serve them well throughout their lives.
Conclusion
As someone who has explored both Unschooling and Radical Unschooling, I can attest to the unique benefits and challenges of each philosophy. While Unschooling allowed for a little more structure and guidance in my children's learning, Radical Unschooling empowered them to take charge of their own education and pursue their passions with autonomy.
I stand by educator and author John Holt when he claims that "children learn best when given the freedom to pursue their own interests and passions." I'm always happy to hear my daughter reflecting on her challenges or to see her research for the exact information she needs to learn more about a subject dear to her heart.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue either Unschooling or Radical Unschooling depends on each family's individual values and priorities. So it is essential to know what you value as an individual, parent, and family so you can choose a path that aligns with those values.
If you need help figuring things out regarding the educational road you need to take, I'm only a click away.
Reach out, it's always easier when you share your struggles with someone.
Comentários