Alex Polikowsky joins me to share an update about how her family weaves school and unschooling together. Recently, a listener posted a comment on Alex’s first podcast appearance (almost three years ago) about how much she enjoyed the episode and that she’d love to hear an update. I thought it was a great idea and luckily, Alex was up for it too!
Questions for Alex
Can you share with us a bit about you and your family?
In the last episode, you talked about Gigi’s school experience—she chose to go for a few months when she was nine and in grade four. She really enjoyed it at first, but she satisfied her curiosity and eventually found that she didn’t have enough time outside of school to pursue her interests as much as she wanted. What were some of the interests and things she dove into over the next couple of years?
Gigi chose to attend school part time last year, and then this school year she started full time in grade eight. Can you share the motivation behind her choice this time and how you felt about it?
Last time we spoke, you talked about how you continued to weave unschooling principles into your days. It really is a different experience when they’re choosing to go, isn’t it? And when we continue to choose connection rather than control in our parenting. Have you been able to continue that this time around?
I’d love to hear what Daniel’s been up to the last three years. When we spoke, he was interested in traveling to Japan, maybe as part of an exchange program. Can you share an update with that and what he’s up to now?
It’s only been a few weeks, but how do you find your days flowing as you weave together unschooling Daniel and full-time school for Gigi? Is it challenging to not let school take over your lives?
What has surprised you most about how unschooling has unfolded in your lives so far?
Things mentioned in the episode
Learn more about the Childhood Redefined Unschooling Summit
Listen to Alex’s earlier podcast episode, Choosing School
Jan Hunt’s site, The Natural Child Project
You can find Alex online in the Facebook groups, Unschooling Minnesota and Radical Unschooling Info
Episode transcript
Ashley Gieschen
1 second ago
Thank you so much Pam for reaching out again to Alex to catch up on their lives after three years. I was absolutely encouraged (again) by listening to Alex’s perspective. At the very end she talked about parents being afraid when their child chooses to go back to school but Alex reminded listeners the “unschooling principles” never need go away. Parents can see it as just a continuation of the unschooling mindset, supporting your child’s choices and she reminds parents that we can make choices to not to slip back into “school mom” behavior, but to keep the connection with your child. I also loved her comment about how unschooling has changed her, made her a better person, more accepting, more mindful – It has changed her whole life. Unschooling principles have done the same for me. Thank you Pam and Alex!