Blathnaid Cantwell joins me on the podcast this week to talk about her family’s unschooling journey. Initially, it was science and research that inspired Blathnaid’s parenting, but she found over time that her lived experience, as well as that of other families, helped her more deeply understand unschooling in practice. We talked about peeling back the layers and doing the deep internal work as she dove into neurobiology, attachment parenting, and education. She shared her realization that “It was all about me!” reflecting on the importance of being aware of our energy when we are supporting our family members and sharing some amazing stories and metaphors that help her dial down her own energy, which in turn allows her children to experience their emotions without the added weight of hers. Blathnaid has thought deeply about unschooling through so many different lenses and I really appreciate her sharing her experience and insights!
Questions for Blathnaid
Can you share with us a bit about you and your family? What is everybody interested in right now?
How did you discover unschooling and what did your family’s move to unschooling look like?
What has been one of the more challenging aspects of deschooling for you? Can you share a bit about your journey through it?
I think it’s pretty common for one parent to take the lead with learning about unschooling and focus on embracing it with the kids. But what often happens is that the other parent kind of gets left behind. I’d love to hear your experience with working through that.
When we set up the call, you mentioned how sensitivity to energy can be a superpower. I’d love to hear more about that!
What is your favourite thing about the flow of your unschooling days right now?
Things mentioned in the episode
Trailmakers, Rec Room, Scrap Mechanic
Ronnie Maier’s podcast episode, Dismantling Shame
Ali Walker’s podcast episode, Unschooling Instincts
Nine Functions of an Attuned Middle Prefrontal Cortex:
- Body regulation
- Emotional balance
- Fear modulation
- Response flexibility
- Attuned communication
- Empathy
- Self-insight
- Morality
- Intuition
Transcript
Video
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