Back

On #unschooling: Studying Sokrates and the discipline of logic.

Cecilie Conrad·Jan 11, 2021

On #unschooling: In the photo: My sons are laughing so hard, they can hardly stand, as we were voluntary and together in our home – studying Sokrates and the discipline of logic.

“It (I.e. the home) is not an artificial place, set up to make “learning” happen and in which nothing except “learning” ever happens. It is a natural, organic, central, fundamental human institution, one might easily and rightly say the foundation of all other institutions”
#JohnHolt – from ‘Teach your own’

I have seriously struggled with this question: How to not become artificial while unschooling. We call it #deschooling, the process where we, the parents, unlearn and uninstall the whole system of schooling from our concepts on life.

Yet, there are a few things I love MORE than exploring with my children. It could be a beach, a landscape, a culture, a language, an art form, or a science discipline – with my children. Not because I am trying to teach them, but because this is a natural way of living life together: Being interested in the world around us. Being a home-mother, building a nest for my family is a natural flow for me, and I am happy to do it.

We have chosen a nest with wheels on it; nonetheless, we consider our current location (where ever it is) as our home: If we are together, have a place to sleep and some food somewhere – it is home.

Getting this together and functional in new ways is the job of a nomadic mother, and for a long time, I did not have the arguments to stand up for the importance of it.

The longer I live this life, the more important I find the base. The love, the vibe, the organization (not too much, but enough to have a good flow), the resources. The base is the home.

I have been heavily criticized for choosing the home and taking my kids home. Now, I know I am right.

This is the only natural base for life.

Your parents ARE supposed to be the most important persons in your life until you become a parent yourself.

And your home is your base.

“… we cannot even imagine a society without homes, even if these should be no more than tents, or mud huts, or holes in the ground.”
– John Holt

May the sun shine on you.

Cecilie-Underskrift-300x133

Cecilie Conrad

Unschooling and Parent consulting, conversations, blogposts, and podcasts on family life and learning

Hi, I'm Cecilie Conrad. I'm a trained psychologist, mother of four, radical unschooler and full-time traveller. I have lived with unschooling for over a decade and help other families find their own path – whether it is about homeschooling, unschooling, or the bigger question of how you want to live as a family.

I offer guidance, conversations and talks. I call my work grandmothering – not coaching in the traditional sense, but presence, professional insight and concrete help navigating motherhood and finding your way home to your own values.

Am I the right person to help you? You can book a free discovery call, and we'll talk and figure it out.

Listen to my podcasts

I share my knowledge and curiosity about family life and learning in my two podcasts.

Da Ladies - cover
self-directed-podcast

Read my latest blogposts

As we transition to a life in backpacks, we're reminded of the power of minimalism. Discover how shedding the non-essentials not only lightens the lo…Read more
We say goodbye to our beloved bus, a symbol of freedom and togetherness. From its purchase in Sweden to its final resting place at Mon la Bassa, disc…Read more
Dive into a day where computer time and 'useless' sentences find their place alongside meaningful connections and life philosophies. Discover the joy…Read more
In our podcast, "Da Ladies Fixing the World," we tackle topics like unschooling, attachment, and the courage to live your truth. Subscribe to be part…Read more
Dive into the necessity of challenging societal norms, especially when it comes to medicating children to fit into a system. Explore conversations th…Read more
From punctuality to flexibility, explore how everyday choices shape our readiness for life's next steps. It's about becoming "ready to be ready" and …Read more
Navigating a day full of shifting plans and unexpected challenges? Discover the importance of adaptability and quick decision-making. Learn how to ma…Read more
Today, I agreed to sell my bus, donated my belongings, and shared a heartfelt meal with my family. I'm discovering the courage it takes to change my …Read more
We took Jesper's parents to Mon La Bassa, shared stories, and enjoyed the importance of family. From beach walks to organic dinners, discover how a d…Read more