Humans Being

Measuring Intent

admin — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 17:11:17 +0000

We’re just now feeling our regular, joyful familial groove return from our time spent gorging on connection, freedom of mind and space, and the annual quintessential family reunion we call The Rethinking Everything Conference. There are a great many ideas, situations, and conversations on which to reflect and I will continue to analyze [...]

HB #29- The Traveling Family

admin — Fri, 13 May 2011 15:40:27 +0000

In anticipation of our upcoming sessions, Barb Lundgren of The Rethinking Everything Conference interviews Sarah and Chris Parent about living a mobile life!

Since our family took to the road in July of 2010, there has been an overwhelming response from old and new friends alike. In this interview, we share some [...]

Go Ahead- Change your mind

admin — Fri, 13 May 2011 03:35:30 +0000

We all want what’s best for our children, don’t we? The answer is ‘yes‘. Even parents whose short-term motives and tactics I question have the same long-term goal – healthy, well-adjusted, caring, ’successful’ adults (we can debate the qualities of this last one some other time).

When we were transitioning our suburban life to one on [...]

Spare the rod. Save the child.

admin — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 03:45:23 +0000

Yesterday I re-posted a link on my Facebook page to The Center for Effective Discipline’s Spank Out Day. Honestly, I almost didn’t re-post it because I thought it rather unnecessary to tell people not to spank for two reasons. 1) Most people don’t spank anymore anyway. 2) People that do spank know there are better [...]

Inspired Words

admin — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 06:56:22 +0000

Coloring Outside the Lines

Some invest heavily In wrong and right As if the world Were black and white Suppose you took The color away There’d still be Countless shades of gray Countless opinions And points of view Countless thoughts On which to chew Should you find something That works for you You may want to assume It will work for me too But I am unique In my view of the world How [...]

HB #28- Guest Podcast:: Freedom & Responsibility with Barb Lundgren and Quinn Eaker

admin — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 21:15:12 +0000

Quinn is Barb’s oldest child and a grown unschooler. Having been unschooled in the deepest sense of the word, his sense of self is strong and his awareness is broad. Discussions with Quinn are immediately intimate. There is no small talk, no waste of a moment. He truly lives the intention of being present in [...]

HB #27- Guest Podcast:: Freedom & Responsibility with Barb Lundgren and Courtney Taylor Clay

admin — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 20:24:04 +0000

Several have asked me about unschooling teens. Who better to speak to this than a young adult (now mother!) who, herself, was always (in all ways) unschooled? I am pleased to have Courtney and her family in my personal experience. Her presence is quiet and powerful. She has much to share.

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Courtney is [...]

Rethinking Everything Conference 2010 is Upon Us!

admin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:01:42 +0000

Yes, it’s almost here! Chris and I are once again thrilled to be a part of this amazing, life changing, growth experience so aptly renamed the Rethinking Everything Conference. We are prepared to enlighten and be enlightened, connect, grow, challenge, be challenged, inspire, expand, and have TONS of fun! I can [...]

HB#26- Guest Podcast:: Freedom & Responsibility with Barb Lundgren and Teresa Brett

admin — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 06:45:43 +0000

Another great guest podcast especially for you!

Barb Lundgren of the Rethinking Everything Conference and Rethinking Everything Magazine and Teresa Brett of Parenting for Social Change dissect the process of consciously moving forward in our parenting by addressing our personal blocks and challenges that hold us captive in struggle.

Topic: The Spiral of Learning, Growth, Freedom and [...]

HB#25- Guest Podcast:: Freedom & Responsibility with Barb Lundgren and Yours Truly

admin — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 03:22:25 +0000

How often do we slip into old paradigms of parenting/learning structure without even knowing it? It’s easy to fall back into traditional patterns with our children when situations become uncomfortable or we’re not getting the outcomes that we expect or desire? In this conference call, Barb and I discuss the rationale for these missteps and [...]

HB #24- Guest Podcast:: Freedom & Responsibility with Barb Lundgren & Scott Noelle

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 04:51:58 +0000

I have a surprise for you! In preparation for the Rethinking Everything Conference in September, Barb Lundgren is hosting a series of seven conference calls focusing on many different areas of concern for parents regarding Freedom and Responsibility. I will be sharing them here with you.

In this episode: Barb and Scott Noelle discuss how [...]

In Support of Nothing

admin — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 03:00:58 +0000

My kids love to watch PBS. Fetch with Ruff Ruffman and Cyberchase are two of their favorite shows. And they learn alot from them. I must admit, so do I! For the most part, we find the minimal advertising that PBS presents innocuous. There’s a newish ad that they are running that burns my kids [...]

Rethink Everything!

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 05:29:05 +0000

I co-publish Rethinking Everything Magazine with my bosom buddy Barb Lundgren of the Rethinking Everything Conference. Let me tell you a little about our magazine and a special price we’re offering to celebrate the release of Issue Three on July 1st!

Why is this magazine different?

Where do I even start? This is an online magazine like [...]

Claiming My Voice on internet radio

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 04:37:07 +0000

I love to speak and enlighten about freedom and living in connection with and support of children.

My good friend, founder of the Rethinking Everything Conference, and co-publisher of Rethinking Everything Magazine, Barb Lundgren, and I were recently interviewed on an internet radio program called, Claim Your Voice, Own Your Life. Maggie Self of Children of Spirit went [...]

Co-Creating with Teresa Brett- Interview

admin — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 23:15:24 +0000

Listen to my interview with Teresa!

Recently, I had the rich experience of interviewing (conversing really) with Teresa Brett of Parenting for Social Change on Co-Creator Radio Network. The interview is in preparation for Teresa’s speaking at the upcoming Rethinking Everything Conference about which I am so excited. I have a previous connection with Teresa through [...]

Finding Personal Connections

admin — Fri, 28 May 2010 03:46:40 +0000

“We are the only unschoolers in the greater _____ area.” I hear this all the time from unschooling parents feeling isolated and seeking like-minded community. My first question to them is whether they have actually looked… and where. There are many ways to locate unschoolers and connected/respectful parents but, being that this is [...]

Trust and Pixie Dust

admin — Sat, 15 May 2010 03:54:38 +0000

“I am youth! I am joy! I am freedom!” sang Peter Pan, as he flew through the air across the stage avoiding Captain Hook’s grasp with each pass.

As I sat this morning in Casa Manana Children’s Theatre enjoying another spectacular play, I noted once again with interest how often undertones and flat-out overtones of [...]

HB #23- The Organic Life- Wagner Interview

admin — Wed, 12 May 2010 05:27:02 +0000

Photo Credit: Sara Janssen

Join me for a live, in-person interview with Tara (The Organic Sister) and Justin (her deschooling/deworking husband) Wagner as we discuss their organic, intentional life as an unschooling, full-time RVing family living and working in freedom.

This is a must-listen! Tara and Justin Wagner have taken many leaps in their [...]

Analyzing “No”

admin — Mon, 10 May 2010 05:19:21 +0000

Have you ever thought about why you say the word, “no” to your children? Parents are incredibly trigger happy and “no” is their bullet. Sometimes “no” is disguised in a few other words or hidden entirely in a phrase that sounds different but, in the end, means “no” (e.g. – “not right now”).

Children [...]

HB #22- Supremely Socialized

admin — Tue, 04 May 2010 18:25:37 +0000

Are homeschooled children social misfits? Socialization is a primary source of concern in discussions of homeschooling- surpassing even maintenance of educational standards. Join me as I share research, evidence, and perceptions of socialization similarities and disparities related to educational avenue.

Thanks to Casey- North Dakota, USA- for inspiring this show’s topic.

(Wikipedia) Socialization- Socialization is a term used [...]

Unschooling- The Real Story

admin — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:18:44 +0000

I recently came upon the Family Mental Health blog on PsychCentral.com about unschooling. More specifically, the writer of the blog lived up to the initials following her name and questioned Good Morning America’s edited portrayal and highly biased discussion of the unschooling lifestyle. She conveyed her gut reaction after viewing the piece and made a call [...]

Good Morning America- Featuring Unedited Unschoolers

admin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:49:01 +0000

Good Morning America responded quickly yesterday to emotional viewer reactions over their highly edited and opinionated segment on radical unschooling. Christine Yablonski and Phil Biegler were flown to New York City to appear on this morning’s show to offer information about radical unschooling in conjunction with Pat Farenga - home- and unschooling expert. They responded to a few [...]

Good Morning America- Sheds Uninformed Opinion on Unschooling

admin — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:41:48 +0000

The Biegler/Yablonski family was featured on Good Morning America this morning hoping to shed some light on radical unschooling during mainstream America’s morning cuppa’ joe. GMA quickly put a halt to any open discussion that might have been had in the MAINstream, however, by spewing their negative judgments and opinions before, during, and [...]

HB #21- Do You Strew?

admin — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:26:53 +0000

Yes, we’re heading in the direction of our dreams! House sale, inspection, appraisal, RV- yahoo! What is YOUR normal life?!

Minka has moved on. We are so appreciative to have had the years together. Both her life and her transition through death were connecting and growing experiences for our family to share together.

New audio! Yes, I am [...]

This IS the Real World.

admin — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 21:23:44 +0000

Many people ask me how my children will function in the ‘real world’. Further questioning reveals a concern that, because unschoolers are not accustomed to having their time and activities regimented by an external authority, they will be unable to function in society as adults.

Unschoolers do not live in some kind of self-limiting bubble. Our [...]

Radical Parents Talk Back

admin — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:12:44 +0000

Tune in tomorrow - Sunday, March 21st at 10 pm CST – 11 pm CST to hear myself, Elizabeth (AP mom), and Gina (gender neutral mom) on The Feminist Breeder & Friends Radio Show as we discuss our experiences with and reactions to our appearances on: Discovery Health Channel’s ‘Radical Parenting’.

This is a LIVE show so you’ll [...]

CPS- We’re A-OK

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 05:02:29 +0000

There have been a smattering of blog comments in response to Discovery Health’s ‘Radical Parenting’ special indicating that Child Protective Services should be involved with our family. Why? From the perspective of an overbearing, traditionally-minded parent, the dynamic of our family is frighteningly lax. It is immediately assumed that because our children are not FORCED [...]

Ageism in Unschooling

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:08:53 +0000

As a Registered Nurse for 12 years, I am very familiar with the phrase, “eating our young.” In a Google search, I find all the references to this phrase to be in regards to nursing. Sad… and curious because I know this is not the only group in which this pattern of behavior occurs- alienation, [...]

HB #20- Product and Process- ‘Radical Parenting’- the special review

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:13:17 +0000

Join my husband, Chris, and I as we discuss and explain some recently blogged comments about our recently aired segment of:

Discovery Health Channel’s ‘Radical Parenting’ special 3 Families- Attachment Parenting, gender neutral parenting & radical unschooling

General consensus is that Radical Unschooling is, by far, the most ‘radical’ of the styles. Hmmm.

General opinions- 1) Interesting take; [...]

Considering ‘Radical Parenting’

admin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:16:50 +0000

We gathered around the television this evening- the kids, Chris, myself, my mom, Barb, and Steve. We waited with the television on mute while some horrifying dramatization of seizures was finishing. The kids paid no mind- climbing on the couch and showing Barb and Steve their newest creations and talents. There were flutters in [...]

Reminder- ‘Radical Parenting’ airs TONIGHT!

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:23:46 +0000

‘Radical Parenting’- a Discovery Health Channel special featuring three families depicting alternative styles of parenting- will air TONIGHT, Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 8pm EST.

Tune in to see the Parent family and two others as we discuss radical unschooling, attachment parenting, elimination communication, and more!

This is the Discovery Health Baby Week [...]

HB #19- True Freedom

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:31:34 +0000

News Discovery Health Channel’s ‘Radical Parenting’ featuring my family’s connected, passion driven life will air Wednesday, March 3rd at 8pm EST/7pm CST

Rethinking Everything Magazine - has thought provoking interviews with our change agents up on the website - is ready to release Issue #2 on April 1st. Have you subscribed? Issue #1 is FREE to preview [...]

Radical Parenting- March 3, 2010 8PM EST

Sarah — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:56:50 +0000

The Parent family’s whole-life/radical unschooling lifestyle will be featured on Discovery Health’s special entitled Radical Parenting on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 8 PM EST.

Here is a link with additional showtimes and a feature to have an e-mail reminder sent to you:

http://health.discovery.com/tv-schedules/special.html?paid=62.9024.128774.0.0

HB#18- Love Letter

Sarah — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 08:38:25 +0000

Check out my recently published article in Life Learning Magazine- The Mother He Needs

The Parent family will be on Discovery Health representing radical unschooling in March! Friend me on Facebook to get an update when I am notified of the exact time slot. Rethinking Everything Magazine- support me, support my new magazine! Tell everyone you know [...]

The Mother He Needs

Sarah — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:48:42 +0000

My article, “The Mother He Needs” has been published in the Jan/Feb issue of Life Learning Magazine online. I’m very proud of this story. It is at the very core of what I feel is important in my mothering- intuitively feeling and truly listening to the needs of our individual children rather than societal [...]

HB #17- Who Are 'They'?

Sarah — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:39:04 +0000

In this episode: Sarah talks about social and media influences- deprogramming ourselves to see the empowered decisionmakers in our children.

I’ve been busy!

Check out my new endeavor :

Rethinking Everything Magazine!!! www.rethinkingeverythingmagazine.net

Who are ‘they’? Researchers? Other parents?

Studies regarding social influences on children are not studying free children Most children in our society are oppressed, judged, otherwise altered by the motives of others. How [...]

Rethinking Everything Magazine!

Sarah — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:09:10 +0000

I’ve been busy… starting a magazine! Barb Lundgren and I have been inspired to start a magazine publishing personal stories of monumental journeys of change that have brought individuals from traditional to transformed. If you have a personal story featuring a metamorphosis of some aspect of your life that has left you blissfully outside societal [...]

HB #16- Living a Positive Life

Sarah — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:35:53 +0000

It’s OK to be happy. In fact, it’s imperative! Sarah discusses vibration shifts, law of attraction, and just plain improving our lives and the lives of our children through positive thinking and positive energy projection.

Don’t worry, be happy!

Consciously changing our attitudes to project and attract positivity

Negative energy creates tunnel vision

Positive energy allows us to recognize [...]

HB #15 Learn Peace

Sarah — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 04:00:03 +0000

Sarah talks about the fallacy of teaching peace and how to shift our energies toward learning peace from our children.

Teach Peace?

How can this be done living in the current stratified system that continues to field for defense and use it for offense?

Be objective: What do you think? Here’s what I think. Appreciate the beliefs and [...]

HB #14- Second Chances

Sarah — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:16:34 +0000

Dealing with family members who disapprove of our parenting/educational choices can be difficult. Sarah talks about how to take back the power and move forward with joy.

Show notes:

Family situations

Parenting differences

Educational pressures

Sarah’s story of confrontation, mediation, relocation, and peace

Assume a powerful, peaceful, and positive stance

Your children will be the shining example

Music Selection: Second Chance- Shinedown

Click [...]

HB #13- Unparenting- the sequel

Sarah — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:02:03 +0000

Armed with her core principal of love, trust, and authenticity, Sarah gets specific in how to understand and move through situational emotions.

Show notes:

Say you’re sorry

Be the adult

No judgment

Hear what they mean (or something more endearing to you…

Know your child individually

Stay true to your guiding principle

We are here for each other. We will all (children and [...]

HB#12- Unparenting

Sarah — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:36:15 +0000

Finding your guiding principle- what do you want for your children?

Unparenting- how am I parenting if I’m not disciplining?

Re-evaluating what parenting is- eliminating the adversarial relationship

Manners

Body boundaries

Swearing

Discipline- time-outs, etc.

Public situations

Guiding Principle- read it, re-visit it, re-work it, use it!

Music selection: Happiness is- The Verve Pipe

Click here for a direct link to the show.

HB #11- Take the Power Back

Sarah — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:59:58 +0000

Homeschoolers don’t ask and don’t tell- getting over the fear in favor of our rights.

Where to find information on your state’s laws and possible changes to them.

Navigating your state’s legislation website/database.

Current actions in 5 states that require OUR action- Ohio, New Jersey, California, Oklahoma, New Hampshire.

How does the system work? A guide for the process of [...]

HB# 10- Unschooling 101

Sarah — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 04:46:47 +0000

Addressing the whys?, hows?, and what abouts? of unschooling.

Learning theories.

Stepping back.

What about the basics?

Reading

Writing

Arithmetic

Learning from life.

Music selection: This is Your Life- Switchfoot

Click here for a direct link to the show.

HB#9- Why Not School?

Sarah — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:39:30 +0000

Two roads diverged in a wood

And I took the one less traveled by

And that has made all the difference. ~Robert Frost

Public school statistics: Violence, bullying, drugs from U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Science

Are homeschoolers part of the problem rather than the solution?

Are homeschoolers sheltering their children from the world?

What about socialization?

What about education?

Next [...]

HB #8- Church and State

Sarah — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 04:30:13 +0000

Unschooling politics and religion

Countdown to presidential election 2008!

Imparting political (or other) values in unschooling- is it wrong?

It’s inevitable- impart openness, interest, empowerment

Unschooling politics vs. unschooling religion

Why are they different?

Indifference = disempowerment

Making politics a priority b/c it affects our lives and our children’s future

Music selections: Waiting on the World to Change- John Mayer / New Soul- [...]

HB #7 Remote Control

Sarah — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:58:14 +0000

What you’ll find in this episode:

Unschooling Media

Why do people place limits?

Why release limits?

Saturation period

Television-

Marketing

Value of TV

Strewing/family TV

Will they turn off the TV?

Mentor! Analyze your own media usage.

Computer/video games-

Value

Their use not only models your own but is just as important

Children WILL self-regulate!

Exertion of control words/measures will [...]

HB #6- Unschool Yourself!

Sarah — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 05:52:51 +0000

What you’ll find in this episode:

Unschooling ourselves- pursuing our life learning alongside our children

Compartmentalizing our passions as “somedays”

Stagnation vs. continued learning

Selfish desires- feeding ourselves to feed our families

Mentor! Do what you love!

Changing the family mentality

Examples of pursuits

Start small!

Music selection: Just Older- Bon Jovi

Click here for a direct link to the show.

HB #5- Recognize and Reconcile

Sarah — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 02:47:22 +0000

My heartfelt gratitude for the Rethinking Education Conference and my conversations with Dayna Martin which were pivotal in my understanding and working through of my own judgment.

What you’ll find in this episode:

‘Reconcile’ (v.) – To bring (oneself) to accept

Stages: 1) defensiveness, 2) judgment/self-righteousness, 3) understanding

We ‘know’ we’re right…. so do they!

Be strong and solid in [...]

HB #4- Sleep with Butterflies

Sarah — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 02:46:03 +0000

What you’ll find in this episode:

Sleep with Butterflies- Unschooling sleep

Exploring child-led sleep patterns

Frustration/anger surrounding bedtime- mythical vs. actual bedtime scenarios

Quiet minds, focused play

‘Adult’ time

Coping with grouchy days

Free kids are happy kids

Music selection: Sleeps With Butterflies- Tori Amos / Bubbly- Colbie Caillat

Click here for a direct link to the show.