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I want to unschool - how can I convince my parents? - Printable Version

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I want to unschool - how can I convince my parents? - Kaylingrl_1 - 11-07-2008 11:58 AM

I really really really want to unschool. I read The Teenage Liberation Handbook and thought it was amazing. Unfortunately, when I talked with my parents they weren't as enthusiastic. They're open to the idea - but they don't think that they could pull it off, seeing as they both work (although one is self-employed and works out of the house). Also, they don't really understand it, but whenever I try to explain it to them, they're like, "Well, yes, but..."

It doesn't help that they believe one of the reasons I hate school so much is because of the fact that I hang out so much on truancy.com, and now I'm hanging out here. They think that the attitude has rubbed off on me, and so don't really believe that I hate/despise/loathe school as much as I do. They think it's just carry over from places like truancy and this website, and so want me to either stop hanging out on these websites or find websites to hang around on where everyone loves school and is happy about it. Wonderful.

Any ideas on how to convince my parents to let me give unschooling a try? Any success stories out there? I really want out of school. Really.


Re: I want to unschool - how can I convince my parents? - Michio-kun - 11-08-2008 03:17 AM

They are worried that you won't end up doing anything. Don't talk to them, show them.

Do you have a hobby of some sort? Get really good at it, make stuff, etc. Be able to show something to other people.

Get a job. Try to do something other than flipping burgers. The more unique it is, the better. Just make sure you have an income.

There's a list somewhere on this site with people who have quit school/not finished/never been who are both successful and famous.

If you're parents say, "Well you're not them." your response will be, "You're implying that because I'm of course not famous or as smart as them, it's impossible for me to unschool. Actually there are around 2 million kids in the US that aren't in school right now and I'm certain that most of them aren't smoking crack, sitting around watching TV all day, and playing MMORPGs.

Compile learning materials. If you're more analytical/academic minded like me...get some good books, preferably textbooks. The used bookstore is your friend. I got a physics textbook (the same one used in many universities) for 10 dollars instead of 100 dollars. Show your parents you're srs bsnss.


Re: I want to unschool - how can I convince my parents? - Kaylingrl_1 - 11-08-2008 10:46 AM

That's a great tip. The only problem with it is that they already know that I'm serious and all. Otherwise, I'd definitely use that, because that's great. Thanks for your help!

But yeah... I'm not old enough to get a job, and my hobby is writing. Other hobbies would be some artsy stuff like making bracelets (no clue how I got into it - I don't even wear them! I make them and give them away, because I never wear bracelets).

Quote:If you're parents say, "Well you're not them." your response will be, "You're implying that because I'm of course not famous or as smart as them, it's impossible for me to unschool. Actually there are around 2 million kids in the US that aren't in school right now and I'm certain that most of them aren't smoking crack, sitting around watching TV all day, and playing MMORPGs.

Compile learning materials. If you're more analytical/academic minded like me...get some good books, preferably textbooks. The used bookstore is your friend. I got a physics textbook (the same one used in many universities) for 10 dollars instead of 100 dollars. Show your parents you're srs bsnss.

I love the part about the 2 million kids... It's awesome. And the library will be moved back up to my best friend position! Biggrin Used bookstore will be 2nd rank. Thanks!


Re: I want to unschool - how can I convince my parents? - Squittle - 11-09-2008 12:17 PM

Well, present to them your passion, be it writing, art, music, or whatever. Try and convince them that, in school, you learn things that won't advance your knowledge of that passion, and if you were unschooling, you'd be more successful, because you'd be focusing on that subject, it's history, and how to be successful in that field, rather than useless facts in all topics.

You could try swaying them by assuring that you'd still study other subjects like physics, biology, or whatever you would be taking besides your main study, but you'd focus on your passion as opposed to learning equally in all subjects. And yes, I realize that you'd want to study in these subjects as little as possible; I know I would.

Good luck


Re: I want to unschool - how can I convince my parents? - Kaylingrl_1 - 11-09-2008 10:30 PM

Thanks! I'll definitely keep trying to convince my parents. I just got a lecture yesterday about how things will get better and all that. :-( Hopefully I'll be able to convince them
Quote:soon.

Again, thanks!


Re: I want to unschool - how can I convince my parents? - random_name - 11-09-2008 10:33 PM

Kaylingrl_1 Wrote:Thanks! I'll definitely keep trying to convince my parents.


good for you Biggrin


Re: I want to unschool - how can I convince my parents? - dawnzky05 - 02-09-2009 07:45 PM

It would be very hard for you since parents will really force you to continue. Just give them valid reasons and let them understand you.


Re: I want to unschool - how can I convince my parents? - Guest - 05-11-2009 05:19 PM

It depends on why you want to unschool in the first place. Of course, they will be worried about what will happen to your future and all that. If your problem is convincing them, then you may want to present them with some sort of a backup plan or an alternative plan like going to an alternative school for example. Check out this site: http://www.fieldstoneacademy.org

They offer a different kind of learning although I am not sure if this is an option for you. Whatever happens, just make sure that you will be putting your time to valuable use. Good luck.


Re: I want to unschool - how can I convince my parents? - NowhereWoman - 05-14-2009 01:10 PM

Make bracelets and sell them!
My friend makes and sells bracelets, and even started her own jewelry company. She's a freshman in high school!!!
It's just an idea, but if you're willing to take a little extra time to make them, if you ENJOY making them, maybe that could be something that would show your parents your real life skills, and give them a little confidence.