7 Shocking Facts about Unschooling A Teen

Sue Patterson

I know. Some of these seem like total blasphemy.  That’s because we’ve been sold a bill of goods that simply isn’t true. But these are the facts. And now that you  know the truth, how much easier can you and your teenager’s life be? Awesome, right?

    • DIPLOMAS ARE OVERRATED.
      Contrary to popular opinion, you don’t need a diploma. In the odd chance that you may need one so an admissions clerk can check a box – you can create one with a Word File. Same goes for transcripts.
      This might interest you:  UNSCHOOLING AND TRANSCRIPTS.
    • 18 IS NOT A  MAGICAL  NUMBER.
      Have you noticed how everyone starts to shift gears when you’re in your teens? Like somehow the race has just gotten way more serious? It’s because much of our society thinks that 18 is the “finish line.” As if learning is simply going to stop happening once you reach that big graduation date.  It’s such hype. You have an entire lifetime to learn and make choices – and change your mind again! There’s no big rush. Relax.7 Shocking Facts about Unschooling Teens
    • THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER.
      Your flexible schedule will allow you to experience some awesome internships and/or travel opportunities. Check out this collection of camps, conferences and adventures for teens:  UNSCHOOLED TEEN OPPORTUNITIES.
    • REAL LIFE “COUNTS.”
      Instead of trying to force your teen into a particular acceptable mold (usually for college,) do the reverse. Let the mold be created by your teen. Stay with me on this. Life is full of so many chances to learn everything you need to know for adulthood. But if you’re too distracted meeting criteria or completing lessons – you miss all of it! And it’s ten times more intriguing out in the real world. And, if you need a little incentive, colleges love applicants that have explored their interests and simply have more life experience.
      Maybe this might help convince you:  TOP DOWN VS. BOTTOM UP
    • AVOID SO MANY NEGATIVE ASPECTS!
      Homeschooled teens have numerous advantages  because o f homeschooling. They’ve preserved their natural love of learning. They’ve avoided unnecessary stress. They’ve had the freedom to make choices.They have better socialization and better influences in general.
      Read more about all of this in  LEARNING FROM THE TEENS.
    • GET OFF THE CONVEYOR BELT TO COLLEGE
      College is the right path for some kids and their career choices - but not everyone! Society seems to push kids on a passive conveyor belt from high school to college. Wouldn't it be better to explore ALL the options for upper teens and early 20s? It might help parents to look at why they think their kids should just blindly go on to college... the world has changed. Even delaying it a little might allow your teens to know themselves a little better so they can walk with confidence on the path they're choosing.
    •   FINALLY YOU CAN CATCH SOME ZZZZZ’S.
      Home educated teens aren’t sleep deprived! Study after study shows how the teen’s need for sleep is being completely overlooked with a typical high school schedule. And we all know how any of us act when we’re over-tired: cranky, more stressed, inhibited creativity, poor memory. How could they possibly be learning much at all?
      Read more about  TEENS AND SLEEP.

 

Do You Have Teens?

If you're feeling isolated and wishing you had more support...

Consider joining the Creating Confidence Group Coaching program for only about $5/week!  We've added new benefits specifically for families who are Unschooling Teens!

  • Two EXTRA Group Coaching Calls per month!
  • Monthly theme/topics
  • Collection of articles that pertain to the teen years

You don't have to do this alone!

By Sue Patterson 19 Mar, 2024
How do Unschooling Parents find each other? Sue Patterson shares 4 ways that work!
By Sue Patterson 09 Mar, 2024
Let's talk about "Screen Time." We need to shift our conversation with the kids about their love for technology and electronics.
How much is too much technology?
By Sue Patterson 04 Mar, 2024
How much IS too much - when it comes to gaming and surfing the web? Especially if you're going to unschool! Sue Patterson shares strategies for how to tackle the technology in your home!
By Sue Patterson 14 Feb, 2024
What's the big takeaway when an unschooling mom looks back? Lean into the Love. Originally written in 2012, and now updated for 2024, Sue Patterson share's what she wish she had known... way back when.
5 Signs it's time to Unschool
By Sue Patterson 08 Feb, 2024
5 Signs that it may be time for you to start unschooling! Whether you've been homeschooling and it's not working out as planned, or you're looking for alternatives to public schools, here are 5 Signs it may be time to start homeschooling from an unschooling perspective.
By Sue Patterson 23 Jan, 2024
Social media is in a flurry about the Pythagorean Theorem... why we learn it, how we learn it, what's the point? So I decided to ask my Robot Friend how DO we use the Pythagorean Theorem in real life. I think you'll be surprised!
By Sue Patterson 21 Jan, 2024
While no unschooling family would be considered "typical," a few characteristics are common for those who successfully unschool. Sue Patterson solves the mystery and shares what a few of these traits are. Perfect for those who are trying to figure out how to unschool or are looking for how to create a homeschooling routine.
Create a Reverse Bucket List - brainstorming on paper with Post-its
By Guest Blogger 04 Jan, 2024
Spend a little time with family creating your own "reverse bucket list" - identifying and celebrating accomplishments from this past year!
Incomplete Deschooling - Are Homeschoolers Doing it Wrong?
By Sue Patterson 19 Dec, 2023
This Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast/blogpost examines the idea that maybe your homeschooling struggles are because you haven't completely deschooled.
By Sue Patterson 13 Dec, 2023
If this past semester of homeschooling has been lackluster - or worse - it might be time to explore unschooling! Sue Patterson shares 5 Steps to help you move into an unschooling direction.
More Posts
Share by: