Unschooling Pre-Schoolers

Don’t cave to the pressure to put your child into pre-school

Are you considering unschooling your preschooler but worrying about the social pressure to get your child into academics “for an early advantage”? The “concerned advice” and resistance from friends and family can add to your uncertainty.


Or you may have legitimate worries about the disadvantages of school systems. For example, little ones can suffer from separation anxiety or may not be developmentally ready to follow a structured schedule. Maybe your child learns differently than the supposed ‘norms,’ and the schools can’t handle giving individual attention to each child’s needs.


Sue’s research, experience, and expertise gathered over the years will help you better understand why you don’t need to cave into the pressure to put your child in preschool. You can be confident in your decision to unschool.



What's wrong with Preschool?

Many Pre-K programs rely on an adult viewpoint of how kids should learn. They push scripted lessons, pre-established art projects, and instruction that comes across as one-size-fits-all. However, research shows that early shape recognition, flashcards, or learning to sit still during circle time doesn’t help children learn complex, symbolic thinking. Instead, that comes from unstructured playtime with the child leading the path based on their curiosity.


You know your child best. All younger children need are their parents to create a stimulating environment full of various sights, sounds, and textures to learn and grow. As you may already have experienced, going up against traditional school expectations can be challenging.



Play IS Learning

Play inspires creativity, imagination, and looking at challenges in a way that invites innovation, independence, and strategic thinking. 


When you connect with your child through play, you build trust and a sense of self-confidence that lasts throughout their lives. It also allows them to grow emotionally. Besides, play is fun, healthy, and engaging for everyone involved!


So play with your kids, encourage exploration - and trust that learning is always happening. And, ultimately, learning through play will lead them to a successful life.



Get Support in the Create Confidence Membership Group

You don’t have to be alone as you navigate unschooling your preschooler. Join the Creating Confidence Membership Group and become part of a supportive community of unschooling parents - many of whom have faced the same issues and feelings you are.


When you sign up, you also receive:

  • Multiple group coaching calls each week to learn from others and ask your questions
  • Private Membership access to exclusive unschooling resources, which include unschooling worksheets for parents, extra PDFs, past workshops, recordings from guest speakers, and so much more
  • A private Facebook group for questions and support between coaching calls
  • A private WhatsApp chat if you prefer a more text-based connection


The community will support you and offer suggestions, and you’ll gain confidence in your decisions for this unconventional approach. Leave the struggles of going-it-alone behind. Join today!

Join Now

More about Unschooling Preschoolers

Many parents have questions about unschooling preschoolers, whether it’s their first child, third, or beyond.  Sue’s 25 years of experience in unschooling offers you the reassurance that you are on the right track.  These blogs and podcasts give you a chance to read and hear her thoughts on unschooling your preschooler.

By Sue Patterson 14 Sep, 2022
Sue Patterson shares all the learning that happens when kids are playing pretend with their toys.
By Sue Patterson 21 Jun, 2022
Following Kids' Interests - When you start to explore unschooling, you hear a lot about kids following interests. And initially, for a lot of people, they think of 1-2 things they’ve seen their kids interested in - Lego, playing make believe, Fortnight or Minecraft. And they can’t wrap their brain around that being “enough.” Read More
By Sue Patterson 14 Sep, 2021
Are your kids wanting to play all the time? And you're worried about when they're going to start learning? This podcast helps you see how unschooling and playtime is connected.
Show More
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