Education

It is vital that when we educate our children’s brains we do not neglect to educate their hearts by nurturing their compassionate nature.

~Dalai Lama~

Since we started home educating the kidlets in 2000, we took a journey into a world where learning never stops. 

We realised very quickly, that none of us really wanted to continue with the national curriculum, but instead we let the kids lead the way. It was amazing that when given the space, they became more creative, naturally wanted to learn and so did we.

Once we'd all decided that home education was for us, we chose the end of school term at Easter as the perfect time for the girls to finish school. Several months before, we had booked flights to New York for the 5 of us to mark the millennium and were due to fly out on the following Sunday. What a fantastic start to life without school. We visited New York City, Long Island, Up-state NY, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania  and dipped into Canada - it was a wonderful adventure!  

Fam 5 just outside Central Park, New York.
April 2000

For years, we have learned together and as each of the kids reached their teens, they began gradually doing their own thing and we've taken a back seat. Some people may see this as us being irresponsible or letting the kids rule the roost, but it's not that - we've just let them follow their natural instincts. 

As kids reach puberty, they need as much sleep as babies - their bodies are working hard to cope with changes, both physical & emotional. Their sleep patterns turn upside down - the last thing they need is an angry parent breathing down their necks, so we've just let our kidlets be. There's never been any drama about it, we don't get annoyed when Hugo says he'd prefer to eat dinner in his bedroom, or changes his mind at the last minute about coming out with us - it doesn't matter. He's not miserable, he's just taking control and both of the girls did exactly the same. When he chooses to be with us, he's just the same old lovely laddy... 

We have never worried that the kids were not learning while keeping different hours to us, because it's always been obvious that even though we're not all sat around the table doing sums and essays, etc - learning is part of our everyday lives. 

The internet and books have given us all the ability to self educate and our family are no exception.  

We've been asked a few times about how we've managed to "control" what the kids look at on the computer and how do we make sure they are safe... We don't. We know that they have the intelligence to be self-disciplined and have always trusted them in everything they do. Besides we have always talked about stuff, so there's never been any need for secrecy. 

They will no doubt carry on learning throughout their lives and continue to outstrip us with their knowledge, but we will always be grateful to them for everything they have taught us.

If we had not chosen this path - how different would our lives and relationships be? 

We will never know...

Today a friend commented that our love and respect for each other shines through - we're glad about that, though it's not something we work at. It's just naturally there.  

Autonomous home education has for us been a wonderful experience. 

To be in a position to see your kids develop naturally and then be able to stand back and watch them blossom is an absolute privilege.

Kay & Sime 
xx