"unparenting"

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***The few people that I have spoken to about unschooling say that their experience has been that unschooling and unparenting go hand in hand with most folks.


I have seen unparenting. Kids come home from school (usually after-school care) and are shuffled off to their room behind closed doors. What goes on in there is a free-for-all until the adult can't stand the noise. Then the door is opened long enough to yell "Quiet!" (or some threat of physical voilence). They are allowed to come out long enough to eat, bathe, and then be shut out again to go to sleep and begin the routine again at 6 AM. Actually, those homes often have the strictest (and most rediculous) rules.

I have a feeling that is not what you were refering to. :)

We disclipline with grace. That means no punishment, no judgement or shame. Lots of talking! We talk about bad choices being made, and how they cause harm. We teach respect by showing respect. We teach our faith by living our faith. We teach pick up after yourself by picking up after ourselves. It's about lots of communication, lots of prayer, lots of faith and trust. And that takes a lot of effort. Nothing "un"parenting about it. It is non-coersive and non-punitive, but it's very hands on.