Life can and does throw us lots of curve balls to tempt us off the straight and narrow. One of the big temptations is doubt, and it is the reason why the fourth set of fears and concerns descends upon us. We mastered the first set at the beginning, got past the fears and concerns set at puberty and finally made peace with our post-secondary issues. Then it happens, especially with the first or “experimental” child.

Having proven your love beyond what the world expects; having trained and taught them; unschooled them through all the stages of youth and growth; successfully brought them to their post-secondary options, convinced that they are fully and rightfully prepared to tackle obstacles in their way; and seen them mature to be faithful and responsible citizens of this world and God’s Kingdom, they show their appreciation for all that you have done and leave home, eventually for good.

Then panic sets in! You will start to question if you have done a good job. Did you properly prepare? Did you fail at something? Did you handicap somehow? This doubt is most likely to occur with the firstborn and you will likely be much more confident with the younger siblings. After all, you were likely stricter and more “schooly” with the first child and increasingly more comfortable with unschooling with the next. This is natural. It happens within every loving family.

Know this: You have done the best you could. You chose unschooling and that was the best choice. Guaranteed you did not do a perfect job, but know that it was much better than what would have transpired in school. Rest easy with the knowledge that since you’ve been successful with your first child, you will also be with the rest. Keep in mind that each unschooling program will take on a character befitting each child.

Now that you have experienced the fourth set of fears and concerns, you are not likely to have to go through them again. Unschooling is no longer mysterious. Go forth with the rest of the children with confidence!

You made it! Congratulations!