Rachel Rainbolt is an unschooling mom of three and author of the book, Sage Homeschooling. We have such a fun conversation, diving into her family’s move to unschooling, how connection and relationships are at the core of learning, technology, micro-adventures, and lots more!

Quote of the Week

“If you are filling in all that space for them then there is no room for them to fill it in for themselves. If you are occupying all of their time, and telling them what things they are to focus on, then there is no room for them to grow into that space! You both can’t occupy it simultaneously. Once you have fully surrendered to the trust, there’s all of this space for them to blossom and to fill in and to grow into and take hold of, and then there’s just so much magic that comes from that.” ~ Rachel Rainbolt

Questions for Rachel

Can you share with us a bit about you and your family?

What did your family’s move to unschooling look like?

As you were deschooling, what did you find was the most challenging paradigm shift?

I really enjoyed reading your book, Sage Homeschooling, which is about your unschooling lives. In it, you have a whole chapter about connection and how relationships are at the core of learning. Can you explain what you mean by that?

In my experience, when we talk about the value of relationships to learning—and in our lives—parents sometimes take that to mean “more is better” and they focus on adding lots of social activities to the family calendar. But it’s not about quantity, is it?

Technology is often a hot button issue for parents as they move to unschooling—they perceive it as disconnecting, as taking away opportunities for connection. Can you share your family’s experience?

In your book, you talk about “micro-adventures.” I thought that was a great term because I think the adventure mindset is a wonderful way to approach our unschooling days—it evokes an open and curious approach to the moment. It was a lens we used a lot when my kids were growing up—even going to the local conservation park was an adventure, “What will we find today?!” How do you guys find adventure?

Links to Things Mentioned in the Show

Rachel’s book, Sage Homeschooling

Pam mentioned Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Rachel’s website, sageparenting.com and her Facebook page and Instagram

Episode Transcript

Read the transcript here