What happens when we move from controlling our children to partnering with them? 

Parents often fear that giving children freedom means losing influence over their values and choices. But what if the freedom we think we're "giving" is something our children already possess? What if our attempts to control them actually push them away rather than drawing them closer?

Relationships built on trust and connection, not control, create the space children need to develop true independence while still feeling secure enough to turn to parents for guidance.

Sandra Dodd shares a transformative moment from her early parenting: "Be your child's partner, not his adversary." This simple statement completely shifted her approach to parenting—from trying to lead and teach her young son to working alongside him in collaborative partnership. Sue Elvis explores how our relationships with our children depend not on rules but on authentic connection, while Cecilie gently challenges us to question whether we even have the right to decide what values our children adopt as they grow.

The conversation moves beyond abstract philosophy into practical territory: how do we handle teenage risk-taking? How do we support children in making important decisions? When should we step in, and when should we stand back? 

When we practice seeing our children clearly and responding to their genuine needs, we develop greater empathy, patience, and wisdom in all our relationships.

🔗 Links & Resources mentioned:

🔗 Sandra, Sue and Cecilie's websites

• https://sandradodd.com 
• https://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.com 
• https://cecilieconrad.com

🗓️ Recorded May 1, 2025. 📍  Budapest, Hungary

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In season two of The Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by renowned unschooling advocates Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.