Mother's Day can be a lot of things — wonderful, disappointing, emotional, or somewhere in between. For unschooling and homeschooling moms, there's an added twist: your kids aren't sitting in a classroom getting reminded to make something for you. No teacher. No craft. No school newsletter nudging dad to pick up flowers.

So this year? You become the Mother's Day Fairy. 🧚‍♀️

In this episode, Sue Patterson — mom to three now-grown unschooled kids and founder of Unschooling Mom2Mom — shares why unschooling really is a Mother's Movement, and how you can reclaim Mother's Day so it actually fits YOU and your family.

You'll hear:

• Why waiting and seeing is a recipe for disappointment
• The Mother's Day Fairy concept and how to make it a family tradition
• A practical night-before checklist so the day doesn't just arrive like a regular Sunday
• Why appreciation is an inside job — and what to do about it
• How to set your kids up for success without doing it all for them

Whether your Mother's Day has been wonderful, meh, or a total flop in the past — this episode will help you create something that actually feels good. No comparisons. No "what will people think." Just a day that fits the actual humans in your family.

Because that's what unschoolers do.

🌸 Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Mother's Day Collection Page — bookmarkable, comes back every year: UnschoolingMom2Mom.com/mothersday
• Mother's Day Fairy Checklist @blog: Link
• Mother's Day Songs Playlist on YouTube: Link
• Mother's Day Playlist on Spotify: Link
• Printables for Kids or Moms: Links
• Bazillion Memes to share with other moms: Link
• Join the Unschooling Mom2Mom App Community
  Try it for FREE for 7 days
  
  

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

What does an unschooling day actually look like?

If you’ve been searching for a routine, a schedule, or some kind of structure you can follow… and keep coming up empty, this episode will give you something more useful.

Instead of a rigid plan, we’re walking through real-life examples of unschooling days—what it looks like for younger kids, older kids, and teens—and why it can feel so unstructured (even when learning is happening all day long).

Inside this episode:

• What unschooling looks like in real life (by age)
• Why “structure” feels missing at first
• How learning shows up without curriculum
• What’s actually happening during gaming, YouTube, and downtime
• How to recognize patterns, rhythms, and progress

This is the shift most parents need:
From trying to create structure… to learning how to see it.

If your days feel open-ended, uncertain, or like you’re “not doing enough,” this will help you reframe what’s really going on.

🎧 Want daily support like this?
 The Creating Confidence Daily app gives you short, practical voice notes each day to help you stop second-guessing and feel more grounded in your unschooling.
 Try it free for 7 days.

📝 Prefer to read or revisit this later?
 You can find the full transcript on the blog.

Looking for those Seasonal Unschooling Guides Sue mentioned?
See all 4 Guides here.

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

What does unschooling look like day to day—and how do you know it’s enough?This is where most parents start to second-guess everything.

If you’ve ever lwondered, “Is this enough?”—you’re not alone.

We’re unpacking one of the most common fears in unschooling:
What learning actually looks like when it doesn’t look like school.

With no worksheets, no visible lessons, and no clear benchmarks… it can feel like nothing is happening. But that’s not what’s going on.

We’ll talk about:

•  Why unschooling feels “too unstructured” 
•  Where that pressure to do more comes from 
•  What learning actually looks like in everyday real life 
•  Why confidence comes and goes—and how to handle that 

If you’ve been second-guessing your choices or worried your child is falling behind, let's reframe what you’re seeing—and what really counts.

🎧 Listen in, then take a closer look:

Full transcript and resources

https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/is-unschooling-enough-what-it-really-looks-like-day-to-day

Want daily support instead of figuring this out on your own?
Inside the Creating Confidence Daily app, I walk alongside you for a couple minutes each morning—helping you reset your thinking and build real confidence over time.
 Try it free for 7 days.

https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-daily

Podcasts Mentioned: 

Unschooling Doubts: Why Unschooling Parents Feel They Aren't Doing Enough

The Real Reason Unschooling Confidence Disappears 

"I Want to Do More to Teach”

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

How do unschoolers learn math without a curriculum?
Can kids really learn math without school—and how do you know it’s enough?

Here's a real “day in the life” of an unschooling teen. See exactly where math shows up—hour by hour—without worksheets, textbooks, or formal lessons.

If you’ve been wondering:

•  how do kids learn math without curriculum 
•  is real life math enough 
•  am I doing enough math in our homeschool 
•  what about unschooling math gaps 

…you'll get a clear, practical look at how math naturally develops through everyday life.

Real life Math examples like:

• Mental math, estimation, math in daily routines 
• Math in video games 
•  Cooking, shopping, and budgeting 
•  Sports, timing, decision-making 
•  Problem-solving,  estimation 

But here’s the struggle you'll recognize—

Noticing is Step 1 - Seeing it in YOUR kids's lives is the Next Level.

We talk about why so many parents feel confident after seeing examples like this… and then fall back into doubt—and what actually helps build long-term confidence with unschooling math.

If you’re transitioning from homeschool curriculum, questioning traditional math approaches, or trying to trust unschooling, this episode will help you start recognizing what’s already happening—and understand what comes next.

🎯 Want help seeing and trusting real-life math in your home?

UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES for Episode 209

• Learning Math WITHOUT Curriculum - Let's conquer your math concerns and talk about what real math adults are using daily.  
• Day-In-The-Life - How Unschoolers Learn Math (blogpost) See the Hour-by-Hour Math in this unschooled teen's life
• Creating Confidence Membership Group - Ready to level up and figure this out with other unschoolers? This is for you!
• Creating Confidence Daily - Voicenotes and inspirating messages every day. This daily habit really will grow your confidence! (7-day Free trial!)

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

“If we don’t use a curriculum... how do we plan anything?”

It’s the number one question new unschoolers ask. If stepping away from traditional lesson plans makes you feel like you’ve lost your roadmap, this episode is for you! 

Welcome to Season 6 of the Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast! This week, host Sue Patterson explains why planning as an unschooling parent isn’t about deciding what your child must learn next. It’s about shaping an environment where curiosity has room to grow. 

When you let go of the need to control the learning, you remove the friction in your home. We're shifting the focus from "planning school" to "planning for connection." 

In this episode, you’ll learn 3 simple planning tools unschooling parents use:

• The "Look at the Week" Conversation: How to build a natural family rhythm based on real life, not an imaginary school schedule.
• The "Idea Parking Lot": A stress-free way to offer invitations to learn (strewing) without assigning tasks.
• The "Just Data" Review: A simple weekly habit to help you step back, notice the learning that is already happening, and stop the "Are we doing enough?" panic spiral.

Learning doesn’t need nearly as much management as we were taught. Tune in for your 10-minute pep talk to help you build a life where learning naturally fits!

Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Need more daily support or a community of like-minded parents to help you brainstorm? You don't have to do this alone!

• Join the Creating Confidence Membership:  https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-membership
• Get Daily Reassurance with the Creating Confidence App:  https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-daily
• Strewing Calendar Ideas DAILY!  https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/strewing-calendars

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Pi Day is one of those holidays parents often try to make “fun.” 

But sometimes the issue isn’t the activity — it’s the hype.

Here's a quick unschooling perspective on Pi Day and why kids often respond better to curiosity than to pressure.

Instead of trying to convince kids something is fun, unschooling families often offer ideas lightly — letting interest show up naturally.

Sometimes kids lean in.
Sometimes they don’t.

And both are completely normal.

Sue Patterson also shares a simple way to introduce Pi Day at home without turning it into a big event. 

Just remember, real learning doesn’t need a sales pitch.

Huge collection of Pi Day ideas here:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/pi-day

Blogpost:
The Reality of Pi Day for Unschooling Families

🎧 Unschooling Mom2Mom
Helping parents build confidence in unschooling and learning outside traditional school.

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

What can unschooling families learn from the neurodivergent community?

In this episode, Sue Patterson looks at how our understanding of “quirky” kids has changed over the years—and why many unschooling parents are learning from approaches developed within the neurodivergent community.

Even families without a diagnosis can benefit from these ideas when kids struggle with expectations, pressure, or social dynamics.

In this episode:

• Reassurance for parents of neurodivergent children
• How the conversation around neurodivergence has evolved
• Why many families turn to unschooling when school isn’t working 
• What parents can learn from neurodivergent-informed parenting approaches
• Resources for neurodivergent families

Sue also shares details about the Unschooling Summit, where many speakers will be discussing neurodivergence in unschooling families.

🎟 Free tickets to the Unschooling Summit:
 https://www.theunschoolingsummit.org/a/2148243842/xzoAT2Ao

📱 Try the Creating Confidence Daily app (7-day free trial):
 https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-daily

Read the Transcript: Quirky Kids? Unschooling and Neurodivergence  https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/quirky-kids-unschooling-neurodivergence

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Do you need to revisit deschooling as your child gets older?
Many unschooling and homeschooling parents start worrying about learning gaps, grade levels, falling behind, and whether unschooling is “working.”

Deschooling is often treated as a beginning phase of homeschooling. But school conditioning doesn’t disappear once. It resurfaces in layers.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why deschooling isn’t one-and-done
 • How grade-level thinking creeps back in
 • Why independence can trigger anxiety
 • Common fears about gaps and timelines
 • How to recalibrate without returning to school-at-home structure

If you’re homeschooling without curriculum, exploring unschooling, or noticing old school-based fears resurfacing, this episode will help you pause, recognize the pattern, and revisit deschooling with steadiness instead of urgency.

Deschooling isn’t finished. It evolves as your child grows.

____________________________

RESOURCES: 

Creating Confidence (private community or daily app) https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-daily

Deschooling Toolkit https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Deschooling-Toolkit

Read Transcript at the Blog  https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/deschooling-isnt-something-you-finish

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

If you’re an unschooling or homeschooling parent struggling with doubt, internal criticism, or wondering if you’re doing enough, this episode is for you. We talk about how unschooling confidence is built through daily reinforcement — not one-time inspiration.

Start your free week of Creating Confidence Daily here:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-daily

Unschooling doubt doesn’t disappear just because you left school.

Old scripts — about productivity, laziness, timelines, and “doing enough” — are still there criticizing you.

And when real life gets loud, those voices get louder.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How to grow your confidence
• How old school-conditioned thinking resurfaces under stress
• Why reinforcement matters more than motivation
• What it looks like to “practice perspective”
• And why adding a steady voice into the mix can change everything

You don’t have to silence the critical voices completely.

But you don’t have to let them be the only ones speaking. 

I want to be in there too —elbowing them out of the way.

If daily reinforcement would help you stay grounded in your unschooling values, Creating Confidence Daily was built for exactly that — short, steady reminders that fit into real life.

Try it free for a week here:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-daily

I’ll see you there — and I’ll be back here next week.

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

You feel steady about unschooling…
 and then one comment, one comparison, one tired day — and you spiral.

Why does confidence disappear so fast?

Let's unpack why unschooling confidence doesn’t “stick” — even when you understand the philosophy.

Confidence doesn’t grow on autopilot. It comes from intentionally brining it back to the front of our minds. Rhythm and repetition. 

Today, we'll talk about:
 • Why doubt resurfaces in cycles
 • The difference between insight and daily reinforcement
 • Why bingeing encouragement doesn’t work
 • How 10–15 intentional minutes can steady your thinking

If you’ve ever thought, “I know this… so why am I still worried?” — this one’s for you.

NEW UNSCHOOLING RESOURCE:

Creating Confidence Daily opens February 22.
 A simple daily reset to help you stay steady instead of riding the emotional rollercoaster.

Learn more:
 https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-daily

Read the transcript:
 https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/the-real-reason-your-unschooling-confidence-disappears-and-how-to-strengthen-it

Happy unschooling.

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

When the Olympics roll around, it’s easy to feel pressure to “do something educational.”
You don’t need a unit study, curriculum, or lesson plan for real learning to happen.

Big cultural events like the Olympics are already rich with opportunities for curiosity, connection, and noticing — if you let them be. In this episode, Sue talks about how to strew the Olympics: leaving learning invitations available without turning them into lessons or checklists.

You’ll hear what strewing actually looks like in everyday life, how to follow interest without forcing it, and why resisting the urge to document or capture learning often creates more space for it to happen naturally.

Whether your kids are glued to the events or barely paying attention, this conversation will help you relax and trust that learning doesn’t need to be organized to be meaningful.

Resources mentioned:
The Strewing Guide and Strewing Calendar — both included inside the Creating Confidence Membership.

• Strewing Guide
• Strewing Calendar
• Creating Confidence Membership

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Feeling lost about teaching is common when you step away from school. Sue Patterson explores why the urge to teach more keeps showing up — and why learning doesn’t depend on parents doing more teaching, but on staying focused on the learner.

__________________

“I want to do more to teach, but I feel lost.”

If that thought has crossed your mind, you’re not the only one. That feeling often shows up when you step away from school-based learning and realize you’re still carrying old ideas about what teaching is supposed to look like.

Let’s talk about why parents feel lost when they start on the unschooling path, how we’ve been conditioned to believe learning only happens when someone is teaching, and what to focus on instead when your days don’t look like school. This is a calm, reassuring conversation for parents who are doing something unconventional — and want steadier footing without more pressure.

Additional Unschooling Support:

If you’d like more examples and a little support, you’ll find related resources here: Blogpost: "I Want to Do More to Teach" — Why that feels so confusing

Deschooling Toolkit (for that 365 Days of Deschooling guide)

 Creating Confidence membership

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

How do kids really learn without curriculum?

What if learning is hiding in the things we almost dismiss as “just for fun”?

Let's use Appreciate a Dragon Day as a real-life example of how learning shows up naturally — through curiosity, imagination, conversation, and play — without planning lessons or following a curriculum.

Parents exploring unschooling or questioning traditional homeschooling can learning how to notice learning instead of trying to engineer it.

You’ll hear about:

• How everyday interests connect to real learning
• Why play, storytelling, and imagination matter
• What learning without curriculum actually looks like
• How to see subjects woven into ordinary moments

For more ideas and specific ways to weave multiple subjects into a day, check out the blogpost with 

10 creative ways unschooling shows up through dragons here:

https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/what-do-dragons-and-homeschooling-have-in-common

You can read the transcript at this link too.

 📅 Want daily sparks like this — without having to come up with them yourself?
The Strewing Calendar delivers interesting ideas and everyday celebrations that invite curiosity and connection all year long:

https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/category/Strewing-Calendar-Subscriptions
 

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Many parents expect deschooling to work like a big reset button — pull kids out of school, give it a little time, and everything will fall into place.

But when kids seem to be “vegging out,” parents often panic: Is this really how it’s supposed to work?

In this episode, I unpack what’s actually happening in those moments — and why that panic makes sense.

Leaving school doesn’t automatically erase the habits we learned growing up. Even when unschooling feels right, school-shaped ideas about productivity, pace, comparison, and structure can quietly shape how we interpret learning at home.

We’ll talk about:

• Why deschooling isn’t instant — and why that’s normal
• What kids are actually doing when it looks like “nothing”
• Why deschooling is active parent work, not passive waiting
• How connection, partnership, and shared life replace school-based frameworks
• Why successful deschooling doesn’t lead kids back to school thinking — it helps school fade into the background entirely

Deschooling isn’t about rejecting learning.
 It’s about letting go of patterns that belonged to a system built for sameness — not real families.

Read Transcript at the Blog
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/why-deschooling-is-really-for-parents

____________________________

DESCHOOLING TOOLKIT - for kids and parents!

The practical support resource for parents who find themselves in that in-between space — where unschooling makes sense, but school-shaped thinking keeps creeping back in.

The Deschooling Toolkit is a collection of parent supports designed to walk alongside you as you step away from system-focused ideas and sort through what actually supports your family’s learning now. It includes:

• 365 Days of Deschooling — gentle, real-life prompts for kids and families
• A Parent Deschooling Guide — to help you recognize school-conditioned habits and rethink them intentionally
• Deschooling Affirmation Cards — steady reminders for moments when doubt or outside pressure shows up

There’s no schedule to follow and nothing to “complete.” You can return t

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

When traditional homeschooling stops working, there’s nothing wrong with exploring your options.
The Unschooling 101 mini-course can help. Let’s talk about what’s going on together.
-> Unschooling 101

-> Creating Confidence Membership (Unschooling 101 is included)

___________________________

If you’ve been homeschooling for a while — especially in a more traditional or school-at-home way — there often comes a point when it just doesn’t feel like it’s working anymore.

Not because you’re doing something wrong.
Not because your kids are failing.
But because the structure you started doesn’t fit your family.

In this episode, Sue Patterson talks through what it really means when traditional homeschooling stops working. She explores why so many families reach this place, why it often shows up midyear, and why unschooling frequently enters the conversation at this stage.

You’ll hear about the difference between homeschooling and unschooling, what “deschooling” actually looks like in real life, and why questioning your current approach is a thoughtful, responsible response — not a failure. This episode is especially helpful if you’re searching for alternatives to traditional homeschooling or trying to understand whether unschooling might be a better fit for your family.

Rather than offering quick fixes or rigid plans, this conversation focuses on clarity, reassurance, and next steps you can take without panic or pressure. If homeschooling isn’t working the way you expected and you’re wondering what comes next, this episode will help you slow down, make sense of what you’re noticing, and feel less alone as you explore your options.

Sue also shares how the Unschooling 101 mini-course can support parents who want a practical, grounded introduction to unschooling — especially those transitioning away from school-at-home methods and looking for a clearer understanding of what unschooling actually looks like day to day.

Read the Transcript at the blog

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

This post-holiday stretch can make even confident homeschooling and unschooling parents second-guess everything. But winter isn’t the time to push harder — even though everything around us insists we need to ‘get back on track.

So what if we took a different approach?

If the last semester felt less than stellar, it may not need a complete overhaul. It often just means real life showed up — and winter is asking for something different. This episode invites you to slow down, reflect clearly, and notice what’s actually true beneath the fear, guilt, and January noise.

We talk about:

• why winter has never been a season of pushing
• how stress and fear can distort how we remember “how things went”
• why reflection gives us better information than rushing to fix
• how learning often looks quieter in winter — and why that still counts

This is not about planning or starting over.
 It’s about letting winter be winter — and giving yourself permission to pause.

Read Transcript

If you’d like a little more support right now, here are a few gentle options:

• New Year’s Bundle (Guides + Kids’ Video Interviews)
 👉 https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/New-Years-Bundle

• Discounted Private Coaching Calls (January too)
 👉 http://www.suepatterson.as.me/december

• Seasonal Unschooling Guide: Winter
 👉 https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Seasonal-Unschooling-Guide-Winter

And this Friday, January 2nd, I’ll be live on YouTube talking openly about the different kinds of support that exist for unschooling families — free and paid, mine and others’. No pitch, just information. You’re welcome to come listen or ask questions. http://www.youtube.com/c/UnschoolingMom2Mom

You don’t have to have it all figured out — just stay connected.

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Unschooling in December doesn’t mean “taking a break from learning.”
In this episode, Sue Patterson shares what typical unschooling days really look like during the holidays—slow mornings, cozy rhythms, spontaneous learning, busy outings, and the kinds of meaningful life experiences that traditional schooling often pushes aside.

If you’ve wondered how unschooling families handle December, or if you’re transitioning away from school and worried about “falling behind,” this conversation will help you see how much learning naturally shows up through holiday activities, connection, play, creativity, and real life.

You’ll learn:

• What unschooling days actually look like in December
• How to see academic learning through holiday traditions
• Why kids learn more when the pressure is lifted
• How to stop the “catching up later” worry
• Why connection and rest matter more than checklists
• How busy families can still unschool joyfully
• Ways to notice the learning that’s already happening

This episode is perfect for new unschoolers, almost-unschoolers, or any parent who dreams of a calmer, more connected December.

Transcript at the Blog

🎁 UNSCHOOLING RESOURCES:

Holiday Unschooling Bundle (4 Guides)

Everything you need to navigate December:
Holiday Learning • Coping with Critics • Winter Guide • New Year’s Workbook
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Unschooling-Holiday-Bundle-2025

Want help unschooling through the holidays?

Join the Creating Confidence Membership for coaching, community, and ongoing support.
Special link (no sign-up fee):
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/podcast-friends

❤️ Stay Connected

Free 7 Day Unschooling Holidays Challenge - starting this week on my email list!
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/6651324494

Private coaching with Sue - December Special:
 https://www.suep

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

If you're having doubts or feeling overwhelmed, I have some options for you!

You're not the only parent who enters December feeling confused about their homeschooling or unschooling choices. Sue Patterson shares nearly 30 years of experience here, offering reassurance and perspective. And even if you do need to pivot, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Unschooling is a practice — one small, brave decision at a time — and you don’t have to walk it alone.

Links mentioned:
• Discounted December Coaching Calls:  http://www.suepatterson.as.me/december

• Ask Sue Page: 

Tell me your Biggest Fear. Seriously. I'll answer

 • Transcript Blogpost: 

https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/unschooling-doubts-and-fears

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Does unschooling feel like a roller coaster — some days confident, other days full of doubt? You’re not alone. This episode explores why the early stages feel so shaky and what actually helps parents feel steady again.

We’ll talk about:
 • why deschooling feels so emotional and up-and-down
 • the hidden pressures that make you second-guess yourself
 • why doing this alone feels so much harder
 • what real, judgment-free support does for your confidence
 • stories from parents who finally stopped spiraling
 • why the holiday season magnifies everything — good and hard

If you’re tired of the internal wobble or wishing someone could walk with you through this stage, this conversation will help you breathe again.

⭐ Black Friday Membership Sale

If you’ve been wanting support, this is the easiest week of the year to join the Unschooling Mom2Mom Membership.
The discounted Black Friday price makes it simple to get the grounding, clarity, and community that make unschooling feel lighter.

Monthly - 20% off!

Annual - 56% off!!!

Join here:
 https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/black-friday

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Worried about family questioning your unschooling over Thanksgiving?

In this episode, Sue Patterson shares a simple Thanksgiving Toolkit to help you stay calm, grounded, and confident when the tough questions come. 

Grab 3 practical tools to steady yourself, respond (or not respond) with clarity, and keep the holiday peaceful for you and your kids.

Thanksgiving Parent Bundle https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Thanksgiving-Parent-Bundle

Black Friday Deals for Sue's Membership https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/black-friday

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

The holidays can bring up all kinds of emotions — especially when you’re the unschooling parent walking into a room where everyone has an opinion. And even if people mean well, their questions can still hit tender spots or stir up old schooling fears.

In today’s episode, we’ll talk about how to stay grounded when family members question your unschooling choices. I’ll walk you through five simple, steadying tips you can lean on during awkward moments — the same ones I share with parents inside my membership when this season rolls around.

You’ll learn:
 • why these conversations feel so intense
 • how to keep your calm without going into defense mode
 • what to remember when someone still doesn’t “get it”
 • ways to reconnect with your child and yourself afterward
 • how to stay confident even when the room feels tense

If you want to go deeper and make this whole season feel lighter, here are a few helpful resources:

🦃 Thanksgiving Learning Bundle

Simple, meaningful learning ideas to make Thanksgiving week feel connected — not stressful.

🖤 Black Friday Membership Sale
This is the only time all year the Creating Confidence Membership is discounted. If you’ve been needing support, community, and weekly coaching, this is your moment.

🎄 Holiday Learning Bundle
All the learning objectives identified in the typical festive activities so you can ENJOY December with any guilt about learning! I'll help you see it everywhere!

The holidays don’t have to shake your confidence. You’ve got options, support, and tools — and you’re not doing this alone.

Read the Transcript at the blog

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Ever wonder if you’re doing enough when your child just wants to play all day — Legos, trampolines, video games — and you’re trying to trust unschooling? 

In this episode, Sue Patterson from Unschooling Mom2Mom answers a real email from a worried parent and explains:

•  Why this “all play” phase is normal during deschooling, 
• What’s actually happening in your child’s brain,
•  How to shift from panic to partnership. 
• How play builds real learning, 
• Why motivation returns naturally
• How to support your child without slipping into passivity or overcontrol.

BLACK FRIDAY SALE!

• Creating Confidence Membership - Only $39/month with no sign-up fee
• Annual Membership - $299! - 76% off!
• Courses 50% off with Discount Code: BF2025
• All Unschooling Guides - only $99!! with Discount Code: BF2025

___________________________

Read the Transcript here: 

https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/is-play-enough-what-legos-trampolines-video-games-teach-us-about-learning

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Feeling stretched thin — or wondering if you’re doing enough? You’re not alone.

But I have something simple you can try:

Let's look at Gratitude through and unschooling lens!

In this episode, Sue Patterson from Unschooling Mom2Mom shares how shifting toward gratitude can calm the chaos and help you see how much is already working in your unschooling life.

She has created an Unschooling and Gratitude Hub over at the website. You'll find so many tips and resources for bringing gratitude into your homes. You’ll learn how to spot real learning in everyday moments, model gratitude for your kids, and rebuild calm and connection at home — without adding another “to-do.”

💛 Explore the Unschooling & Gratitude Hub for practical tools, videos, and journaling prompts: unschoolingmom2mom.com/unschooling-and-gratitude

The transcript for this podcast is also at the Hub

OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

Unschooling Guide: Gratitude

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: In the membership

Unschooling Mom2Mom Pinterest Board: Gratitude

Unschooling Mom2Mom YouTube Playlist: Unschooling Gratitude

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Thinking about unschooling but wondering if you have to “try everything else first”? You don’t. 💛

In this episode, Sue Patterson from Unschooling Mom2Mom shares a gentle pep talk for parents who feel called toward unschooling but still hesitate. Maybe you’re waiting for the right method, the right time, or the right confidence — but what if you’re already ready enough?

Sue unpacks common fears, clears up misinformation from the homeschooling community, and reminds you that unschooling isn’t extreme — it’s human.

👉 Visit UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
for more resources, and join the Creating Confidence Membership for weekly support and encouragement. (Discounted for Podcast listeners - no sign-up fee!)

Read the Transcript here: 
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/the-path-to-unschooling-how-to-know-when-youre-ready-to-start

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Unschooling + Halloween = real learning. 🎃
Discover how curiosity, culture, and connection replace curriculum this week with Sue Patterson’s gentle guidance.

__________________________

No Need to Pause Learning — Halloween Is the Lesson!

Ever wonder how you’re going to celebrate holidays — like Halloween or Día de los Muertos — and fit in the lessons you planned for the week? 🎃
Here’s the secret: you don’t have to choose. The holiday is the lesson.

In this week’s Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast episode, Sue shows how these fall celebrations are filled with real learning opportunities — from spooky storytelling and candy math to science, art, and cultural history. You’ll see how learning weaves naturally into family traditions when you slow down, stay curious, and let the season lead the way.

Whether you’re almost unschooling or a (usually) confident unschooler, this conversation will help you relax, reconnect, and see the everyday learning that’s already happening all around you.

🎃 Inside the Episode:

• How to let Halloween be the lesson
• Subject-by-subject learning ideas (Language Arts, Math, Science, Fine Arts, and Social Studies)
• Día de los Muertos projects that connect heart, history, and creativity
• How connection teaches more than curriculum ever could

💡 Resources Mentioned:

• Blog post: Unschooling & Halloween Hub
• 🎧 “An Unschooler’s Haunted House” — a fun, spooky throwback episode
• 🍂 Seasonal Unschooling Guide for Autumn
  
  
• 📅 November Strewing Calendar — packed with easy ideas + a private portal showing the learning behind them

✨ Subscribe on YouTube or your favorite podcast app for weekly encouragement — and remember, pausing curriculum doesn't mean pausing LEARNING.

Holidays can BE the lessons! 

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Watch Video Version Here

Still searching for a checklist to prove you’re “doing it right”?

In this episode, Sue Patterson breaks down why unschooling doesn’t come with boxes to check — and why that’s both scary and freeing. 

Join a coaching-call-inspired conversation about the brain’s habit of seeking structure, why we feel compelled to “perform” as parents, and how we can shift from tracking tasks to checking connection. If you’re a parent moving away from school-style validation toward real life learning, this episode will help you reframe success, reconnect with your child, and trust your own rhythm.

Keywords: unschooling, deschooling, homeschooling, checklist mentality, parenting without curriculum, connection over structure, unschooling parents, free-range learning, trusting your rhythm

You’ll learn:

• Why our obsession with checklists comes from a school-brain still wired for “right answers”
• How unschooling challenges that structure — and what to do instead
• A simple daily question to replace “Did I finish the list?” with “Did we connect today?”
• Why “progress” looks different in unschooling — and how to see what’s real

Resources mentioned:

• 365 Days of Deschooling
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Strewing Calendar
• Creating Confidence Unschooling Membership (community & coaching)

Tune in to reset your checklist culture and rediscover freedom, curiosity, and trust in learning together.

Listen now on all major podcast platforms.

Read the transcript here at the Unschooling Mom2Mom Blog.

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

(Spoiler: It’s Not)

 🎁 Grab the Free PDF: 20 Reasons It’s Time to Unschool Your Teen

If your teen is burned out, unmotivated, or just done with school, you’re not alone.
So many parents wonder if it’s too late to change direction — too late to repair connection, too late to make learning joyful again.

Sue Patterson shares what you need to know: 
 ✨ It’s not too late — it’s right on time.

You’ll hear why teens can still thrive with unschooling, how real learning never depended on school, and how rebuilding trust and curiosity at home changes everything.

 Get all the resources for parents of teens in Sue's Creating Confidence Membership Group

💚 Resources You Need: 

•  Homeschooled Teens book → https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/homeschooled-teens-book
• Free companion guide: 20 Reasons It’s Time to Unschool Your Teen
• Transcripts Course → https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/unschooling-transcripts
• Creating Confidence Membership →  Get all the resources for parents of teens in Sue's Creating Confidence Membership Group https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-membership

🎧 Subscribe to the Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast for weekly encouragement, real stories, and practical support on your unschooling journey.

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Autonomy doesn’t grow from obedience — it grows from real life experience.

In this episode, Sue Patterson shares how unschooled kids learn to weigh pros and cons, think through choices, and develop real decision-making confidence. You’ll explore what cost/benefit thinking looks like in everyday life — from messy art projects to sports teams and video games — and why stepping back as a parent creates space for growth. Learn how unschooling gives kids the practice they need to trust themselves, one choice at a time.

MORE ABOUT THE MEMBERSHIP

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Shaky start with homeschooling? You’re not failing—the plan is.
Sue Patterson shares how to pivot from “school at home” to unschooling with confidence, reframe the “basics,” and calm the September wobble. + Q&A and resources to help right now.

___________________________

LAST DAY SALE

Unschooling Mom2Mom Parent Toolkit: ALL 25 guides = $99
👉 https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/guides

Annual Membership Sale: Year-round support with Sue & the community (group coaching, Q&As, 30-day deschooling challenge replays, and parent support).
👉 https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Annual-Membership-NOT-Back-to-School-Sale

_____________________

Those first weeks can feel shaky—kids resist, plans unravel, and the “Am I doing enough?” spiral kicks in. In this expanded episode, Sue explains why early plans collapse (hint: school conditioning), how to see resistance as feedback, and simple ways to pivot toward connection, curiosity, and real learning at home.

You’ll learn:
– Why “school at home” breaks down + what works
– How kids learn reading, writing, and math in real life (no power struggles)
– When things feel dull or screens dominate
– A mindset check to quiet the doubts
– Balancing expectations
– What “letting kids lead” looks like

Q&A: pivot vs sticking with it | child-led” in practice | “falling behind” & the basics | resistance & grit | balancing expectations

RESOURCES:
Unschooling 101: https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/Unschooling101

Unschooling Math: https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/unschooling-math

Technology Guide: https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Technology

Dealing with Critics: https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Critics-&-Naysayer

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Worried you’re not doing enough as an unschooling parent? 

In this episode, Sue Patterson tackles common doubts about reading, math, technology, and “falling behind.” Learn how to reframe fears, spot real learning, and build confidence — plus hear about the Unschooling Parent Toolkit - with 25 Guides - to help you every step of the way.

Are you lying awake at night wondering: Am I doing enough for my kids? You’re not alone. Let's dive into the doubts that creep in when families move away from traditional homeschooling and into unschooling - and find some SOLUTIONS!

You’ll hear why worries about reading, math, technology, and “falling behind” show up for nearly every parent — and how to reframe them so you can see the real learning that’s happening in your home. Sue shares practical examples from everyday life, mindset shifts that help you shake off school conditioning, and encouragement from her 30+ years of unschooling experience.

👉 And if you’re ready for deeper support, check out the Unschooling Mom2Mom Parent Toolkit — 25 step-by-step guides covering academics, technology, socialization, critics, seasonal learning, and more. 

Get ALL 25 Unschooling Guides for only $99 - through September 30.   https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/guides

Normally $400 if purchased individually, the complete set is available through September 30th for just $99.

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

We spent 12 years in school but left unprepared for real life — because school skipped the lessons that actually matter. In this episode, Sue Patterson shares 10 life skills adults wish they had learned in school, from money management and stress relief to media literacy and relationships. You’ll also hear how unschooling gives families the freedom to focus on these real-world skills naturally, without waiting until adulthood.

👉 Want support while you make unschooling work for your family? 

Join the Unschooling Mom2Mom Membership — the Annual NOT Back to School Sale is happening for one more week! Don't miss it!

https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Annual-Membership-NOT-Back-to-School-Sale

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

“I love unschooling — but I want my kids to know the basics first.” 

Sound familiar?

If you're worried how your kids will learn those 3Rs — reading, writing, and math —  especially if you choose to unschool, Sue Patterson will help you see how unschooling works WITHOUT wasting money on curriculum! 

Unschooling basics unfold naturally through everyday life — cooking, gaming, texting, problem-solving, and pursuing hobbies. Instead of relying on worksheets or pre-set classes, unschoolers build real skills through self-directed learning. Reading, writing, and math become meaningful when connected to real-world experiences. This podcast can help you reframe what what you're seeing!

We’ll talk about:

• How unschoolers learn to read and write without formal lessons
• Why everyday life provides endless opportunities for unschooling math
• How unschooling develops critical thinking, communication, and life skills
• Why unschooling covers “the basics” more deeply than traditional curriculum ever could
• And even how insisting on “basics first” can unintentionally gatekeep curiosity and delay growth.

Whether you’re just starting your unschooling journey or you’re worried your child isn’t “academically ready” to self-direct, this episode will reassure you!

Unschoolers don't ignore The Basics  — they reframe the starting point AND the path to get there.

Resources to dive deeper:
• Free PDF: A guide to reframing the basics for today’s world
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/07851be0ac
• Reading, Writing & Math Guides (bundle available)

Tune in to see how unschooling can trust the fundamentals and let curiosity lead.

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Say goodbye to “Am I doing enough?” panic and hello to everyday learning that feels light, doable, and fun!

https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/strewing-calendars

___________________________________

This time of year, many parents feel the pressure to come up with a “plan” that keeps kids engaged without burning anyone out. If rigid schedules or expensive curriculum sets don’t fit your family, there’s another way: strewing.

In this episode, I’ll introduce you to the Strewing Calendar—a simple, flexible tool designed for unschoolers and homeschoolers who want a little structure without the stress. You’ll get answers to common questions: 

✨ What is strewing? How can I make it work?
✨ Could a light framework support learning without becoming rigid? (yes!)
✨ How do families inspire connection, creativity, & learning?
✨ I need help logging learning for progress reports - without turning unschooling into school-at-home!

Whether your kids chase endless interests or you just need quick, low-prep ideas, strewing helps you turn ordinary days into meaningful learning—without lesson plans.

👉 See the Strewing Calendar here: https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/strewing-calendars

(less than $5/month! Other options available!)

Strewing keeps curiosity alive, gives you confidence, and makes learning fun again.

Transcript: 
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/how-to-spark-curiosity-without-lesson-plans

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

School taught us lessons we didn’t even realize we were absorbing—and they’re still messing with us today.

Most of us didn’t realize it while we were sitting in classrooms—but school was teaching us a lot more than math and grammar. It was shaping how we see ourselves, how we parent, and even how we value creativity and curiosity.

In this episode, we’re digging into 3 hidden “lessons” school taught us that still show up in our lives every day:

1. Follow directions. Don’t ask questions.
2. Creativity only counts if it looks like everyone else’s.
3. If you don’t fit the mold, you’re the problem.

These aren’t just school rules—they’re a kind of brainwashing we carry long after graduation. You may not even realize how much this is creeping into your parenting—but it’s probably at the heart of why you’re doubting yourself so much.

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Do you ever wonder if your child is learning "enough"? 

Or worry that they’ve missed something important?

Let's explore how learning actually unfolds—through spirals, not straight lines.

Instead of a rigid, step-by-step sequence, unschoolers learn by revisiting ideas over time, layering understanding, and making meaningful connections when they’re ready. This spiral approach to learning naturally fills in what schools call “gaps”—without forcing, pressuring, or sticking to arbitrary timelines.

You'll learn:
 🌀 Why unschooling doesn’t follow a linear path—and why that’s a good thing
 🌱 How natural curiosity leads to deeper, more lasting learning
 📚 What it looks like when kids circle back to topics on their own terms
 🌻 How spirals show up in nature—and what they teach us about growth and learning
 💬 How to reframe those “behind” worries and trust your child’s unique rhythm

If you’ve ever googled:
 🔍 “How do unschoolers catch up?”
 🔍 “What if my child misses something important?”
 🔍 “How does learning happen without a plan?”
 🔍 “Can kids really learn without school?”

—this conversation is for you.

✨ Learning doesn’t follow a checklist.
 ✨ There are no missed windows.
 ✨ Growth is happening—even if it’s quiet, slow, or spiraling.

Come take a breath and lean into the spiral.

_________________________________

See the graphic for how Spiral Learning Works: 

https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/learning-isn-t-linear-it-spirals

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

When we started Unschooling Mom2Mom back in 2014, I had no idea it would grow into a space that would support thousands of families across the world—but 11 years later, here we are. 💛

🎉 Happy Anniversary to all of us!

Unschooling Mom2Mom has stood the test of time. 🌻

Because even though the online landscape is always changing, certain truths about unschooling still hold up—year after year, family after family.

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking:
🌀 “Am I doing this right?”
🌀 “Is this even working?”
🌀 “Why does everyone else seem so confident?”
...this community is for you.

So much of this journey is easier when you know you’re not the only one. Finding community can be a game changer for decreasing your doubt and growing your confidence.

Have you found unschoolers to brainstorm with? Has Unschooling Mom2Mom helped you? Let me know in the comments.

___________DON'T MISS THIS!______________

If you want hand-holding through this (often stressful) season, join the Not Back to School 30-Day Reset. 

The 2025 Cohort starts together on August 11th.

But you can get an Early Bird discount AND a ton of Bonus resources if you hop on this before July is over! August 1st is on FRIDAY - I know, crazy - but don't miss out!

https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/NBTS-2025

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Feeling the pressure as everyone heads back to school?
Even the most committed unschooling parents can feel a wave of doubt this time of year.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:
 – Why second-guessing shows up (even when you know unschooling is right)
– How to stay grounded when the school supply sales and social media posts start rolling in
– What real support looks like during this season of uncertainty

You don’t have to do this alone.

 If the back-to-school energy is messing with your mindset, this episode is for you!

_________________________________________________

✨ NOT Back to School: 2025 Cohort

When everyone’s going back to school—and you’re not—it’s completely normal to feel the pressure.
Even if you’re still unsure about unschooling, one thing’s clear: that school bus isn’t stopping at your house this year.

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Join a group of parents walking this same path—asking the same questions, finding their footing, and building something better for their families.

That’s exactly what the Not Back to School: 30-Day Guided Reset is here for.

A full month of coaching, encouragement, and specific resources to help you start the year feeling confident and supported.

🎁 Sign up by July 31 to get Early Bird pricing ($99) and unlock exclusive bonuses!

👉 https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/NBTS-2025

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

🎮 How to Connect with Your Gamer Teen (Without Pushing Them Away)

Do you feel like your teen is slipping away—and gaming is the wall between you?

You’re not alone. Whether you're unschooling or just trying to build a healthier relationship with your teen, this episode will help parents reframe what gaming means and how your reactions might be unintentionally creating more distance.

In this episode of the Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast, Sue Patterson (unschooling coach, mom of 3 grown unschoolers, and author of Homeschooled Teens) explores:

• Why “roommate mode” isn’t disconnection—it’s maturity.
• How presence without pressure can rebuild trust.
• Ways parents accidentally sabotage connection (even with good intentions).
• How gaming can be a bridge—not a barrier—to deeper relationships.
• 5 questions you can start asking today to connect with your gamer teen.

Whether you unschool or not, this conversation will show you how simple shifts in language and presence can spark meaningful moments—without forcing anything or hovering awkwardly.

💬 Grab the free PDF: Tips for Healthier Tech Interactions with Kids
https://unschooling-mom2mom.ck.page/55b73066c7

👩🏼‍💻 Join the Membership Group for community and coaching!  

https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-membership

📬 Stay in the loop + weekly encouragement
Join Sue’s email list for podcast updates, YouTube extras, and unschooling tools that actually work.

📌 Chapters
0:00 Why It Feels Like You’re Losing Connection
1:49 Welcome
2:37 Unschooling Resources
3:09 What “Roommate Mode” Really Means
4:09 Was It Ever True Connection During Curriculum?
5:12 Presence Without Pressure
6:06 Using Gaming as a Bridge
7:56 Membership for Parents of Teens
9:19 Free PDF
10:00 Parenting in a New Way—Letting Connection Evolve

✨ Subscribe + Rate if this helped!
 And remember, connection isn’t lost—it’s just changing form.

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

If you're feeling stuck, let's talk!

Every June, I open up discounted private coaching sessions—because I know this is the time when so many parents are pulling their kids from school or rethinking their homeschooling path. 

But what should you actually do next?

A private coaching call can offer the clarity and confidence you need right now. Whether you’re brand new to unschooling, feeling overwhelmed by choices, or just want someone to help you see your child’s strengths more clearly and maybe you're next steps forward—I’ve got you.

This kind of call is for you if:
 – You’re pulling your child from school and want to know what to do first
 – You’re second-guessing your unschooling journey and need support
 – You’re craving a judgment-free space to brainstorm with someone who’s raised grown unschoolers

💬 Membership is a great resource too—but sometimes, you just want a private, one-on-one session focused entirely on you and your family.

🎯 This weekend is your chance to get the special coaching rate before it goes away on Monday night! $50/half-hour call. 

(Some parents are setting up a schedule of MONTHLY half hour calls, grabbing the good price. That's a great idea too!)

 Book your call here: 

http://www.suepatterson.as.me/June2025

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

If unschooling feels harder than you expected, you’re not alone. In this episode, Sue Patterson walks you through 10 of the most common struggles parents face when they start unschooling — from doubting your instincts to feeling overwhelmed by outside pressure.

We’ll explore why these challenges come up, how to reframe them, and what practical steps you can take to move from fear to confidence. Whether you're brand new to unschooling or just having a tough week, this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and ready to move forward.

🔗 Read the Transcript & get the full list and resources here:

From Doubt to Confidence: 10 Unschooling Struggles You Can Overcome 

Get the FREE PDF to Dive Deeper: 

Tackling 10 Common Struggles

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Worried about how to create a high school transcript for your unschooler or relaxed homeschooler?? 

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to wait until senior year (or ditch your unschooling approach) to figure it out. In this episode, Sue Patterson shares why it’s actually easier and more empowering to start thinking about transcripts long before you “need” one.

Whether your teen is headed to college, trade school —or isn’t sure yet— setting up a transcript will show you how to see the learning already happening, document it gently, and keep future doors open without shifting away from the educational approach you and your teen loves.

How about...

• 5 reasons to start thinking about transcripts earlier
• How to translate real-world learning into academic language
• Common fears—and how to shift your mindset
• Why transcripts are just a tool, nothing to fear

🎁 Podcast listener bonus: Use code PODCAST to get the full Unschooling Transcripts Course for just $65 (reg. $99).

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Don't Miss: Free End-of-Year Celebration Checklist!

What if the school year didn’t go as planned?
It's ok to call it "Done!"

Sue Patterson shares supportive, real-world advice for homeschoolers and unschoolers who feel like they fell short this year. You’ll learn how to let go of guilt, reframe “unfinished” learning, and even throw a meaningful end-of-year celebration — whether your child is 8 or 18.

Plus, Sue walks you through how to spot real learning in your everyday life and use it to create progress reports, transcripts, or just reassurance for yourself.

Whether you're transitioning to unschooling or wrapping up your final homeschooling year, this episode will help you end the year with confidence and clarity. 💛

Resources mentioned:

•  Free End-of-Year Party PDF - Celebration Checklist 
• Membership Group - for Teen Version of Wrapping Up the Year PDF
• Coaching with Sue
• Transcript Link

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

What Is Deschooling? 5 Reasons to Make It a Priority

Deschooling isn’t a one-time break—it’s an essential shift that helps unschooling thrive. In this episode, Sue Patterson shares 5 quick reasons to actually prioritize deschooling and what happens when we don’t.

🎧 Whether you’re just getting started or circling back after burnout, I want to help  you reconnect with your why—and get rid of some of that sneaky school baggage - AND see practical suggestions for HOW to deschool whether you're unschooling, homeschooling more traditionally, or just thinking about it.

🔗 NEED MORE?

Unschooling Guide: Deschooling

Unschooling Guide: Brainstorming

Sign Up for the Emails!

Unschooling Pinterest Boards

DESCHOOLING at the Website:
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/deschooling

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

You might not think so—especially if your own experience with Shakespeare involved interpreting metaphors, writing sonnets, or slogging through line-by-line analysis.

But unschoolers?
They get to explore Shakespeare in ways that feel natural, creative, and even fun.
Especially this week on Talk Like Shakespeare Day (April 23rd)

In this Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast episode, I’ll share how families bring Shakespeare into their lives without schoolifying it. We’ll talk about:

• The real subjects kids are tapping into (language, history, psychology, and more)
• Where Shakespeare still shows up in our movies, memes, and everyday phrases
• How unschoolers connect with timeless characters and stories—without tests or textbooks

You’ll also hear about some of the more playful ways kids engage with Shakespeare: emoji matching games, Elizabethan Translator tools, and crafting insults that would make the Bard himself chuckle. I truly think Shakespeare would’ve loved this unschooling approach!

All the links are at the blogpost:
Unschoolers Learn Shakespeare Without Curriculum

_______________________________________

🎁 Grab your free Emoji - Shakespeare Phrases Game PDF with modern phrases straight from his plays— here's the link:
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/666a0ee18a

Perfect for Talk Like Shakespeare Day (April 23!) or anytime your family wants to dive into literature with a little less pressure and a lot more play.

_______________________________________

Strewing Calendar
If you're looking for fun reminders of celebrations throughout the month (like Talk like Shakespeare Day!), this inexpensive tool will give you printable calendars, weekly resource links, and a private portal that connects each day with the learning objectives that weave through. We've done all the work for you - you AND the kids are going to love it!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/strewing-calendars

______________________________________

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

FREE PDF BELOW!

Worried your child might not be learning without traditional schoolwork or curriculum? You’re not alone—and this episode is for you.

Whether you're new to unschooling or just hitting a moment of doubt, I’m sharing 5 real-life ways to know your child is learning—without needing tests, worksheets, or a structured curriculum.

These simple, practical tips will help you spot learning as it naturally unfolds through 

• Conversations
• Curiosity
• Creativity
• Real-world experiences

You’ll learn how to shift your perspective and recognize the learning that’s already happening all around you.

✨ Don’t miss the free printable worksheet I created to go with this episode!
Use it to reflect on what learning looks like in your home—month by month.

🎁 Download the free PDF worksheet here:
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/e0e55ba151

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Unschooling by Subjects? 
Spring Reveals the Learning You Didn’t Expect!

Are you a homeschooling parent wondering how unschoolers cover subjects like language arts, math, science, social studies, and fine arts—without a curriculum?
Or maybe you're unschooling but you're not sure you're doing enough.
You’re not alone!

In this episode, we’re diving into real-life examples of how traditional school subjects show up naturally during the spring season.

If you’ve ever asked:

• "What about the core subjects?"
• "How will my child learn math or writing without a curriculum?"
• "Can we still cover what they 'need' in an unschooling lifestyle?"

…this episode is for you.

We’ll explore:
✅ How springtime activities naturally invite learning
✅ Subject-by-subject ideas for language arts, math, science, social studies, and the arts
✅ How to recognize real learning in everyday moments
✅ Why letting go of rigid schooling structures opens up more meaningful education

PLUS: I’ll tell you how to grab the brand-new Spring Unschooling Guide, filled with ideas sorted by subject, spring holidays, links, games, and journaling pages to help you document the learning unfolding in your home.

✨ Whether you’re new to unschooling or trying to trust the process more deeply, this episode will reassure you that YES—your kids are learning. Right now. All around you.

🛒 Get the Spring Unschooling Guide 
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Seasonal-Unschooling-Guide-Spring

💌  Save 25% if you're an email subscriber!
Here's the link for the subscribing to the email list:
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/49e159063f


🎉 Join our Creating Confidence Membership and the Spring Guide will be waiting for you inside the membership portal!

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

March 14th—Pi Day—is this week, and if you’re new to homeschooling or unschooling, you may not realize that it’s a bit of a quintessential homeschool holiday! But why? And how can you celebrate it in a way that feels fun (and not too schooly)?

Let's dive into the history of Pi Day, why it became a thing, and—of course—ways to celebrate it with your kids. From baking pies (because Pi) to fun trivia, quirky math connections, and even Pi-themed scavenger hunts, there are so many ways to turn this day into a lighthearted learning opportunity. And if math makes you cringe? Don’t worry—I’ll also help you reframe some of that old math anxiety so you can enjoy the fun, too.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
🥧 Why Pi Day even exists & how it all started at a museum retreat!)
📏 The simple explanation of Pi 
🎉 Fun and easy ways to celebrate—whether your kids are into math or just want pie!
📲 How social media has embraced Pi Day (and where to find the best Pi memes)
📺 Fun Pi-related videos, movies, and books to check out
🍕 How to make Pi Day your own—without making it feel like school

Whether you go all out with Pi-ku (Haiku, but for Pi) or just eat pizza for dinner, there are so many ways to join in the fun. And if your kids are rolling their eyes? That’s okay, too! Unschooling is all about making connections—and Pi Day is just one more way to do that.

Links & Resources Mentioned:
🔗 Links for this Podcast Transcript (music, movies, scientists, etc.!)
🔗Pi Day Reality Check - If Pi Day's a flop (with 100+ memes!)
🔗 Strewing Calendar
🔗 Learning Math WITHOUT Curriculum

Join the Conversation!
Tag me on social media if you and your kids do anything fun for Pi Day—I’d love to see! 🎉 Instagram  Facebook. Pinterest <- specific Pi Day Board

👉 Subscribe & Review
If you enjoyed thi

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

One of the biggest shifts for unschooling parents is moving away from directing learning and stepping into the subtle but powerful art of noticing. Instead of orchestrating every next step, we learn to pay attention—to what excites our child, what sparks their curiosity, and how they naturally engage with the world.

This shift is what makes true self-directed, interest-based learning possible. It’s not about following a prescribed curriculum but about recognizing that your child is already learning naturally, and trusting that process.

Turns out, unschooling parents have picked up some secrets from stage managers—who knew?
Just like a great stage manager works behind the scenes to create the perfect conditions for a performance, unschooling parents learn that their role isn’t to direct every move but to notice, anticipate, and support. The real magic happens not in controlling the scene, but in tuning in to what’s unfolding naturally—anticipating and adjusting, providing resources, and trusting that the star of the show (your child!) is already learning in their own way.

In this episode, we’ll explore:
 ✨ Why Noticing is more powerful than Directing
✨ How tuning in—rather than taking charge—leads to deeper learning & individualization
✨ How to support natural learning and curiosity without pushing or orchestrating
✨ How small shifts in your parenting role can make unschooling feel easier and be more effective

🎁 FREE DOWNLOAD: Want to strengthen your Noticing skills? Grab the Noticing & Individualization Worksheet—a simple, journal-style page to help you practice this essential unschooling mindset shift!

👉 Download your FREE PDF here:
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/388b7b9244

💬 Let’s keep the conversation going! Join our Unschooling Membership for Virtual Park Days, Moms’ Nights Out, and real-time connection with parents who are embracing this shift.

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Traditional homeschooling can be so overwhelming!
And most of us don't realize we have options... until we're nearly in homeschool burnout!

That's what I want to talk with you about this week.
 
If your homeschool life needs a change, my suggestion is to learn more about unschooling. It's not as crazy as you may have heard.
It's the natural way humans learn!
And you get to skip all the anxiety and power struggles that are baked into that school approach!

When you chose to homeschool, you wanted more freedom. Let's get back to that! You may need a little help figuring out how to unlearn all that conditioning from your own school experience - and maybe even what you've heard in the homeschooling communities or from social media.

Here's where to start:
✔️ Listen to the podcast
✔️ Sign up for the emails
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/96512ee8fe
✔️ Subscribe to the YouTube channel
 http://www.YouTube.com/c/UnschoolingMom2Mom
...and be the first to know when my FREE Mini-Course SPECIFICALLY for switching from homeschooling to unschooling is ready! (should be in March 2025)

If you want to dive deeper, I'm sharing nearly30 years of homeschooling and unschooling experience to help you get onto steadier ground.
I can help you set up your own DIY program with a private coaching call:
http://www.suepatterson.as.me

Or you can join a community of unschooling parents in the Membership group where we're about to start Virtual Park Days and Moms' Nights Out!
You'll find so many benefits to be in this group - let's grow your confidence!
http://www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com/Membership

More Links (mentioned in the Podcast) here at the website:
Unschooling Mom2Mom: Can We Talk?

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Are you feeling overwhelmed and second-guessing your decision to unschool?
Do you wonder if you're doing enough or if your lack of structure means you're failing your kids? 
Maybe you're having trouble finding confidence in Unschooling?

You are NOT alone!

In this episode, I’ll reassure you that these feelings are completely normal—and help you shift your mindset to embrace the freedom and connection that unschooling offers.

We’ll talk about:
✔ Why societal pressure makes moms doubt themselves
✔ How to break free from old expectations and trust your parenting instincts
✔ Why your kids don’t need a rigid schedule to thrive
✔ How to create a rhythm that works for your unique family
✔ The power of listening and connecting deeply with your children

PLUS: A Special Birthday Surprise! 🎉
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Birthday-Flash-Sale

This Thursday, I’m celebrating my birthday with a flash sale on my private unschooling membership! If you've been thinking about joining a supportive community of like-minded parents, this is your chance to get in at a reduced price.

Homeschooled Teens Book: 75 Young People Speak About Their Lives WITHOUT School 

🔗 Tune in now and start feeling more confident in your unschooling journey!
Read the Transcript at the blogpost

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

If you're uncertain about unschooling or wondering if you’re doing enough?
You’re not alone!

That’s why I’ve created The First Friday Freebie—a special monthly resource designed to help you gain confidence, build new habits, and make unschooling feel more natural.

📢 February’s Freebie:
The Weekly Unschooling Confidence Checklist! 🎉
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/96512ee8fe

This simple, DIY Unschooling Workout page helps you:
✅ Plan your week with confidence-building habits
✅ Focus on connecting with your kids
✅ Build deschooling knowledge, find support, and prioritize self-care
✅ Identify and overcome fears that might be holding you back

🔹 Grab your free Weekly Confidence Checklist here: 

In this episode, I’ll share:
✨ Why planning weekly helps you feel more at ease with unschooling
✨ The four key focus areas that make the biggest impact on confidence
✨ How to tackle common fears and obstacles that often hold parents back
✨ A peek inside the membership community, where all my best unschooling resources are streamlined and easy to find—so you never feel lost in information overload.

👉 Sign up now to get this month’s First Friday Freebie: 
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/96512ee8fe

You don’t have to figure this all out alone.
Let’s create some new habits to make unschooling lighter, more joyful, and full of possibilities—one step at a time.

READ THE TRANSCRIPT at the blog
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/unschool-freebie-friday

#Unschooling #FirstFridayFreebie #HomeschoolHelp #Deschooling #UnschoolingConfidence

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Let Go of the Lesson Plans: Embracing Real-Life Learning This Winter!

If you’ve ever wondered how to move beyond a rigid curriculum and embrace more real-life, curiosity-led learning, this episode is for you. Winter is the perfect time to ease into a new approach, where everyday moments become opportunities for discovery and connection.

This week, I'm sharing practical ways to use the season as a natural framework for learning. From exploring science in snowy activities to cozy storytelling that nurtures creativity, I’ll show you how to reframe “school” into something joyful and meaningful—even for those who feel unsure about leaving traditional methods behind.

💡 Need more help bringing this vision to life?

❄️ The Winter Seasonal Unschooling Guide is packed with hands-on activities, real-world connections, and ideas for making learning flow naturally—no textbooks required! Get yours now and see how easy it can be to lean into the magic of winter.
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Seasonal-Unschooling-Guide-Winter

Strewing Calendar
If you like the idea of holidays and a month full of celebrations - you'll find so many learning opportunities in the Strewing Calendar subscription. At less than $5/month, it's a steal!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/strewing-calendars

Unschooling 101 - On Sale in January!
https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/Unschooling101
Get the step-by-step strategy to start unschooling right away!

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need more help. 
You don't have to do this alone!

Creating Confidence DAILY - the Unschooling App you need!
Start Free Trial Today!

• Creating Confidence Membership Group 
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides 
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue 
  
  Stay Connected:
  Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources