Grown Unschoolers
Grown Unschoolers' Success Stories
First, we should say that we know "success" has to be defined on a personal level. For some it's money, for others it's prestige, and for others it's about their own happiness or living the life they want to live. The older we all get, we realize that our definition of success can change over time too. But, everyone should know that unschoolers can make the choices they want to make about their own lives.
As parents, we sometimes worry that our choices are going to close doors for our kids. And I suppose that's true - we move to certain parts of the country, we have incomes that may cause some financial limits. But unschooling per se does not close doors. Grown unschoolers are able to get into college, do well, and get careers. Other unschooled "grads" skip the college route and dive into careers. Some take a couple of years to travel and then reevaluate the plan.
But if you have concerns that grown unschoolers are not doing well, let these resources allay your fears.
In my book, Homeschooled Teens, I posed questions to 75 young people (from ages 15-39) about what their teen lives were like without going to school. Questions like:
- How did you make friends?
- How did you learn?
- What kinds of hobbies did you enjoy?
- Did you work, do sports, travel?
- Did you get into college?
- Do you think you'll homeschool your own kids?
- What's your relationship with your family like now?
Grown Unschoolers Share About Their Lives
- Heroes-In-Training by Michael Patterson
- From Harry Potter to Living the Dream: Lissy Laricchia
- Unschooling: It's Personal by Rebecca Taberski
- Landscape Designer: Hannah Levy
Next Steps...
Go to a conference and see for yourself! Many unschooling-friendly conferences offer panels of grown unschoolers available to answer questions from audience members. Check the program too - many are often speakers on various topics.
A Collection of Grown Unschoolers
Individual stories where they share about their lives
A Curated Playlist of all the Interviews with Grown Unschoolers, through Exploring Unschooling Podcast
Nearly 50 articles about grown homeschoolers
Are You a Parent of a Teen?
Local communities are often low on other unschooled teens. That doesn't mean they're not there, they just aren't hanging out with the little ones as much.
If you're looking for ways to help your teen make connections or YOU need more connections with other parents facing these teen years, the Creating Confidence Membership group has resources to help you.
- A community of parents with teens and preteens
- Coaching from Sue Patterson to help navigate these years
- Resources for parents of teens including:
- Sue's Homeschooled Teens book
- Transcript Workbook
- 120 Life Skills to help Teens transition into Adulthood
- Unschooling Your Teens ebook
- and more!
You can bring your questions to our weekly, as well as connect with other parents on this same path through our private Facebook group or WhatsApp channel.
Sometimes, it's hard to find each other out there in the real world. This membership makes it easier.
You really are NOT alone!
