Become an Unschooling Holiday Prepper - Surviving the Family Gatherings

It's the week of Thanksgiving here in the USA. And I’m hearing from a lot of families who are skipping it this year.
For a variety of reasons, but, primarily, they’re just not up to the tension that will be awaiting them.
Good for you. I’m so happy to hear that our choices aren’t directed by an obligation we didn’t sign up for!

There are lots of other ways to connect with family and friends, and so I’m glad you’re doing what’s best for YOUR family.

But for those of you who ARE going to go be with friends and family,
I want to help you manage the questions that may be lobbed your way.

I can remember feeling so nervous about being put in the hot seat.
Especially if you’re all around the table and they’re not being AGGRESSIVE but you’re not ready to defend the choices yet.

They seem like simple innocuous questions. But when your kid can’t answer that easily, and they don’t “Perform well” under what seems like minimal pressure - ohhhh!!! It’s another reason to believe something is wrong with them or with you.
It’s just the confirmation they were worried about - or even expecting to see. 

So... becoming an

Holiday Questioning Prepper

 is what’s in order.
Just taking a few minutes to think of quick answers that can work.

I have podcasts and videos to help you dive deeper into most of these topics, I added the links above to connect them.

And for Black Friday, you can get ALL of the Unschooling Guides for nearly 75% off this week.
The Guides explore the specific fears and worries that I’ve seen - or experienced myself. You could download and read them on the drive over to the holiday get-together.

I’m thinking specifically of Guides like Socialization or Technology - maybe the Academics Guides if you’re worried about learning to read, write or do math. There are actually 23 Guides in this Ultimate Unschooling Guide Bundle. So you could have your own Unschooling Library at your fingertips the minute you need something!

That’s always been my goal - to get you good solid information so you can get those fears conquered as soon as they come up. We all have worries - and they change over time - as our kids get older - but you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Unschoolers have been discussing solutions for decades - and I’ve gathered it all for you so you don’t have to waste time searching and sifting yourself. Who has time for that?

So you can get ALL 23 Guides for only $99 - instead paying full price at $15 each. You end up saving nearly $250.  I bring it up, because I don’t want you to miss out.

OK... so lets go back to a few of the questions we can expect to hear.

Let’s start with helping the kids:

Figure out what grade they’d be in - based on their age. Kids start Kindergarten at 5, 1st grade at 6, just count up from there. Here's the chart:

They COULD say,

“Well, I’m in 8th grade for Science and History,
Math is probably about 4th grade,
Spelling - don’t ask!,

but Reading, more like 6th grade.”

It’s kind of a colorful approach but may lead to more questions. Sometimes it’s easier to just say, “I’m in 4th grade,” and then go off to play.

“What’s your favorite subject?”

This typical question oesn’t have to get the “We don’t do subjects!” response, even though you don’t. 😂

Subjects DO weave through every kid activity - really every LIFE activity. So you may just need to have a conversation with the kids about what subjects are sprinkled into the things they like to do.

Let me just walk you through quickly...

If you watch movies or shows, they could say,
“I love a good story. So I guess Language Arts is my favorite.”

Or maybe you have pets, or talk about seasonal changes, or have some health discussions in your home,
They can simple say, “Science.”

Or if they’re into gaming or apps - they can say, “Computer Science is my favorite.”

And if the relative says, “but what about Language arts or Math?”
The answer can simply be
“Oh, I do a ton of that! I just like it best when it’s technology-based.”

You could even pull others into the conversation with,
“I heard all the kids at the school get their own ipads now.” 

On one of our group coaching calls, one of the members said that she had to face her grandmother at the Thanksgiving table when she asked, “So what do you DO all day?” arms crossed, not really approving.

But she was ready!

She jumped right into,

“I’m so glad you asked, Nana!”

And then she proceeded to tell about all the cool experiences her daughter was able to do - places they had been, activities she was involved in, including their schedule for the week. The grandma relaxed and nodded with approval.

I wouldn’t expect a kid to field this kind of question, but if you plan ahead, you can.
You can add something like, “I love tapping into the community and finding all the learning that’s out there.”
Or maybe, “Sometimes I think I’m creating an entire curriculum with Netflix and Hulu!”

And, for those whose kids are big gamers, you might say:

"Well, every day looks a little different, but our main focus is creating a lifestyle that nurtures curiosity and independence. At home, my kid is really into gaming, and it's amazing how much learning happens there—problem-solving, strategy, collaboration with others online, even storytelling and math skills. It’s not just entertainment; I’m seeing all kinds of growth and exploration."

Maybe you could add,

"we balance that with time out in the world. We travel, explore local events, and dive into activities that spark his interest. I make sure he sees what’s out in our local community, but it’s really about following their natural learning path. And the best part is seeing how engaged and curious they are, whether they’re gaming, building something, or asking questions about the world."

You could say, 

“It’s definitely a different approach than what most people are used to, but it works so well for my kid. They’re thriving, and I get to see how their skills and confidence grow every day."

This kind of a response describes how intentional you’re being with this unschooling lifestyle.

Sometimes the responses you get can be,
“Wow that sounds like a lot of work.”
Or “I don’t I could ever do that.”

You can always respond with,
“Like everything, some days are harder than others.”
and
“Luckily, everyone gets to choose what’s best for them."

It lets them off the hook, so it doesn’t feel like you’re judging THEM - even though THEY were setting it all up to be judgemental about you. But... you dismantled that.

I created a quick 2-page PDF for you - a worksheet to help you get prepared for these gatherings. I’ll link to it in the shownotes below and at the blog, where you can find the transcript.

And - Black Friday!

Unschoolers get special deals too! I have special deals for joining our membership group - because sometimes you really need someone to be in your corner! And the incredible deal on all the Guides. 

I’ll put the links below!

You can do this.

 It just takes Knoweldge and Support! And maybe a little Action on your part.

But I’m walking along with you, holding your hand.

You don’t have to figure this out on your own.



Happy Holidays - Happy Unschooling - and reach out if you need more support or resources!

Talk to you again soon!

~Sue