Almost half way there…and finally we get into the nitty gritty of it. The HOW of home educating a child with the complex issue of Pathological Demand Avoidance.
Obviously with PDA where even every day demands such as dressing and bathing can induce high levels of stress and anxiety that can result in sometimes violent meltdowns, the pressures of school is almost unthinkable. But even a structured home education format would and did prove problematic.
No, for PanKwake the answer has been…
UNSCHOOLING.
Unschooling is an educational method and philosophy that advocates learner-chosen activities as a primary means for learning. The term “unschooling” was coined in the 1970s and used by educator John Holt, widely regarded as the father of unschooling. Unschooling students learn through their natural life experiences including play, household responsibilities, personal interests and curiosity, internships and work experience, travel, books, elective classes, family, mentors, and social interaction. Unschooling encourages exploration of activities initiated by the children themselves, believing that the more personal learning is, the more meaningful, well-understood and therefore useful it is to the child. While courses may occasionally be taken, unschooling questions the usefulness of standard curricula, conventional grading methods, and other features of traditional schooling in the education of each unique child. (Wikipedia)
In fact, we are what is known as RADICAL UNSCHOOLERS.
Radical unschooling extends the philosophy of unschooling into all aspects of life. It involves partnering with our children, not just with regard to academic pursuits, but in daily activities such as eating, television viewing, and going to bed.
The bedrock of radical unschooling is trust: a belief that our children possess an inner wisdom or intuitiveness far beyond what mainstream America gives them credit for. Parents act as guides and facilitators, helping children to connect with that inner wisdom.
Rather than strict rules, unschoolers use principles. Instead of imposing limits, unschoolers work with their children to help them live in a balanced and healthy way. Instead of a strict schedule, unschoolers follow a daily rhythm.
People may confuse radical unschooling with neglectful parenting. This is not the case. Unschooling is not “un-parenting”. Parents who live the radical unschooling life are very involved, mindful and intentional. It is not a free-for-all, or utter chaos, or children raising themselves, although mainstream media has tended to portray it as such. (Unschoolers.org)
Yes…that is right. In this HomeCrazzyHome, PanKwake is treated equally. She is a human being who deserves our respect as much as we desire to earn hers. And honestly with Pathological Demand Avoidance, there really is no other way to live in peace.
But rather than trying to explain it all…or justify it. This week I am letting you into our HomeCrazzyHome to see for yourself first hand what radical unschooling looks like. So beginning tomorrow, this will blog will be more of a daily journal with highlights of our activities, her surprising insights and wisdom.
So hop on board this train that we call our…
HomeCrazzyHome 
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