Unschooling allows a child to preserve his natural desire for learning by not imposing artificial restrictions of curriculum, learning methods, and time constraints allotted for subject matter. In unschooling there is no “teaching for the test” unless the child wants to take a test for his own benefit. There also is no constant fear – of getting called on – of getting an answer wrong – or even of getting the answer right (most kids don’t want to be singled out the older they get). Also the structure of traditional school does not engender critical thinking, but following authority. It was designed that way when Dewey (et al) advocated the change 100 years ago. Not a good segment, through no fault of the unschooling family.

“Children with no boundaries or discipline is neither smart, loving, nor does it foster attachment.” I know lots of people who would disagree with you when this statement is understood the way you probably mean it. Radical Unschoolers tend to view life and learning a little differently, and go about helping their children grow and understand boundaries in a non-authoritarian way.

I also don’t see how this program affects you at all. There are MANY styles of home education. I enjoy being a friendly face of radical unschooling. I also enjoy talking about and clarifying misinformation for people. When we choose to do something outside of the mainstream, we need to understand that many people don’t understand what we are doing or why we are doing it.