"You'll find us rough, sir, but you'll find us ready." ~Mr. Peggotty

Riley asked for assignments the other day.  "Like what kids do in school, ya know, projects and stuff."  I'll pick up some advanced and cool looking math curricula I saw at A.C Moore.  (Of all places?)  This is unschooling too.  Its all about seeking to learn.  If they seek classes, planned lessons, any course of study we still call it unschooling.  Because they want to learn. And more importantly, they control their learning.  But it made me a little sad, they way she framed her request.  Partly because I suppose the notion of assignments arises from some conversation with a child who is forced to study.  She even asked me for grades. Nevertheless, she is eager.  And that is the goal from my point of view.

Her request puts me in mind of the day, not too far off now, they'll leave for high school or college. I don't believe in shoving them out the door as frightened clinging babies.  I want to see them striding out the door, thrilled, excited, surely nervous but old enough to be genuinely capable.  Not easily frightened babies but bright young folks ready to learn.  Even if they go with some hesitation and a sentimental glance back, they go strong and capable and ready. Isn't it more appropriate, when its time for the children to go, the parents are sad and not the children?  That's how it should be, perhaps, rather than the new normal: relieved secretly happy parents escaping from sobbing terrified babies.