Gina and Christyn start the new season discussing two themes that help frame the story of their homeschools: autonomy and attention. Join them for a conversation about how they find the ability to act on their own values and beliefs as they home educate, and how attention plays a huge role in their homeschool autonomy.
0:50 New OnlySchoolers website: http://onlyschoolers.com/
New Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/onlyschoolers
2:15 Gina gives an update on “flourish” for 2021
4:00 Framing conversations around themes will lead to a deeper understanding of home education, even for veteran homeschoolers. We’ll uncover new beliefs and essential ideas, and find new perspectives and different ways of thinking
5:54 Two perfect words to help us frame our homeschool stories are the focus themes today: Autonomy and Attention
6:45 AUTONOMY is the ability to act on one’s own values and beliefs. In homeschool, this includes me AND my child
7:30 Gina talks about how being an only child growing up affected her autonomy and emphasizes that as homeschoolers, we need to create the kind of environment that works for you, even though staying true to yourself can be a bumpy road
8:35 It can be hard to maintain autonomy in the homeschool environment. Sometimes there’s pressure to fit in; make sure you’re making the choices that are best for you
10:10 Christyn shares her story of growth in homeschool autonomy, as a widow seeking connection. It’s great to seek connection, but don’t lose yourself. Hang on to the reasons you chose to home educate: they will guide you as you create your homeschool
11:45 Real homeschool autonomy is knowing you have both choices AND the freedom to choose the best ones for yourself
12:15 Gina discusses autonomy for her son, who’s been encouraged in his autonomy from a young age. Now she has a kid who won’t accept things that are unfair or unjust; he is willing to stand up for himself
14:20 Christyn wants her daughter to know she always has the freedom to make her own choices and that she’s capable of making those choices
16:50 The best aspect of homeschooling is being able to help our kids find their own path in their own time
17:21 All the autonomy in the world won’t matter, though, if we don’t pay attention and give ATTENTION where needed
17:55 Attention is taking notice, fixing the mind, and taking action. This is critical to homeschoolers, especially this time of year
19:22 Christyn takes notice of where she is in the school year, and takes action by changing up classes a bit, knowing she and her daughter need something fresh in the second semester
20:30 This year, it’s a self-defense class from The Great Courses: Understanding and Applying Self-Defense Strategies https://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/understanding-and-applying-self-defense-strategies
21:00 Gina also takes a look at where she is in the school year and this year paid attention to the fact that in about 18 months, her son will graduate. She started giving attention to what needs to happen between now and then
22:25 Gina wants to focus on the attention given to her phone and technology, framing her efforts around two questions: Where is my attention? Where should it be?
24:52 Don’t let random things catch your attention. Pay attention!
25:30 Gina and Christyn discuss the myth of only children receiving too much attention
27:05 Work to find that balance between autonomy and attention