S7E159: The Unschooling Journey- From Childhood To Adulthood with Missy Willis

S7E159: The Unschooling Journey- From Childhood To Adulthood with Missy Willis

Author: Robyn Robertson June 9, 2023 Duration: 1:12:02

The Unschooling Journey- From Childhood To Adulthood with Missy Willis

Missy is a mom to two, writer, and self-directed education advocate. 

As a trained teacher, she imagined a life devoted to traditional education, but in 2007 she moved away from the standardized schooling model with her own kids and hasn’t looked back.  

 Let ‘em go Barefoot is the community and podcast she created to share stories, insights and research on conscious parenting and education. Her work has reached hundreds of thousands of people across the globe. What has emerged is a felt sense that we are in the midst of a Great Educational Awakening. 

 Missy is currently collaborating with another veteran unschooling mom, Ann Hansen of Inner Parent Coaching, to create a supportive community for the next generation of unschooling parents.  

 A foundational principle of their work is: The Future of Education is not in the Classroom  

Find out more or to get involved at www.letemgobarefoot.com or on Instagram @letemgobarefoot 

In This Episode

This is the second time Missy has been featured on my podcast. (She has also co-hosted excellent conversations in my Homeschool Club) 

I wanted to bring her back on the show to hear her perspective on unschooling through the years. Her oldest is now an adult and her youngest is in her teens. (I suggest you listen to her first interview to hear more about her background in education and their unschooling beginning). 

In this episode we explored the many layers of unschooling, learning and parenting. 

  • Peaceful Parenting and open communication in unschooling 
  • How she has has approached academics in unschooling
  • What helped their family to continue unschooling in the later years- getting clear on the why 
  • Recognizing the ups and downs and the challenges
  • Unschooling into Post Secondary- creating portfolios, dual enrolment, college entry and career tracks
  • Building experiences, adventures and engaging with the world
  • The research- Self Determination Theory: Autonomy, Competence and Relatedness 

Resources

You can reach Missy through Let Em Go Barefoot on social media and her website. 

Website- Let Em Go Barefoot

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/letemgobarefoot

Instagram- Instagram @letemgobarefoot 

Self Determination Theory

If you would like to hear additional conversations with Missy, I recommend her first interview- Conscious Educator. Or, her recorded Honey! I’m Homeschooling Co-Hosted Conversations- Veteran Unschooling Moms Q&A, and Conscious Parenting & Deschooling

For Support on your homeschooling and Unschooling journey join my Honey! I’m Homeschooling Patreon Community. Or connect with me One-On-One HERE

Thank you Sponsors

Sponsor support allows me to continue to create this podcast and allow it to be easily accessible for you. 

This episode was brought to you by MEL Science

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Robyn Robertson hosts Honey! I'm Homeschooling The Kids, a conversation that goes far beyond curriculum choices and into the heart of what it means to learn and grow together as a family. This isn't about presenting a perfect blueprint; instead, each episode feels like an honest chat with a friend who gets it, exploring the nuanced realities of choosing an educational path outside the conventional system. You'll hear from a diverse range of voices-experienced homeschoolers, unschooling advocates, educational researchers, and parents just figuring it out-all sharing their stories, challenges, and triumphs. The discussions naturally weave through parenting philosophies, cultural perspectives on childhood, and practical advice for nurturing a rich, engaging home life. Tuning into this podcast means finding a supportive community and thoughtful reflections on creating a family culture that prioritizes connection, curiosity, and joy. It’s for anyone curious about alternative education or simply seeking inspiration for a more intentional and fulfilling life with their kids.
Author: Language: en-ca Episodes: 100

Honey! I'm Homeschooling The Kids
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