7. Should Children Have a Choice?

Should children have a choice in the decisions that affect them? And what happens when we begin treating consent as something that belongs in everyday family life—not just conversations about our bodies? Many of us think about consent in terms of physical touch. But what if consent also shaped the way we make plans, solve conflicts, set boundaries and build relationships with our children? In this episode, we explore what consent-based parenting really means and why it's about much more than saying "yes" or "no." We discuss power, control, bodily autonomy, everyday decision-making and how asking for consent can strengthen trust, cooperation and connection within families. We also reflect on the fears that make consent feel difficult and why giving children a voice doesn't mean giving up our role as parents. Whether you're homeschooling, home educating, unschooling or simply trying to build a more respectful relationship with your child, this conversation offers a practical and thought-provoking invitation to move from power over to power with. Some of the questions and ideas we explore include: Should children have a choice? What is consent-based parenting? How can I parent without relying on control? What's the difference between power over and power with? How do I respect my child's boundaries while still meeting my responsibilities? How does consent help children become confident and self-directed? Looking for support as you navigate learning outside school? Explore free masterclasses, resources, and a community of parents asking similar questions → Join UN-SKOOL Wondering what keeps shaping your reactions when parenting gets hard? → Discover Your Parenting Archetype Have a parenting, homeschooling, or unschooling question? Send it to us and we may answer it in an upcoming newsletter: → Dear Sari & Becka → Follow us on Instagram and come hang out with us between episodes. → Check out our website and explore more of our work, resources, and support. Radical Learning Talks was named the #2 Democratic Education Podcast to Listen to in 2026 by FeedSpot. See the full list