The Ladies Fixing the World

Letting go runs through every stage of unschooling — from releasing control over what children learn, to accepting that family life changes shape without warning. The last run with all your daughters, the last night in a house you raised your children in, the last time a child needs you to put their shoes on. These moments pass without announcement.Cecilie Conrad, Sandra Dodd, and Sue Elvis use this final episode of season three to talk about what they've let go of and what still holds. Sandra describes her adult children's lives after unschooling and the shift from being central to being a resource. Sue reflects on whether to continue her unschooling blog or let it go, and on the difference between lazy letting go and wise letting go. Cecilie talks about her family's current transition as three of her children enter formal study. Together they discuss letting go of fixed ideas about identity, letting go of the need for others to follow the same path, and the value of making decisions from a good place rather than a desperate one. The conversation closes with gratitude, new friendships, and no regrets.🗓️ Recorded December 7, 2025. 📍 Tarragona, Spain🔗 Sandra, Sue and Cecilie's websiteshttps://sandradodd.comhttps://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.comhttps://cecilieconrad.comSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

The two most common practical questions about unschooling are how much it costs and how much time it takes. Neither has a simple answer. One parent usually stops earning a full income. Some expenses disappear — uniforms, rain gear, processed food, school fees — while others appear: music lessons, sports equipment, a computer for a gamer. The budget shifts with the seasons.Cecilie Conrad, Sandra Dodd, and Sue Elvis talk about what it actually looks like to manage money and time as unschooling families. They share stories of tight months, handmade Christmas gifts, charity shop finds, and the creativity that comes when resources are limited. They discuss why withholding from children to "teach the value of money" often backfires, how generosity is learned through experiencing it, and why spending unequally on different children based on their actual needs is fairer than splitting everything evenly. On the question of time, they push back on the idea that unschooling is something parents must endure — and describe it instead as the richest use of the years they have with their children.🗓️ Recorded November 30, 2025. 📍 Tarragona, Spain🔗 Sandra, Sue and Cecilie's websiteshttps://sandradodd.comhttps://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.comhttps://cecilieconrad.comSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

Reading dominates how most people think about learning. Schools treat it as the first skill and the primary method. But children learn language, movement, culture, and complex ideas long before they read a word — and many things can never be learned from a book at all.Sandra Dodd, Cecilie Conrad, and Sue Elvis talk about what children and adults learn without reading: music by ear, cooking by doing, sports by playing, trades by apprenticeship. They discuss how Holly, who didn't read until 11, outperformed her peers in a speech because she had no script to fall back on. They look at how YouTube, audiobooks, and conversation have expanded what's possible without reading — and why pushing children to read before they're ready can limit rather than expand their learning. The conversation also touches on Shakespeare as something better heard than read, the difference between memorizing words and real reading, and why book worship deserves the same questioning unschoolers bring to everything else.🗓️ Recorded November 11, 2025. 📍  Tarragona, Spain🔗 Sandra, Sue and Cecilie's websiteshttps://sandradodd.comhttps://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.comhttps://cecilieconrad.comSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

Schools spend enormous amounts of time on repetition, testing, classroom management, and re-teaching material year after year. Unschooling skips all of that. When a child learns something because they wanted to know it, it stays. There is no surface learning, no forgotten curriculum — just real knowledge built from curiosity and experience.Cecilie Conrad, Sandra Dodd, and Sue Elvis look at why unschooling turns out to be remarkably efficient, even though no one chooses it for that reason. They discuss how children build their own scaffolding of knowledge, why school textbooks often teach in ways that confuse rather than clarify, and how unschooled teenagers arrive at formal education — when they choose it — already understanding the concepts and only needing the notation. The conversation also touches on the differences in homeschooling laws across countries and how to work within those systems without abandoning unschooling principles.🗓️ Recorded September 23, 2025. 📍  Åmarksgård, Lille Skensved, Denmark🔗 Sandra, Sue and Cecilie's websiteshttps://sandradodd.comhttps://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.comhttps://cecilieconrad.comSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

Unschooling is often framed as a choice made for the children, but the changes run deeper than that. Over time, parents find themselves questioning inherited habits, rethinking authority, and arriving at a different relationship with their own values and daily choices.Cecilie Conrad, Sandra Dodd, and Sue Elvis talk about what it actually looks like when parents let go of the management mindset — the chore lists, the tick-box parenting, the idea that control equals care. They discuss how unschooling reshapes the couple's relationship, how personality traits show up across generations, and how following a child's interests opens doors parents would never have walked through on their own. The conversation covers the fear at the beginning, the patience required, and the slow process of becoming a different kind of parent — not by studying, but by doing it.🔗 Sandra, Sue and Cecilie's websiteshttps://sandradodd.com https://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.com https://cecilieconrad.com🗓️ Recorded September 18, 2025. 📍  Åmarksgård, Lille Skendsved, DenmarkSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

Intensity, repetition, and long stretches of focus are common in unschooling families. Interests may look narrow, obsessive, or unbalanced when viewed through school-based expectations—patterns that can trigger parental fear. Worries about outcomes, careers, balance, and future security shape how adults interpret a child’s focus, sometimes turning support into pressure or ownership.Cecilie Conrad, Sandra Dodd, and Sue Elvis describe a picture of unschooling where interests are allowed to exist without being justified or managed. Obsessions are treated as part of living rather than signals of success or failure, and parental work centers less on directing paths and more on trust, time, and relationship.🔗 Sandra, Sue and Cecilie's websiteshttps://sandradodd.com https://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.com https://cecilieconrad.com🗓️ Recorded September 4, 2025. 📍  Åmarksgård, Lille Skensved, DenmarkSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

How does a typical day look in an unschooling family’s life? - This is one of the first questions people ask about unschooling. It often carries an unspoken hope for reassurance, structure, or a picture that makes the choice feel understandable.Cecilie Conrad, Sandra Dodd, and Sue Elvis approach the question from different lives and contexts, letting it stay open rather than pinning it down. Their perspectives point toward patterns, values, and rhythms instead of schedules.What emerges is a sense of how unschooling days are shaped less by plans and appearances and more by time, attention, and relationships lived over many changing seasons.🔗 Links from Sue Elvis to this episodeThe Changing Seasons of the Unschooling YearWhy Unschoolers Do What They DoWhat Do Unschoolers Do Each Day?Typical Unschooling Days🔗 Sandra, Sue and Cecilie's websiteshttps://sandradodd.com https://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.com https://cecilieconrad.com🗓️ Recorded September 2, 2025. 📍  Åmarksgård, Lille Skensved, DenmarkSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

Language keeps showing up in unschooling conversations: Parents ask about reading, writing, spelling, confidence, exposure, and whether children will “miss something” without lessons or requirements.Language can become the place where worries about competence, comparison, and readiness collect, especially for parents who did not enjoy language themselves.Underlying the whole conversation is a familiar unschooling question: What happens when language is learned through living, culture, play, and shared meaning instead of study and control?🔗 Sandra, Sue and Cecilie's websiteshttps://sandradodd.com https://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.com https://cecilieconrad.com🗓️ Recorded August 26, 2025. 📍  Åmarksgård, Lille Skensved, DenmarkSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

Food keeps showing up in parenting and unschooling conversations: Parents ask about sugar, rules, nutrition, fairness, parties, allergies, ethics, and what happens when children want something different from what the family values.Food can become the place where worries about health, control, and “doing it right” concentrate.Underlying the whole conversation is a familiar unschooling question: What happens when we replace control with trust?🔗 Sandra, Sue and Cecilie's websiteshttps://sandradodd.com https://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.com https://cecilieconrad.com🗓️ Recorded August 26, 2025. 📍  Åmarksgård, Lille Skensved, DenmarkSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

How do you handle skeptical questions about unschooling without freezing, defending, or preaching? Cecilie, Sandra, and Sue share real-life stories and gentle scripts for staying kind, grounded, and clear when people don’t understand unschooling.🗓️ Recorded July 1, 2025. 📍  Åmarksgård, Lille Skensved, Denmark 🔗 Links & Resourceshttps://sandradodd.com/strewinghttps://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.com https://cecilieconrad.comSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

How do unschooling families handle life when plans fall apart? Sandra Dodd, Cecilie Conrad, and Sue Elvis share real experiences—from illness, grief, and moving house to everyday disruptions like broken toilets and power cuts. They demonstrate how flexibility, trust, and connection transform uncertainty into learning, and how children raised without rigid schedules develop resilience, adaptability, and emotional strength through real-life experiences.🔗 Sandra, Sue and Cecilie's websiteshttps://sandradodd.com https://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.com https://cecilieconrad.com🗓️ Recorded June 26, 2025. 📍  Åmarksgård, Lille Skensved, DenmarkSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

What counts as a resource when you don’t follow a school curriculum?Cecilie Conrad, Sandra Dodd, and Sue Elvis discuss how unschooling families use communities, libraries, museums, clubs, work, online connections, and family gatherings as resources, showing that learning extends far beyond books and classes.🗓️ Recorded June 17, 2025. 📍 Åmarksgård, Denmark 🔗 Links & Resourceshttps://sandradodd.com https://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.com https://cecilieconrad.comSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

In this episode, Cecilie, Sandra, and Sue unpack the popular—but often misleading—idea of freedom in unschooling. What does it really mean to live freely, and what’s the cost when freedom becomes the goal instead of a tool?They discuss how some families rush into radical unschooling, letting go of all structure without understanding the role of guidance, responsibility, and deschooling. Sandra shares stories of families who confused “freedom” with letting go too fast—leaving children overwhelmed and relationships strained.The conversation explores the difference between being free and making good choices. True unschooling isn’t about abandoning rules—it’s about creating rich lives where children learn through real decisions, not in the absence of boundaries but within thoughtful, responsive relationships.They also address the legal and social realities unschoolers face, the dangers of turning unschooling into a competitive performance, and the importance of peaceful family dynamics. Unschooling can work—but only when parents are engaged, informed, and honest with themselves and their children.🔗 Sandra, Sue and Cecilie's websiteshttps://sandradodd.com https://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.com https://cecilieconrad.com🗓️ Recorded June 11, 2025. 📍  Åmarksgård, Lille Skendsved, DenmarkSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

What happens when unschooling parents trade control for genuine connection? In this deep and honest conversation, Cecilie Conrad (Denmark), Sandra Dodd (USA), and Sue Elvis (Australia) tackle the big questions of attachment, freedom, and how trust transforms the parent-child relationship.Many parents fear that giving their children more freedom will mean losing influence over values and choices—or that it will lead to chaos. But as these three unschooling pioneers explore, true freedom isn't something we “give” our kids—it's something they already have. The real question: How do we nurture healthy attachment and remain an anchor, even as our children make their own decisions?The episode weaves together practical wisdom and lived experience:Why attachment and trust—not rules—build resilient, independent humansNavigating teen risk-taking, boundaries, and “mistakes”How to be your child’s partner, not their adversaryDealing with fears about religion, lifestyle choices, and social influenceWhy trying to control values and behaviors can backfireThe difference between “not influencing” and being a true guideHow parent-child partnership grows empathy, patience, and wisdom for both generationsCecilie, Sandra, and Sue also reflect on how unschooling changes the whole family, and why letting go of control doesn’t mean stepping back from guidance or care. They share stories about “swallowing camels,” cultural idioms, social skills, and the humbling lessons learned from listening to (and learning with) their own kids.🔗 Sandra, Sue and Cecilie's websiteshttps://sandradodd.com https://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.com https://cecilieconrad.com🗓️ Recorded May 1, 2025. 📍  Budapest, HungarySend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

Cecilie Conrad, Sandra Dodd, and Sue Elvis discuss doubt and fear in unschooling—where they come from, how they spread, and how to move through them without defaulting to school-based thinking. They explore the pressure of responsibility, the impact of lingering fears, and why letting go of outcomes helps build trust in both learning and relationships.They talk about how fear can be reinforced through casual conversation, especially when parents share worst-case scenarios or compare their children to school-based standards. The discussion includes the idea that much of what parents worry about is based on assumptions that haven’t been questioned, and how simply asking “Is it true?” can shift how we see our role.There’s also a focus on how unschooling parents can become more confident, not by forcing results, but by staying present, observing real growth over time, and letting go of the need to control outcomes. The conversation points to a broader definition of success—one that includes emotional well-being, agency, and the ability to build a life that fits, rather than one that follows external benchmarks.´🔗 Sandra, Sue and Cecilie's websiteshttps://sandradodd.com https://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.com https://cecilieconrad.com🗓️ Recorded April 28, 2025. 📍  Budapest, HungarySend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

What if we abandoned the question "How do we know they're learning?" and trusted that they are? In this conversation, Cecilie Conrad, Sandra Dodd, and Sue Elvis look closely at the fears that drive many unschooling parents to seek proof of learning—and why those fears may come from old conditioning rather than real concerns.They explore how learning in an unschooling context doesn’t always look like progress, mastery, or academic benchmarks. Instead, it often appears as play, conversation, curiosity, or even stillness. The episode also addresses the "big mix-up in the mind of the parent" who must navigate between their children's authentic learning experiences and the official education system's expectations, the pressure parents feel to produce results, the danger of clinging to school-based frameworks, and the importance of stepping back and observing life as the curriculum.Sandra, Sue and Cecilies invite parents to shift their perspective away from questioning if their children are learning enough, toward cultivating environments rich in trust, conversation, and genuine curiosity.🗓️ Recorded March 20, 2025. 📍 Barcelona, Spain 🔗 Links & Resourceshttps://sandradodd.com https://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.com https://cecilieconrad.comSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

In this episode, we explore one of the most persistent questions in unschooling: What about math? Cecilie, Sandra, and Sue examine the widespread belief that children can’t learn math without formal instruction — and explain why that belief doesn’t hold up.Cecilie reflects on the early years of home education in her family, the pressure to “cover” math, and the quiet fear of doing too little. Sandra shares examples of how her children developed mathematical thinking through games, practical needs, and everyday problem-solving — without ever relying on school-based methods. Sue talks about letting go of structured lessons and learning to trust her children’s approach to math.Together, they look at how math fits into unschooling — and what becomes possible when we stop trying to teach it and start noticing how it shows up in real life.🗓️ Recorded February 27, 2025. 📍  Finhan, France 🔗 Links & Resources https://sandradodd.com https://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.com https://cecilieconrad.comSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

Dinner tables, car rides, bedtime chats, café corners—this episode dives into the real places where unschooling lives and grows. Cecilie Conrad, Sandra Dodd, and Sue Elvis examine how conversations—often unscheduled, informal, and unplanned—become the central structure of a learning life.They discuss the Danish tradition of the daily family dinner, the rigid rituals of American mealtime culture, and the café catch-ups that shaped Sue’s large family. The conversation travels through memories, cultural habits, and practical insights into how families can hold space for curiosity, connection, and growth—without curriculum, tests, or set agendas.From Barbie movies to Shakespeare, from family language to late-night moral debates, this episode makes a clear point: talking is the work. The learning isn’t beside the conversation—it’s inside it.🗓️ Recorded February 20, 2025. 📍  Finhan, France 🔗 Links & Resources https://sandradodd.com/latenightlearning https://sandradodd.com https://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.com https://cecilieconrad.comSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

What’s the value of doing the same thing more than once? In this episode of Ladies Fixing the World, Cecilie Conrad, Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis unfold repetition—how it shows up in our lives, why it matters, and what it reveals.Together, they examine how children tend to gravitate toward watching the same films, reading the same stories, or playing the same games. Rather than dismissing these habits, they unpack the deeper role of repetition in building understanding, creating comfort, and developing personal interests.They explore repetition in unschooling: how revisiting material or ideas becomes a natural part of learning when children are trusted to follow their own curiosity. The conversation weaves through stories of old VHS collections, gaming habits, repeated drawings, Shakespeare, and art museums, highlighting how adults also rely on rhythm, ritual, and recurrence.The episode explores what it means to share stories across generations, how collections shape identity, and how repetition becomes a part of a family’s language. Whether it's a child rewatching Barbie movies or a parent replaying Beatles records, this is a conversation about attention, trust, and the rhythms we all rely on. 🔗 Sandra, Sue and Cecilies websiteshttps://sandradodd.com https://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.com https://cecilieconrad.com 🔗 Links & Resources mentioned:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P._D._Q._Bachhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%22Weird_Al%22_YankovicVermeer's Hat: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermeer%27s_Hat 🗓️ Recorded January 16, 2025. 📍  Åmarksgård, Solrød, DenmarkSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

Sandra Dodd, Sue Elvis, and Cecilie Conrad come together to discuss their personal journeys into unschooling, focusing on natural learning, curiosity, and redefining educational expectations.Sandra shares her transition from a public-school teacher to embracing unschooling with her family, exploring how her upbringing influenced her parenting choices. Sue reflects on her experiences returning to unschooling after attempts to follow structured educational methods, and how her understanding evolved with each child. Cecilie offers insights from her journey, including learning experiences through family travel and navigating seasonal challenges.Their conversation delves into how children naturally learn to read without formal instruction, highlighting personal examples of different ages and experiences. They examine the risks associated with pushing children to reach educational milestones prematurely, sharing stories related to reading and swimming. The discussion challenges traditional educational norms, questioning standardized testing, IQ assessments, and rigid developmental timelines.Throughout the episode, they explore how parents can support their children's individual paths and curiosity without imposing external standards. Reflections on parenting, intelligence, and the continuous nature of learning throughout life underscore the conversation.This episode provides practical experiences and observations for parents and educators interested in understanding and applying the principles of unschooling. 🔗 Links & Resources:https://sandradodd.com https://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.com https://cecilieconrad.com🗓️ Recorded January 9, 2025. 📍  Åmarksgård, Solrød, DenmarkSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

Traditional education is built on judgment—constantly measuring children’s progress against rigid standards. Unschooling offers a different path, one that values curiosity over evaluation. In this episode, Cecilie Conrad, Sue Elvis, and Sandra Dodd discuss why letting go of expectations leads to deeper, more natural learning.Reading becomes a key theme, as they challenge the idea that children must read by a certain age. Cecilie shares how her son resisted reading until fourteen, only to become an avid reader once the pressure was gone. Sandra and Sue add their own stories, showing how literacy develops when children are given space and trust.Repetition in learning also comes up—whether it’s rewatching movies, rereading books, or replaying games. What looks like stagnation is often mastery in progress. The conversation extends to Shakespeare, storytelling, and the power of learning through real experiences rather than forced instruction.Unschooling isn’t about avoiding education—it’s about trusting that learning happens everywhere. This episode is a reminder that children thrive when given the freedom to explore life on their own terms.🔗 Links & Resources:Sandra Dodd’s Website: SandraDodd.com – Explore Sandra’s favorite unschooling definitions and in-depth discussions.Sue Elvis’ Blog: Stories of an Unschooling Family – Practical advice and insights into Sue’s unschooling journey.Cecilie Conrad’s Website: CecilieConrad.com – Learn about Cecilie’s experiences with unschooling, worldschooling, and a life of freedom and curiosity.🗓️ Recorded December 16, 2024. 📍  Whityham, United KingdomSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

How do children learn math without lessons, textbooks, or worksheets?Sandra Dodd, Sue Elvis, and Cecilie Conrad talk about the ways kids pick up mathematical thinking—through games, shared meals, money management, and real-world problem-solving.They discuss what happens when learning is driven by curiosity rather than instruction, sharing stories of children who mastered math in unexpected ways. Their experiences with unschooling reveal how learning develops naturally, often outside the structures designed to teach it.Meanwhile, schools—with their insistence on rigid, standardized learning—often disconnect children from their natural curiosity, sometimes to the point where they avoid learning altogether after being pushed too hard.🔗 Links & Resources:Sandra Dodd’s Website: SandraDodd.com – Explore Sandra’s favorite unschooling definitions and in-depth discussions.Sue Elvis’ Blog: Stories of an Unschooling Family – Practical advice and insights into Sue’s unschooling journey.Cecilie Conrad’s Website: CecilieConrad.com – Learn about Cecilie’s experiences with unschooling, worldschooling, and a life of freedom and curiosity.Connections: Connect the Dots: https://sandradodd.com/connections/How Elvis Appears to Unschoolers: https://sandradodd.com/dot/elvis.html 🗓️ Recorded December 5, 2024. 📍  Whityham, United KingdomSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

What is unschooling? What is it not? And why defining it is so difficult? Sandra Dodd, Sue Elvis and Cecilie Conrad explore how unschooling is not just about rejecting school but fundamentally shifting how families approach learning, trust, and daily life.Sandra shares her decades of experience and the challenge of explaining unschooling in simple terms, emphasizing that true understanding takes time. Sue reflects on her evolution from believing unschooling meant being hands-off to realizing the importance of parental engagement and invitations. Cecilie challenges the assumption that learning must be the goal, arguing instead that curiosity, passion, and necessity drive real education.The conversation moves beyond definitions into the practical realities of unschooling—how parents create environments where natural learning happens, how families navigate the uncertainty of non-traditional education, and why the success of unschooling isn’t measured by standardized academic milestones but by confidence, curiosity, and strong relationships. They also tackle the common fear: Will unschooling work? And, just as importantly, Is sending a child to school actually the bigger risk?🔗 Links & Resources:Sandra Dodd’s Website: SandraDodd.com – Explore Sandra’s favorite unschooling definitions and in-depth discussions.Sue Elvis’ Blog: Stories of an Unschooling Family – Practical advice and insights into Sue’s unschooling journey.Cecilie Conrad’s Website: CecilieConrad.com – Learn about Cecilie’s experiences with unschooling, worldschooling, and a life of freedom and curiosity.🗓️ Recorded November 28, 2024. 📍  Krakow, PolandSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

What if education wasn’t confined to classrooms but instead flourished naturally through life’s experiences?In this episode of Ladies Fixing the World, renowned unschooling pioneers Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis join Cecilie Conrad to redefine what learning can look like. We explore the philosophy and practicalities of unschooling—where curiosity, trust, and relationships replace rigid curricula.Sandra shares her journey to define unschooling, describing it as "creating and maintaining an atmosphere where natural learning can flourish." Sue emphasizes the importance of embracing time with children, noting, "We can't go back and reclaim those hours as our kids grow up."The conversation highlights:How unschooling fosters curiosity and resilience.The critical balance between freedom and guidance.The transformative impact of unschooling on both children and parents.Through personal stories, we showcase unschooling as a lifestyle that prioritizes connection, flexibility, and natural growth—education as a joyful byproduct of living fully.Quotes from the Episode:Sandra Dodd: “Unschooling is creating and maintaining an atmosphere where natural learning can flourish.”Sue Elvis: “We can’t go back and reclaim all those hours if we don’t take advantage of them as our kids are growing up.”Cecilie Conrad: “Learning is a byproduct of living with enthusiasm and curiosity.”Links & Resources:Sandra Dodd’s Website: SandraDodd.com – Explore Sandra’s favorite unschooling definitions and in-depth discussions.Sue Elvis’ Blog: Stories of an Unschooling Family – Practical advice and insights into Sue’s unschooling journey.Cecilie Conrad’s Website: CecilieConrad.com – Learn about Cecilie’s experiences with unschooling, worldschooling, and a life of freedom and curiosity.Sandra Dodds specific links for this episodeDefinitions of Unschooling https://sandradodd.com/unschool/definitionWhat is Unschooling? https://sandradodd.com/definitionsOrigin of the term "Unschooling"https://sandradodd.com/unschool/thetermIs unschooling too big a gamblehttps://justaddlightandstir.blogspot.com/2011/01/is-unschooling-too-big-gamble.htmlRecorded: November 6, 2024, Krakow, PolandThis episode delves into the responsibilities of unschooling, contrasts it with traditional schooling, and celebrates the freedom it offers. Whether you’re curious about alternative education or looking for inspiration to rethink your approach, this conversation invites you to imagine a learning journey led by love, trust, and curiosity.Send a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

In this final episode of the first season of "Da Ladies", Cecilie joins Luna, Sara, and Carla as they wrap up their journey. The group reflects on embracing change, honoring priorities, and staying true to their unschooling principles. From navigating life transitions to balancing personal aspirations and family commitments, this episode is a beautiful exploration of growth, authenticity, and fluidity in self-directed living.Looking ahead, Cecilie teases the start of a new season with a fresh set of inspiring women, promising new voices and experiences in self-directed learning, travel, and parenting. Please tune in to join Cecilie and the team as they celebrate the end of one chapter and embrace the beginning of another.🗓️ Recorded October 16th, 2024. 📍 The Addisons, Withyham, United Kingdom ▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬Cecilie Conrad: https://CecilieConrad.comLuna Maj Vestergaard: https://altomunschooling.dkCarla Martinez: https://planetaworldschool.comSara Beale: https://www.renegademum.comSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

Can the question "Does unschooling work?" be inherently flawed?Join us in Episode 11 of Da Ladies Fixing the World as we challenge conventional thinking and explore the philosophy of unschooling. We examine societal pressures and the need for validation that often accompany this question and provide insights from various unschooling and homeschooling communities.By exploring parental concerns and celebrating their triumphs, we underscore the importance of focusing on individual growth and happiness over performative success. We also redefine what it means for education to "work" by contrasting the rigid outcomes of traditional schooling with the fluid, adaptable nature of unschooling. Using the metaphor of coffee, we highlight the importance of natural growth and learning without predefined checklists.Discover how unschooling fosters problem-solving skills and unique learning journeys, allowing children to thrive in a more open and supportive environment.The episode concludes with thoughtful reflections on human experience, judgment, and the flexibility required in parenting and education. 🗓️ Recorded June 7th, 2024. 📍 At  Åmarksgård, Lille Skendsved, Denmark ▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬Cecilie Conrad: https://CecilieConrad.comLuna Maj Vestergaard: https://altomunschooling.dkCarla Martinez: https://planetaworldschool.comSara Beale: https://www.renegademum.comSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

In this episode, we explore the balance between personal freedom and societal expectations in unschooling. We discuss the Danish homeschool union, revealing the paradox anarchists face when complying with formal requirements. We also discuss how unschoolers can maintain freedom while fulfilling the need to belong within a community.Our conversation delves into the psychological aspects of compliance and the desire for state approval, encouraging reflection on how this mindset influences self-directed living.Tune in for insights on maintaining autonomy amidst societal constraints.🗓️ Recorded June 7th, 2024. 📍 At  Åmarksgård, Lille Skendsved, Denmark ▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬Cecilie Conrad: https://CecilieConrad.comLuna Maj Vestergaard: https://altomunschooling.dkCarla Martinez: https://planetaworldschool.comSara Beale: https://www.renegademum.comSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

Join us as we dive into parenting conflicts and discover how embracing disagreements can strengthen family bonds. We share our insights on handling conflicts, especially within unschooling and conscious parenting.We discuss Luna's journey toward a conflict-free home, proving that avoiding conflicts doesn't mean suppressing emotions. Sarah challenges the myth that attachment parenting leads to perfectly well-behaved children, revealing the real dynamics behind it.We discuss traditional authoritative parenting versus collaborative approaches, showing how mutual respect and shared responsibility can turn conflicts into valuable discussions. From room disputes to shared spaces, we offer practical examples of reframing disagreements as conflicts of interest, preventing power struggles.Together, we highlight the importance of empathy, communication, and understanding different perspectives and share creative strategies for managing conflicts, involving children in solution-finding processes, and embracing differing viewpoints.Tune in to learn how to navigate disagreements with love, patience, and fairness and empower your family to grow stronger through the art of conflict resolution.🗓️ Recorded May 20th, 2024. 📍 Luxembourg ▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬Cecilie Conrad: https://CecilieConrad.comLuna Maj Vestergaard: https://altomunschooling.dkCarla Martinez: https://planetaworldschool.comSara Beale: https://www.renegademum.comSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

Watching my children one lazy afternoon, unburdened by timetables and homework, I was struck by their innate curiosity. We embrace and celebrate this very authenticity in our little ones in our latest podcast episode. With my fellow wise women Carla, Sarah, and Luna, we weave a conversation around the unschooling movement—a radical shift from traditional education that nurtures a child’s natural inclination towards learning. We delve into the essence of childhood, free from the assembly line of conventional schooling, where learning rhythms are as unique as each child.Unschooling isn't just an educational choice but a lifestyle reverberating through family dynamics and community interactions. In this podcast, we illustrate the profound autonomy that unschooling can cultivate. Beyond the freedom from a Monday-to-Friday schedule, unschooling challenges us to realign our perspective on what growth and development truly mean—recognizing the inherent brilliance in every child. We explore the societal implications of this shift, envisioning a future where each learning journey's uniqueness is respected and cherished.Yet, this path is not without its obstacles. The art of unschooling requires parents to shed layers of ingrained educational paradigms—a process we refer to as 'deschooling'. Our discussion touches on the challenges of navigating family life when traditional parenting scripts are set aside. From redefining 'talking back' to simply 'talking' to the deep bonds formed through natural authority, we share our experiences of reshaping family dynamics. As we wrap up our episode, we leave our listeners contemplating the diversity within the unschooling community, encouraging a future of education crafted through trust, autonomy, and the individual brilliance of each child.🗓️ Recorded March 30th, 2024. 📍@ The Lovetts, Fresno, California, United States ▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬Cecilie Conrad: https://CecilieConrad.comLuna Maj Vestergaard: https://altomunschooling.dkCarla Martinez: https://planetaworldschool.comSara Beale: https://www.renegademum.comSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

We explore practical strategies for nurturing our children's natural curiosity and love of learning. Together with my three friends—Sarah Bealel, Carla Martinez, and Luna Maj Vestergaard, we get hands-on, shedding light on how unschooling unfolds in daily life. We share insights into how children learn to read without formal lessons and discuss parents' vital role as facilitators rather than traditional teachers, providing an environment rich with opportunities for self-directed learning.Listen in as we examine the evolving landscape of children's education, from the significance of play in early childhood to the transition towards more structured pursuits as they grow. We reflect on how our roles as parents adapt to support our kids' changing needs and learning styles. Discover how embracing flexibility and trust in the unschooling process allows for diverse learning experiences, from gaming and travel to real-world projects that teach traditional subjects like world history and mathematics in unconventional yet profoundly effective ways.We celebrate the personalized educational paths unschooled children take. Acknowledge the self-directed nature of their learning, which empowers them to make choices that align with their life goals and interests. Whether your child is drawn to academic subjects or alternative pursuits, this episode reassures you that unschooling is about respecting each child's unique journey, encouraging their innate capacity for reflection, and supporting them as they navigate their way through the rich landscape of knowledge and skills they choose to explore.🗓️ Recorded February 2nd, 2024. 📍Playa Dorada, Lengüeta Arenosa, Baja California, Mexico ▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬Cecilie Conrad: https://CecilieConrad.comLuna Maj Vestergaard: https://altomunschooling.dkCarla Martinez: https://planetaworldschool.comSara Beale: https://www.renegademum.comSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

Join Cecilie, Carla, Luna, and Sarah for a heartfelt and insightful discussion about the complexities of Christmas, as we delve into its many layers. In this episode, we confront the often overwhelming emotions associated with the holiday season, from the stress of consumerism to the intricate family dynamics. We candidly share our experiences with financial democracy within families, the various perspectives on gift-giving, and the challenge of balancing societal expectations with personal values.Through our conversation, we explore how past traumas and childhood experiences influence our perception of Christmas and the importance of letting go of control to embrace peace and joy. We discuss creating new traditions, finding healing, and making Christmas meaningful in ways that align with our personal values. Whether you're dealing with unresolved trauma, trying to navigate family dynamics, or simply curious about the deeper meanings behind the holiday season, this episode offers a transformative and genuine narrative, promising an engaging and thought-provoking journey through the real essence of Christmas.🗓️ Recorded November 21th, 2023. 📍Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Mexico ▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬Cecilie Conrad: https://CecilieConrad.comLuna Maj Vestergaard: https://altomunschooling.dkCarla Martinez: https://planetaworldschool.comSara Beale: https://www.renegademum.comSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

Have you ever considered that societal norms and structures may be limiting your autonomy? Join Cecilie, Carla, Luna, and Sarah as they challenge these conventions and explore the empowering nature of leading a values-based life. We discuss how unschooling, a deviation from the norm, sparks enlightening conversations and insights. We thoroughly investigate how our values, culture, and upbringing guide our decision-making and how these elements influence our ability to make unconventional choices.We explore the concept of individual sovereignty, questioning how external influences shape our choices and how awareness of these influences can empower us to live authentically. We also approach the topic of parenting from a different angle, exploring how we, as parents, play a role in shaping our children's empowerment. We discuss the balance between guidance and freedom and how it impacts our children's development.Transitioning from traditional schooling to unschooling can be daunting. We will engage in a candid discussion about the courage and challenges inherent in this transition. We will share insights on how to create an environment of freedom in making life decisions and how questioning the established rules can pave the way to personal freedom. Listen in as we explore these thought-provoking subjects and take responsibility for our own education and that of our children.🗓️ Recorded November 14th, 2023. 📍Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Mexico ▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬Cecilie Conrad: https://CecilieConrad.comLuna Maj Vestergaard: https://altomunschooling.dkCarla Martinez: https://planetaworldschool.comSara Beale: https://www.renegademum.comSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

Join us in exploring attachment parenting, respectful parenting, and unschooling, where we examine the strong biological connections and implications in our parenting choices.We unpack the misconceptions around attachment parenting and discuss how a values-based unschooling life can emerge. This episode helps you understand the nuances of attachment parenting and the importance of forming secure attachments for a child's growth and development.Listen in as we tackle the challenges of mainstream parenting that often conflict with our instincts. The impact of societal expectations and norms, as well as our own childhood experiences, are discussed in depth.We look at how rules set by experts can lead to a disconnect from our instincts and biology. We share our thoughts on the importance of providing a safe environment for children and how trust and respect are key elements in attachment parenting.Finally, we explore the concept of unschooling and discuss the damaging effects of micromanagement in parenting. We stress the importance of open dialogue, understanding power dynamics in family conversations, and exploring reasons behind a ‘no’.We will illuminate the natural consequences of unschooling and how it fosters exploration, growth, and a secure attachment between parent and child. Tune in for this insightful discussion, which will help you reflect on your parenting choices and their potential impact on your child's life.🗓️ Recorded October 13th, 2023. 📍Coma Ruga, Spain ▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬Cecilie Conrad: https://CecilieConrad.comLuna Maj Vestergaard: https://altomunschooling.dkCarla Martinez: https://planetaworldschool.comSara Beale: https://www.renegademum.comSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

Unlock the secrets to successful socialization in the unschooling journey with us, your hosts, Cecilie Conrad, Carla Martinez, Sarah Beale, and Luna Maj. We promise to share our personal experiences, address your concerns, and provide invaluable insights that will help you foster a nurturing social environment for your unschooled child. We tackle tough issues head-on, including the challenge of building a social framework outside the traditional school system and the importance of fostering friendships in both urban and rural environments.As we journey further, we unpack the unique dynamics of friendships formed outside the school environment and the enriching experience of having friends of various ages. Discover the power of a supportive community, the challenges of finding like-minded unschooling families, and the importance of patience and understanding in this process. From sharing our own stories to offering practical advice, we hope to empower you as you navigate the unschooling path.In the final segment of the episode, we reflect on the crucial rewards and challenges of unschooling, emphasizing the need for consistency and proactivity in creating social opportunities. We delve into the balance between fun and effort in creating a robust social network and highlight the importance of celebrating educational freedom. Our episode is filled with practical strategies and personal insights to ensure your child's unschooling journey is as enriching and fulfilling as possible. Let's embrace educational freedom and make unschooling a rewarding adventure together!🗓️ Recorded August 10th, 2023. 📍Sundial Stays, Kendal, UK ▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬Cecilie Conrad: https://CecilieConrad.comLuna Maj Vestergaard: https://altomunschooling.dkCarla Martinez: https://planetaworldschool.comSara Beale: https://www.renegademum.comSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

Join us for an in-depth conversation on the complexities of unschooling and the role of parental judgment, featuring Cecilie Conrad, Carla Martinez, Sarah Beale, and Luna Maj. We delve into real-life scenarios like encouraging good oral health without coercion and explore the delicate balance between setting boundaries and allowing freedom. Our discussion also tackles the challenges of parenting in public, managing judgment from other parents, and navigating difficult conversations with our children. We'll examine the impact of social expectations, accountability, and self-awareness in unschooling and discuss how to make value-based decisions free from judgment. Tune in for a transformative conversation that will reshape your approach to parenting within the unschooling realm.🗓️ Recorded July 24th, 2023. 📍Wigston, UK ▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬Cecilie Conrad: https://CecilieConrad.comLuna Maj Vestergaard: https://altomunschooling.dkCarla Martinez: https://planetaworldschool.comSara Beale: https://www.renegademum.comSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

Buckle up for a deep dive into the world of unschooling - an unconventional approach to education that is more of a lifelong journey than a destination. This is the first episode of 'Da Ladies Fixing the World" featuring Cecilie Conrad, Luna Maj Vestergaard, Carla Martinez, and Sarah Beale.Together, we investigate the boundaries of Unschooling. Listen to our revelations on how unschooling continues to surprise us, even after years of practice. This episode is more than just a discussion of unschooling. We examine other early education systems, critiquing traditional schooling systems and exploring everything from the Danish kindergarten model to the state's influence on parental decision-making in education. We also reflect on our own upbringing and experiences and how they shape our views on unschooling. Be prepared to rethink traditional education models as we illustrate the freedom unschooling offers and its transformative impact on children's learning experiences.As we journey further, we touch on the challenges of unschooling and the expectations that need to be managed. When first diving into unschooling, recognize the importance of embracing uncertainty and being comfortable with not knowing or controlling outcomes. This thought-provoking episode will leave you examining the balance between freedom and boundaries in unschooling, considering the concept of unschooling as natural and integrated learning, and reflecting on the implications of de-schooling and the importance of living and learning together. Join us on this enlightening adventure that is bound to leave you rethinking traditional education models.▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬Cecilie Conrad: https://CecilieConrad.comLuna Maj Vestergaard: https://altomunschooling.dkCarla Martinez: https://planetaworldschool.comSara Beale: https://www.renegademum.comSend a message Support the showIn season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.