What’s Happening: Deschooling ourselves

This post about things every parent should know from Mind Body Green is very interesting. What do you think about it? What would you cut—or add? I really like these sentiments and pretty much agree with them. I do wish that we could all really trust ourselves—not just on our parenting but on so many other matters instead of needing an “expert” to show us how to do something. While we all need an expert once in a while (especially if it’s regarding surgery!), we often think we have to read up about something or consult someone rather than just listen to ourselves.

Speaking of which, here’s a great article from Life Learning Magazine about deschooling ourselves. We are heavily conditioned to rely on experts when we are in school; in fact, I spent my childhood in reverence of teachers (and parents—and pretty much adults in general). I thought that all grown-ups knew everything and I had to do what I was told every day, no questions asked. I was a sheep. I don’t want to raise a sheep.

Check out the amazing flashlight this teen made for her science fair!

Do artificial food dyes create hyperactivity in kids? Many people think they do—and since a lot of countries outlaw some food dyes that we don’t, I do question them myself.

These 78 skills are supposed to be great to learn for a survivalist situation. While I’m often in disagreements with people who are all about survivalism, I do think that these are important to know and worthy of practice. I’m not sure if you MUST learn how to make beer or wine, but knowing how to swim and start a fire are pretty important.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia