LIFE is Good Conference

The full 2017 conference schedule can be found here.

Panels

The Big Six

What Are The Big Six?

The Big Six are the parenting issues that historically have come up most often on unschooling e-lists, groups, and discussion boards. Most folks trying to understand the parenting aspects of unschooling will be concerned by at least one; some by several. If you are worried about any of these areas, know that you are not alone.

In no particular order The Big Six are:

• Sleep (“what, no bedtimes?!”)
• Chores (especially tied to consequences)
• Food (“but I want them to be healthy”)
• Television
• Electronic Gaming (yes, this is different from TV concerns)
• Personal Hygiene/Appearance/Self Care

The Big Six Panel Discussion is designed primarily for newer unschoolers, to address these most basic issues. The Panelists have been unschooling for many years, repeatedly reassuring new unschoolers about these very fears. In the course of answering questions and discussing typical concerns, we will show how these issues are generally approached, based on our real living experiences with our own long-time unschooled children. Ultimately how you come to handle these basic issues becomes the foundation of your whole unschooling life. They are paths to understanding the tentpoles of unschooling – Trust, Partnership, Living By Principles, and creating an enriched environment where natural learning can flourish. Moderated by Carolyn Winkler & Shannon Loucks.

Teen/Parent Panel: Unschooling the Teen Years

Are you a teen with questions? Are you a parent of a teen wondering how you’ll get through? Are you raising tweens and wondering what’s to come? Join us as a panel of teens and parents answer your questions. Hear the good, the difficult, and the ever-inspiring lives of unschooling teens. Moderated by Jocelyn Cooper..

Dads’ Panel

Do you have a burning question for the dads among us? Do you wonder what goes on in the male psyche when the subject of unschooling is the topic under discussion? Have you been curious about what goes on in those SSUDs meetings?

Well, we won’t divulge *that*; but here’s your chance to visit that undiscovered country called What Goes On in Dads’ Heads. Join a panel of unschooling dads for a Q&A session. Discover their challenges and inspirations as they answer your questions and share a glimpse into their perspective on unschooling life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

EVERYONE is welcome. That’s the point of it. We know you have questions. Come ask them. Anonymously! So you can let it all out. There’s nothing to fear but fear itself. Moderated by Dan Lake..

 

Discussions

Spirited Kids Chat

In this casual discussion circle, we will explore ways to respectfully parent our more spirited/sparkly unschoolers with collaborative problem solving (rather than bribes, threats, or consequences). We will look at challenging behaviors in a new way, and learn some practical skills while maintaining a connected relationship with kids who are MORE (anxious, explosive, inflexible, sensitive, etc.). Let’s offer each other some support for the often exhausting (and highly rewarding) journey of unschooling spirited kids. Co-moderated by Emily Troper, Lyla Wolfenstein & Genna Gebheim McLeod.

The Big D

Been through or going through a divorce while unschooling? Come share your stories, questions and insights. This is not a “sit around and bash your ex” session; but rather a place where we can learn from one another the best way to support our kids and ourselves during this challenging time. Moderated by Carolyn Winkler.

Unschoolers’ Mental Health Talk: Guided Discussion and Support

Join Rachelle as she facilitates a discussion about mental health concerns, diagnoses, treatment, and support relevant to you. You’ll have the opportunity to meet other unschoolers who have had mental health challenges as well as those who love and support someone with a mental health challenge. You’ll get to ask questions and hear responses from Rachelle and other participants in the group as we share our experiences, challenges, triumphs, what has worked and what has not. Moderated by Rachelle McCloud.

Helping Friends Through Hard Times

A discussion of  how to approach and help friends going through situations that seem toxic/harmful to themselves (self imposed or from an outside cause), and ways you, as a friend, can prevent the situations they are in from getting worse. Including information on how to recognize drug and alcohol addiction, self-medicating and harm reduction. Hosted by Rachelle McCloud & Cyndy Connolly.

Gender Identity, Understanding, Acceptance and the LGBTQ Spectrum