Adele Jarrett-Kerr

But the level of control young people in schools are subjected to and the entrenched inequity between adults and young people is a high price to pay. Naming that is the least we can do: adelejarrettkerr.substack.com/p/you-dont-rea…

My 13yo holds the tension of seeing what’s wrong with the system and appreciating the benefits of participating in it: more time away from us, more independence, more time with peers, academic input it would be hard for us to match, opportunities we can't access without school.

My kids are all keenly aware that they have a right to play. Perhaps more than most. Up until a couple of months ago, they were all home educated and because we took a self-directed, consent-based approach, they were mostly in control of how they spent their time...

Whenever I talk about listening to children's perspectives and respecting their opinion, someone equates this with neglect. 'So they want to run into the road in front of a car, and you let them?' or 'They hit other children, and you just stand by?'. It's as if the only imaginable ways to interact with children are to be controlling, or to do nothing at all. Authoritarian, or neglectful. It's a straw man argument. Children (and teenagers) always need to be kept safe and cared for by the adults around them. Listening to what children say is not the same as neglect.

@MsXpat I actually think most testing is pointless, particularly this young x

@AdeleJK Absolutely! My daughter hates the idea of a test. I feel like they are not prepared well enough. They do mocks but way to approach a test and time management not really. I considered doing it at home with her but worried that would make her more anxious 😰

This hits different now that I have a ten year old who's only just started school for the first time after being home educated but will be sitting SATs next academic year. This exam will in no way be reflective of or relevant to her education journey. Same for anyone else really!

I'm on A Life Unschooled podcast talking about influencer culture pushing the idea that anyone who wants to can earn huge amounts of money while home educating with no fall out (and said influencers often profiting from saying so). alifeunschooled.substack.com/p/homeschool-b…

@MsXpat Yes! So many interview stages! So many different people you end up talking to!

@AdeleJK YOu've done it for a long time so gentle with yourself, it's a bit adjustment. Job hunting is another mind field. I'm still on the hunt and so amazed at how the entire process is different now. It's a shock the system.

One of the ADHD surprises from my kids' first week of school (after nine years of home educating) is that I no longer remember when to eat. I hadn't realised they were functioning as human alarms.

@FionaHandscomb Glad to hear that!

I'd appreciate listening to this again myself. Now that our kids go to school, it's interesting seeing these systems at work, up close.

@guineagibbs I can't say we were very routine tbh! It's just that they'd get hungry and tell me or remind me what time it is! One of the things they're liking about school is knowing what's happening with the meals in advance 😂

@AdeleJK Given my only experience of home schooling was lockdown - so not very representative - I do also remember how the routine became a comfort. At 11am we have a snack. At midday we have a walk. Neither of mine were on a very fixed routine as babies/toddlers, so that was new to me.

@MsXpat Doing ok overall but it's a real mix of things. I'm glad the kids are mostly enjoying it and have access to things I don't need to organise but there are lots of things about the system that I don't agree with. I also miss them. It will get better when I sort my work situation.

@AdeleJK How are you doing overall?

@MsXpat I think it's a combo of disconnection from my body's needs, disorganisation, time blindness, distraction, all that kind of thing. I didn't always remember with the kids either - they'd just tell me they were hungry or help themselves!

@AdeleJK Oh dear, is that you thought of their needs, then yours second?

I’ve been pregnant &/or breastfeeding for over 8 years & now that’s come to an end. Many feels. Special thanks to my mum, partner and to @AdeleJK for all of their support through the whirlwind of a near decade, & to @LLLGB whose book the womanly art was invaluable #breastfeeding

@bethmichaelfox @LLLGB It's the end of an era!! It feels really special to have been part of this chapter with you!

@MsXpat For real! We laughed but then thought, she has a point!

@AdeleJK LOL aww can't tell a lie but sometimes that is right thing to do

One of my kids just explained to me that the key to enjoying life is: "Don't think ahead."

Staying in Weston-super-Mare on a house swap with friends so we can go to a family baby shower in Bristol tomorrow 🥰