I established my own alternative school because I was sick of the traditional educational system of hierarchy and oppression. Kids go to school and are told when to sit, when to speak, when to eat... they have to ask for permission to go to the washroom which is a basic human need. With that said, if you are not located in Aurora, Ontario, Canada or thereabouts, then your choices are simple: either you are seeking out alternative schools in your area (forest schools, day programs, homeschooling collective) or you are choosing to unschool. Let's break down that term for a minute.... Unschooling does NOT mean NO EDUCATION Unschooling does NOT mean we let the child learn naturally (some learning opportunities need to be planned) Unschooling is NOT LAZY Unschooling is a movement of epic proportions. It doesn't matter what your reason was: - indoctrination in school - lack of freedom and observable progress - negative effect on mental health - ridiculous rules with no practical implementation - lack of study skills or life skills being taught - wasting days on rigid and regimented curriculum that is not effective - inability to deal with your child in a compassionate and understanding manner - constant calls for you to pick up your child because the classrooms are too full - lack of sustainable instruction that is ideologically based and intrinsically contrary to your own beliefs Whatever the reason, if you chose to unschool your child or children, you are NOT wrong. You will not regret protecting your child(ren) from whatever it is you feared - your greatest regret will be if you DIDN'T follow your gut when you felt what you felt. I am going to be straight with you. I am a teacher now for over 25+ years. What? God, I am old! I am a principal of my own school for learners of all abilities. I am working on completing my Master's Degree in Special Education. I think unschooling your child can work so effectively but you still need some structure in case they want to pursue higher education in the future. You definitely still want to teach them practical, transferable, and useful academic skills that they can utilize whenever they need.

We hide our idiosyncrasies. We hide our children's exceptionalities. We brag about others' normalcy and celebrate graduations and academic accolades more often than an achievement of greater magnitude in mastering a skill like art or vocalism or comedy. We bear down on people who seem successful due to hard work without recognizing that ALL breakthrough artists, millionaires, moguls, and inventors were on a spectrum that defined them. We battle our thoughts and feeling, our ADHD, ASD, special needs (more apt term is special abilities) and we try to "mask", "act normal", and "blend in". We often demonize those who are different because they appear "rude" or "socially awkward'. The truth is this: you are born perfectly imperfect. Your purpose is tied into your ability to actualize yourself without chaotic external messages that attempt to hinder and hamper your unique qualities that make you who you are. Our children who are specially abled deserve a shift in perspective, in paradigm, in language, and in labelling. Medicine is not necessary for children who have an immense quota of intelligence because we can't control it. Every child born has a purpose and a mission on earth. Our job as parents and educators is the fulltime curation of cultivating, nourishing, encouraging, and empowering those who are set apart. There are no limits other than the ones we place on ourselves - and them. Embrace the fullness of your child's diversity and of YOUR diversity. It is time to rise above the noise of weighted societal expectations and definitions of normal. That term is subjective and relative, so live you life and be the best version of yourself so that the world can benefit from your purpose and your incredible existence. Share you thoughts on this... what do you think?

Have you gone through life asking - What is wrong with me? Why am I so different? You are NOT ALONE!! If I had known I was ADHD when I was younger, I would have achieved what I needed to achieve much earlier in my life. I am here to tell you that neurodivergence is a GIFT and as a result, I am launching this group to begin promoting my progressive & inclusive ideologies towards shifting our perspective to make space for EVERYONE! We are all differently abled and gifted. The world needs more of you and less doubt, indecision, or fear. So if you joined my group, we will talk about growing up different, parenting children and youth who are different, how this affects every part of our professional and personal lives. I would ultimately love to raise money and partner with global charities that will build schools inside orphanages for children who are abandoned or dismissed. Please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about why you joined our group? Tell us if you are the one with superpowers or is it your kid(s)? What is one obstacle you wish could be removed for you to actualize your potential?

Something has to be done! We need to band together to change education from within. Who wants to help me raise money to change the face of education globally?