LIFE AFTER UNPRESCHOOLING

For many families, unpreschooling is a stepping stone on the way to full-fledged official homeschooling in a few years. For others, unpreschooling is merely a temporary state until their children are mature enough for school. Over time, many of these families may choose to homeschool beyond their original goals - or they may decide to send their child to school far earlier than they had originally planned.

When working with unpreschoolers, experienced homeschoolers need to keep in mind that every family has its own unique needs and dynamics, which may differ from their own. Whatever their motivation, philosophy, or long-term goals, unpreschoolers and their parents deserve respect, empathy, and answers to their questions.

Working with prospective homeschooling families with very young children can be exhausting and frustrating at times. At the same time, it can be gratifying to watch these young children grow and mature without schooling, while their parents build confidence in their own abilities. And who knows - before too long, they too may be participating in that heated debate over algebra curriculums at your next support group meeting!

Celeste Land is homeschooled in Vienna, Virginia by former unpreschooler Leila (8) and current unpreschooler Adam (4). For three years, Celeste counseled many prospective homeschooling parents in her capacity as disseminator of an annual guide to homeschooling support groups.