The Ladies Fixing the World S2E12 | Unschooling Isn’t Freedom Gone Wild: Why Choices Matter More Than Ideals
In this episode, Cecilie, Sandra, and Sue unpack the popular—but often misleading—idea of freedom in unschooling. What does it really mean to live freely, and what’s the cost when freedom becomes the goal instead of a tool?
They discuss how some families rush into radical unschooling, letting go of all structure without understanding the role of guidance, responsibility, and deschooling. Sandra shares stories of families who confused “freedom” with letting go too fast—leaving children overwhelmed and relationships strained.
The conversation explores the difference between being free and making good choices. True unschooling isn’t about abandoning rules—it’s about creating rich lives where children learn through real decisions, not in the absence of boundaries but within thoughtful, responsive relationships.
They also address the legal and social realities unschoolers face, the dangers of turning unschooling into a competitive performance, and the importance of peaceful family dynamics. Unschooling can work—but only when parents are engaged, informed, and honest with themselves and their children.
🔗 Sandra, Sue and Cecilie's websites
🗓️ Recorded June 11, 2025. 📍 Åmarksgård, Lille Skendsved, Denmark
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In season two of The Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by renowned unschooling advocates Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.