Avocadogreta Posted May 28, 2014 Posted May 28, 2014 Hi there! I am an unschooling mama to a bright, creative, and ENERGETIC (almost) four year-old. So... that's how I spend most of my time. But in my 'downtime' (like when I'm nursing her to sleep) I listen to a lot of podcasts, watch Youtube videos, and am always learning something new. I am an intactivist, breastfeeding, birth, and children's advocate, as well as being very outspoken about our corrupt school system. We are very health-conscious, love riding our bikes, hiking, enjoying the sun and water, and exploring together. Even though I have lived in/around Seattle for most of my life, I am very affected by the rain, clouds, and general dreariness. Stefan Molyneux didn't show up on my radar until I watched a video of his on circumcision which I shared around on facebook (when I was on there) and then later shared one on spanking. Some of my husband's coworkers listen to the show and recommended them to me. So for the last month I have been listening as much as I can. My husband and I (and his coworkers) have been sharing episodes back and forth. (And a few times my husband and I have been able to listen to the show together.) The shows offer a lot of challenging information that I am happy to soak up... and process. The topics brought up in the shows have springboarded us into a lot of new conversations, or have revisited old ones. While I am interested in anarchy (just listened to one of Stefan's books), general philosophy, and other political issues, it's the parenting, feminist, and personal development issues that have really resonated with me. For example, my husband and I became pregnant out of wedlock (stupid, I know!) and decided to move in together, get married quickly, and figure out how to make it all work. We did not have enough money to live on with just his income so I took a part-time job where I figured I could leave my little girl with my friends (no family available nearby) and go to work at six weeks post-partum. What I hadn't planned on was the needs of my child. She's extremely 'spirited' (high needs), would not take pumped milk, nor was she comforted by anyone but me. So I started taking her to work with me - which was only a little less miserable, but at least we were together. I totally agree with Stefan when he says that you can make it work for one parent to be with the child/ren - it does take a lot of sacrifices, but it is possible. Anyway, the job only lasted one year and by that time my husband (began to take his career more seriously and) received a raise almost equal to what I was contributing with my job. And to make a long story short, he would not be where he is today in his career if we had both been working full-time jobs. Even though we were home-birthing and everything, we didn't know about 'attachment parenting,' 'peaceful parenting,' or anything like that until after she was born. I am just so thankful we did come across these ideas so we could become sensitive and respond appropriately to our little one's needs. Something that struck me last year was that even within the intactivist movement - where we'd shout about how awful genital mutilation is all day long - there seemed to be a split whenever anyone spoke out about other harmful acts against children like spanking, cry-it-out, or the school system. So as I have been listening, I am impressed with is Stefan's consistency. OK I don't want to go overboard sharing, but wanted to share enough for you all to get an idea of who I am and if we have something in common or you'd like to share new information with me, that'd be awesome Also, go easy on me, like I said, I am a new listener, eager to learn more, and feel like I'm doing a lot of catching-up with ideas, philosophies, and terms you all use frequently.
Wiltin Posted May 28, 2014 Posted May 28, 2014 Hello Avocadogreta, thanks for sharing, I'm new here myself. I think it is awesome that you and your husband are both interested in philosophy and are able to share the learning experience together. It sure beats doing something like yoga or tennis together in terms of it's benefits for your lives and your child. Welcome to the forum.
Kevin Beal Posted May 28, 2014 Posted May 28, 2014 Heya Avo, welcome to the boards! I think it's totally awesome that you are doing the peaceful parenting thing so fully
Avocadogreta Posted May 28, 2014 Author Posted May 28, 2014 Hello Avocadogreta, thanks for sharing, I'm new here myself. I think it is awesome that you and your husband are both interested in philosophy and are able to share the learning experience together. It sure beats doing something like yoga or tennis together in terms of it's benefits for your lives and your child. Welcome to the forum. Hi! Welcome to you too then Yes, it's very satisfying to have a partner who wants to grow together. Heya Avo, welcome to the boards! I think it's totally awesome that you are doing the peaceful parenting thing so fully Thank you!
VMA Posted June 23, 2014 Posted June 23, 2014 look forward to meeting you this weekend if it all works out !
Molly Posted April 1, 2015 Posted April 1, 2015 Avocadogreta from what you've shared I think if we were in the same city we would be friends; I wish I knew someone like you in my neck of the woods!!! My son is still very young but I'm interested in unschooling or some other form of home education as well. I found Stef and the The Truth about Circumcisin when I was pregnant, just in time! I wouldn't necessarily put CIO and spanking in the same category, but I get what you are saying. I think most people are emotionally invested in these topics and that's why there is such a split, instead of a philosophical approach. You're doing a great job!
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