The Learning Institute The Book Video Library Article Library by Topic Stay Connected Links
Recommended Sites and Resources
In putting together this list I thought about those resources on the web that are or have been inspirational or influential in my process of change. All the links will open in a new page so you can get back to this site easily! I will keep adding more links so come back and check out the new links.
Parenting and Natural Learning Websites
Joyfully Rejoycing
When I began to research more about unschooling, I discovered Joyce Fetteroll's site that is full of wisdom. This site was especially helpful to me in the early going of my unschooling journey.
The Natural Child Project
I don't remember how I first found this site, but I read it from the time Martel was born. I also did telephone counseling with Jan several times when Martel was between 2 and 4. She publishes a variety of articles from different writers (including me) on her website so you will find a very wide range of topics. I also have two of her books, including The Natural Child and The Unschooling Unmanual. Jan and Jason (her unschooled, now adult, son) work together on The Natural Child Project.
The Parental Intelligence Newsletter
I admit that I did not find The Parental Intelligence Newsletter until after starting to publish my website. Bob Collier, the publisher and unschooling dad, linked to one of my articles and we connected. He publishes a collection of links and reviews to an amazing assortment of parenting articles every two weeks. Get on his subscription list to read an eclectic and inspiring assortment of good stuff. Sandra tells it like it is!
Sandra Dodd's Radical Unschooling Website
I spent many nights reading Sandra's articles on her website when Martel was five and I began to explore a different way of parenting that did not include control and domination. If you are new to the idea of unschooling, Sandra has a wealth of information and articles that include her own writing and as well as quotes from others from unschooling lists and forums.
Social Justice and Social Change
The Freechild Project
The Freechild Project is committed to engaging youth in meaningful social change. With the idea that adults can work as allies alongside you, the project challenges adultism. There are some interesting links and articles here, with a focus on older children.
Inspiration for Changing Your Life
Rethinking Everything Magazine
This digital magazine started publishing in January 2010. I became acquainted with it through Barb Lundgren, an unschooling mom to three adult children, who started the Rethinking Education Conference (now Rethinking Everything Conference) 14 years ago. Barb and I started talking in September of 2009 about my participation in her conference. My story is published in the July 1, 2010 edition. This magazine presents stories of life-changing experiences of real people! If you decide to subscribe, you can link through here to get $15 off the yearly subscription price and support my website at the same time.
Site Build It
When I left my career-driven life to align my values and the way I spent my time, I started a consulting business for higher education. I also had the notion that I wanted to write. In my journey, I discovered my passion and voice in writing and publishing my website Parenting for Social Change. I discovered Site Build It and decided I wanted to do more than blog, I wanted a website that I could use to publish my articles, promote a book (which is in the works) and possibly earn some income in a way that was consistent with my values.
I am not a tech savvy person and SBI was just what I needed to get my voice out there. It works for those who are experienced. SBI doesn't emphasize getting rich quick, but instead focuses on building quality content with easy to use tools. I don't endorse or promote products I don't believe in. I am an SBI affiliate because I feel like I can talk about what it has done for me in an authentic way. There are lots of options out there for publishing a website and this one may work for you!
Sign up to receive your free audio download Creating the Relationship You Most Desire with the Children in Your Life
"This is a book that took courage to write....Yes, excellent." ~Bob Collier, The Parental Intelligence Newsletter
"This is a brilliant book-- provocative and passionate." ~Charles F. Behling, parent and former Co-director of the Program on Intergroup Relations
"Graham Brett helps her readers dig deep into how we may have been controlled as children – largely due to the social and cultural environments of the time – and to consider how they shape our views as parents." ~Wendy Priesnitz, Life Learning Magazine
Parenting for Social Change is a powerful parenting book that
…isn’t really about children, but about the harmful cultural messages we, as parents, perpetuate in our relationships with children.
…addresses the work we as parents must do to free ourselves, the children who share our lives, and our world from those harmful messages.
…debunks, using current research, the myth that controlling children is necessary to ensure they grow into healthy, responsible, and valuable adults.
…demonstrates how changing our parent-child relationships plays a critical role in creating social change.
…gives parents strategies and tools for letting go of harmful control of children.
