“Race to nowhere”

January 15th, 2010

Race to Nowhere Trailer

What are we doing to our children?

Watching the above film trailer brought up a host of emotions for me. A lump formed in my throat and I felt like I was going to cry...

As I listened to the articulate and thoughtful voices of the young people, I saw myself. I was that stressed out, over achieving child. Twenty years ago I was fully engaged in the "race to nowhere". I believed in the insanity...

Buying into the whole notion that I always had to strive and focus on competition and the future was hugely unhealthy; I didn't eat or sleep properly; I was depressed, stressed and generally lacked in joy...

I really wouldn't recommend it. Thankfully, I made it through the illusion and have chosen to approach things differently with my own kids.

Recognizing the inherent, foundational flaws in the system we made a choice.

We're forfeiting the race this time around.

We un-school.

Though unschooling isn't for everyone and it definitely isn't a "perfect" solution, it allows for the the individuality and the essence of our children to shine and blossom. They are learning to listen to their hearts in a safe, supportive and non-competitive environment...

At the moment, this looks and feels better than what these poor kids are going through....

Namaste,

Shannon

Tags: children, parenting, race to nowhere, school, stress, unschooling, vicki abeles