Hey there, Skirts Up Squad! We are approaching the end of July which means its time to starting getting back-to-school ready. But have you ever found yourself scratching your head, wondering if traditional schooling is the best fit for your bright-eyed, curious little one? Well, you're not alone! We invited Neurodivergent coach, Sam Soles, onto the show to talk about the wonderfully weird world of adjusting school to fit your child's unique needs—and trust me, it's a game-changer. Sam shares with us her personal story of exploring Unschooling when her youngest child, diagnosed AU-ADHD, significantly struggled to thrive in a traditional setting. Their success is amazing! Sam’s oldest child, Kiya (14 years old) chimes in on her opinion of it. The evidence in clear.

Here is what we took from this fascinating conversation:

One Size Doesn't Fit All

First things first, let's get one thing straight: Kids are like snowflakes—each one is unique and special in its own way. So why should we expect one-size-fits-all schooling to work for every single one of them? Spoiler alert: we shouldn't! Whether your child is a budding artist, a mini math whiz, or the next great engineer, there's a way to tweak their education to make it shine as brightly as they do.

Enter: Unschooling

Unschooling? What in the world is that? It's not “no-schooling,” that's for sure! Unschooling is all about allowing kids to explore their interests at their own pace. Imagine your child deep-diving into Greek mythology through the magical tales of Percy Jackson or learning geometry through Minecraft architecture. It's all about discovering the joy of learning in ways that make sense to them.

The Beauty of Choice

One of the biggest perks of adjusting education to fit your child is the freedom of choice. You get to guide your child on a learning adventure that’s tailor-made for them. Whether it's unschooling, homeschooling, or a unique mix of both, the choice is yours—and theirs. How empowering is that?

Real-Life Learning

Adjusting school to fit your child's needs isn't just about academics; it's about equipping them with real-life skills. Imagine your child handling their own schedule, managing projects, and learning to communicate effectively—all while still being kids. It’s the ultimate preparation for adulthood, minus the boring bits. Now, I know that part sounds scary. But what if your child isn’t fitting in and excelling? What if the school system is failing your AU-ADHD students because they (traditional schools) just aren’t properly prepared?

Social Skills Galore

But what about social skills, you ask? Fear not, dear reader! Alternative schooling methods often include co-ops, unschooling groups, and community classes where kids can socialize, make friends, and learn to work together. Plus, there’s always room for family game nights and neighborhood adventures.

The Proof is in the Pudding

Lastly, the benefits speak for themselves. Kids who learn in ways that suit them tend to have a stronger sense of self, better mental health, and a lifelong love of learning. And isn’t that what we all want for our kids?

Adjusting school to fit your child's individual needs might just be the secret sauce to unlocking their full potential. Embrace the quirks, celebrate the individuality, and watch your child soar. Ready to start this exciting journey? Sam Soles is here to help!

Per usual, keep your skirts up, panties on.

Until next time,

Samantha Mandell

Unschooling, Yay or Nay?