This is the 21st century; we have a say when we have a choice.

And our decisions about our children’s future are always based on their needs.

Why is this such a new and groundbreaking idea? Is it not how it should be?

Let’s say I don’t like ice cream, so I won’t eat it. This can stem from the fact that I am lactose intolerant or don’t like its taste or texture. Why should I eat ice cream?

Or I like to surround myself with certain people who inspire me and who bring the best out of me. Why should I be with people who have a bad influence on me, make me angry or stressed?

I wouldn’t say I like Maths, but I have a calculator. Should I learn Maths?

As the questions circulate around us, we realise they cannot be measured the same way.

We are responsible parents who are raising children to be ready for the wide world around them. And the big wide world will not adapt to them, but they will have to adapt.

How do we do this without clipping our children’s wings?

Raising independent thinkers who ask questions rather than obey authorities is challenging.

But it isn’t accessible if WE don’t know how to deal with it. As parents, we will be mirrored by kids from age one until they are mature adults.

So maybe we can settle our views and attitudes, and then we will be able to model it.

Homeschooling is a lifestyle. It is not a bunch of tricks we pull out of a magic hat; it is how we are and want life around us.

For all of us. Many people tell you what to do, but choosing and deciding what is best for YOU is purely down to you.

Even if it sounds wild and outrageous, stick to it if this is what you and your children need.

You need to trust yourself and that you, as a parent, know your children the best—end of story.

How does Art help you out?

Before you tell me that your child is not “artistic” or has no interest in drawing or painting, my question is: what do you think Art is?

Is it a Renaissance fresco or the Mona Lisa herself? Is it a Gaudi building in Barcelona? Is it a cathedral?

Or could it be a silly face? A gesture of black paint on a hung-up sheet? A mark in the sand?

Art is all over us; without noticing it, it truly mirrors us.

Have you seen graffiti on the street? Or a poster of a lost dog?

Has your child lined up sea shells or rocks before? Did you ever think it could be Art?

So let’s look at this question again: My child is not interested in Art.

Is he interested in technology? Look at Nam June Paik’s excellent computer installations and video art. Create a self-portrait inside a telly!

Is he interested in nature? Have you ever seen Georgia O’Keeffe’s groundbreaking zoomed-in flowers or skulls from the desert? Why not build a flower from scrap around the house?

Is he interested in music? Why not look at works by Paul Klee and Kandinsky and try to squiggle abstract lines and shapes on the floor, half-naked and deep in the moment while listening to music?

Are they interested in drama? Please set up a performance inspired by body art or their favourite book character or create a whole set up of a painting.

Choosing only one piece of art a week means you would have enough to cover a whole school week (if not a month).

Study its history. Explore its geography and discover its flora and fauna.

Learn about the techniques and try them yourself. Learn about the artist and their story. Understand the meaning behind the piece and come up with your message.

If your child is not interested in anything mentioned above, you need a severe amount of unschooling before you dip your head into the beautiful world of home education.

And on that, I will be back next time with my insights from over five years of home education, four years of art tutoring, and three years of creating learning resources for all.

All my love,
Niki

Get to know Nikolett Balazs and her amazing art workshops!

wildatart
@wildatartworkshops

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