The Early Years- Share your BTDT anecdotes?

[Mama Amie]

Hi Mamas!

I'm really interested in the concept of unschooling/ child-led learning, and I want to hear more about the early years from anyone who cares to share.  My kids are 4.5 and 1.5.  We've recently introduced video games,and my son is hooked!  Part of me wants to put some control over how much he does/should play, but part of me wants to just let it ride.  He still has plenty of other interests and loves learning, so I'm not too concerned.  However, I don't want screen time to dominate or otherwise interfere.  He usually just gets on the games when I am not available to interact with him directly, but I do often redirect his attention by offering story time while I'm nursing the younger one, or bringing out a game or toy to use, just as a suggestion with no pressure.

I'm definitely curious to know how proactive (i guess) you are with learning opportunities and introducing topics/ideas.  Or do you just go about your day cleaning/cooking/housework, and let the young kids do whatever they please?  Do you enroll them in summer camps or other alternative structured learning environments?  Do you engage them with purpose, or just literally let them choose what to do and learn?

I'm really open to any ideas and anecdotes, and just basically picking brains.  I'm coming from definitely wanting to homeschool with a curriculum to touring schools, and now am more interested in the unschool ideas.

Thank you!

[owlhowl]

My kids are almost 6, 4 & 2. At breakfast we make a "to-do" list of all the fun things we should do today. Play-doh, Go Fish, Lego Harry Potter (video game), go outside, read...I find the list super helpful and the kids are always excited to cross things off the list, so if DS1 has been playing video games longer than I like, I suggest crossing it off the list and choosing a new activity. I looove this list, I feel organized and my boys do well with this form of "structure".