Our current approach to junk food is very propertarian: each kid can spend their own money (they get an allowance) on junk food that's then theirs. The goal is really just to avoid overconsumption: communal junk food disappears rapidly, because the older one has a big FOMO problem. But of course this solution doesn't help him overcome that. Junk food is also expensive.

I think a better solution would be to have a family budget for junk food that we all decide together how to spend, and we all agree on how best to share it. This'll be a lot of work, but I think it would teach both the kids good skills. We'll see if I can talk the family into it.

Anyone tried something like this?

#AnarchistParenting #anarchism #parenting

My kid’s class got busted at school today. Gotta talk about some negative peer pressure and ask them to interrogate for themselves what manipulation is.

How can they think critically and listen to their inner voice without selling out their friends and while practicing solidarity? How do we decide if X is worth the risk or not? What about a friend who helped you out and has been there for you? What do you owe them in response? Where is the line? When is someone manipulating or using you? When are they being reasonable?

Why do school rules often punish an entire class for the actions of a few? Is that fair or unfair? Why do you think your school’s practice is the way it is? Is that fair or unfair?How do I stay true to myself when my friends, my parents, the principal and my teachers all have different ideas about what is right or wrong?

Hoping I get my part right in empowering self-determination and agency in these really interesting young people that I am honored to parent. These are tricky conversations.

*long exhale and grounding*

These conversations require a lot of thoughtfulness and care. I’m hoping to get it right and open up a space to discuss and think critically but I’m also nervous about it. Here goes!

#AnarchistParenting

@Rookie just linking another interesting thread about #AnarchistParenting https://kolektiva.social/@robcayman/109329579984654001

I recently gave one of my old #AntiFlag CDs to the 7-year-old. So good to hear the music again and dance to it. The kid likes punk as a way to cope with anger. And I enjoy answering questions about the texts. 😁

#anarchist #CoParenting #AnarchistParenting

My 7.75 year old has decided she wants to learn cursive and is currently learning how to touch-type on my other laptop. On Linux.

She's doing pretty good on Ktouch lesson 1 on a ASUS Zenbook ultrabook that's older than she is.

I call this a parenting win.

#AnarchistParenting