Unschooling Blog, Vol. 18: Finding an "Anti-vax" Community and a Little Buddy
Isaiah on the climbing wall at the play center.
One of my close friends here in Niigata contacted me recently, wondering if we could meet up, so our wives could talk.
My friend's child is also unvaccinated, and his wife, also Japanese, wanted to discuss the ins and outs of living such a lifestyle and how to deal with school signups, etc, with my wife, @mslight2016st.
I think my friends might want to remain anonymous--I'm not really sure--so I am going to keep their names and details private here.
Basically I'm just writing this post to say how relieved I am to have found another family that understands where we are coming from, and that can support us, and vice versa.
I mentioned at the beginning of this blog that the biggest challenge for us in unschooling right now is building a community. I feel we took a huge leap forward in that arena on Sunday.
Little brother.
We all met up at a kids playplace in a nearby town. It is one of those beautiful, state-sponsored places for kids to play in for free. New toys, a wall of giant windows from which to look out across the city, and shiny hardwood floors. The best part was the space.
While our wives chatted away, my friend and I watched the kids.
Me, Z-bee, and Big Boy.
After leaving the playplace we all went out to eat. My son, Isaiah, was quite entertained by his little friend half his age, and enjoyed helping him by giving him a boost up onto a small step, and also keeping him out of the street. He really took on the older brother role. He even gave the little guy a hug and a kiss. We both shared a laugh at the antics of his new little friend.
Needless to say, I was happy. My son has been asking my wife for a little brother. I've been asking life for a community. Looks like we both may be onto a winner.
(Thanks for stopping by. If you missed the last Unschooling Blog, you can find it here. If you have questions regarding why my family does not vaccinate please see this video.)
~KafkA
Graham Smith is a Voluntaryist activist, creator, and peaceful parent residing in Niigata City, Japan. Graham runs the "Voluntary Japan" online initiative with a presence here on Steem, as well as Facebook and Twitter. (Hit me up so I can stop talking about myself in the third person!)
Looks like a fun time. I love those kids play places, used to take my daughter to one when she was younger. My wife and I enjoyed hanging out by the snack machines while watching her play.
Glad your son had the chance to make a new friend - or brother surrogate, as the case may be. ;-)
For sure! Always fun to chill by the jidouhanbaiki while the kids have a good time. Thanks man! Hope all is well in the big city.
nice post i like
This post has been ranked within the top 50 most undervalued posts in the first half of Apr 10. We estimate that this post is undervalued by $0.36 as compared to a scenario in which every voter had an equal say.
See the full rankings and details in The Daily Tribune: Apr 10 - Part I. You can also read about some of our methodology, data analysis and technical details in our initial post.
If you are the author and would prefer not to receive these comments, simply reply "Stop" to this comment.