HOST JACKIE TANTILLO - Unconventional And Selfless with Guest Roya Dedeaux

As a licensed Marriage and  Family Counselor, author and public speaker, Roya Dedeaux hears lots of 'mom' stories. The one she's most proud of is the story of her own mother, Pam. Pam and her siblings as well as her mother, Roya's grandmother, were all educators.  Education and learning was always a topic of concern whenever they got together.   So when Roya's mom said she wanted to 'unschool' Roya and her sisters, the girls were all very confused.

Roya was just finishing up 4th grade and mom said  "I'm not sending you back to school next year." Well you can imagine the confusion amongst the siblings, especially Roya who was going to be starting 5th grade.

Mom was determined to make this work and pleaded, " just trust me for 3 months, if you don't like it, you can go back to school." 

I am not an expert by any means, but what I do know is that 'Unschooling' is all about encouraging your child or children to pursue their passions and follow their dreams, whatever they may be. For example, if your child loves animals or marine life, study animals and marine life-take them to zoos and aquariums, do projects-indulge them in their interests. And the same is true for any interest or field of study. "Supporting your children's interests, helps promote better mental health and fulfilled relationships," believes Ms. Dedeaux.

This project of unschooling worked extremely well for my guest. Roya started taking college classes at the age of 13-always taking classes that she was interested in and she had full support from both her father and her mother. She says this was " a celebration of doing things differently, always keeping an open mind about possibilities."

This process encourages and engages kids because these are topics of interest not mandatory subjects of study where tests are required.

The bottom line is that it requires full attention from the parent and your children are happy. Make every adventure and  trip a hands on learning experience-as though learning through osmosis.

Roya had no interest in going back to school after a short time and says "my mom gave me to myself forever with her decision to unschool us." 

With many many years of higher education, Roya and her sisters are all very happy with the lessons their mom taught them. Roya refers to her mom as "a  pioneer," and is so grateful to her mom for the tough decisions that she made when the girls were young.

"Connect With Courage-Practical Ways to Release Fear and Find Joy In The Places Your Kids Take You," is Ms. Dedeaux's most recent book.

I hope you enjoy this episode of SHLTMM.

Roya Dedeaux can be found on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok.

LINK FOR ROYA'S BOOK- 

"CONNECT WITH COURAGE: Practical ways to work through fear and find joy in the places your kids take you." 

https://www.royadedeaux.com/product-page/connect-with-courage

Catch episodes of SHLTMM Podcast now on youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoUWxgQECqrMqI1ylVH9Dpw

"Should Have Listened To My Mother" is an ongoing conversation about mothers and the roles they play in our lives. And my guests answer the question, 'are you who you are today because of, or in spite of, your mother'? You'll be amazed at what the responses are.

"Should Have Listened To My Mother" would not be possible without the generosity, sincerity and insight from my guests. In getting ready to launch my podcast, so many were willing to give their time and share their personal relationships with their mother.

Some of my guests include Baritone Singer Christopheren Nomura, Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist Tim Wacker, Activist Kim Miller, Freighter Sea Captain Terry Viscount, Film Production Manager Peg Robinson, Professor of Writing Montclair State University Dr. Bridget Brown, Tammy Steckler, attorney and family advocate @CUNY Law; NYC First Responder/NYC Firefighter Mark Heingartner, Child and Adult Special Needs Activist, Maryellen Valyo Cole and Roger Evens, Property Manager in New Jersey and so many more talented and insightful women and men.

I've worked in the broadcasting industry for over four decades. I've interviewed so many fascinating people including musicians, celebrities, authors, activists, entrepreneurs, politicians and more.

A big thank you goes to Ricky Soto, NYC based Graphic Designer, who created my logo for "Should Have Listened To My Mother".

Check out my website for more background information: https://www.jackietantillo.com/

Or more demos of what's to come at https://soundcloud.com/jackie-tantillo

Find audio versions of the podcast here: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/60j14qCcks4AP3JUrWrc2M

Link to website and show notes: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/

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