Some Things I Learned the Hard Way...

Examples of how NOT to start unschooling/peacefully parenting when you started out authoritarian-

-Don't make a big announcement that you're radically changing your parenting and family dynamics.

-Don't suddenly abandon bed time routines in favor of letting the kids decide when they'll sleep.

-Don't suddenly abandon meal time routines in favor of letting the kids eat whenever and whatever they want.

-Don't suddenly leave them to their own devices all day waiting for them to ask you to read a book or otherwise do something "educational" with them.

Examples of better ways to start unschooling/peacefully parenting when you started out authoritarian-

-Take the time to read all you can, and arm yourself with new tools to use in place of authoritarianism. Set priorities of what you'd like to change and tackle them one at a time.

-Continue with your bedtime routines, but now if your children raise objections hear them out and come to a mutually agreeable alternative.

-Continue your meal time routines, but now if your children raise objections hear them out and come to a mutually agreeable alternative.

-Continue engaging with your children and exposing them to new ideas. If they don't take interest, don't force the issue. If they do take interest, let them run with it as long as they like.

This lifestyle is not permissive parenting. It is parenting in a partnership with your children. Hope my mistakes can help someone else along the way.