#54 Nature, freedom and slowing down, with Ruth Macallan in Zambia

·54 min·5 clips

Ruth reveals how moving to rural Zambia forced her family to embrace unschooling and a slower, nature-connected childhood.

Esther Jones hosts this episode with Ruth Macallan, a mother living in rural Zambia for nine months each year. They explore how Ruth's family embraces unschooling within their unique lifestyle. Ruth discusses her initial connection to Zambia through a work sabbatical focused on primate rehabilitation. She explains that moving to Zambia with her husband and two young children was a deliberate choice to pursue a "freedom lifestyle." Ruth's five-year-old daughter, Avie, has the option to attend a local bush school for afternoon activities like swimming. Their mornings are entirely child-led, with Avie often choosing outdoor exploration and climbing. Ruth describes the constant presence of wildlife and insects as a source of natural wonder for her children. She contrasts the slower pace and limited structured activities in Zambia with the abundance of classes available during visits to the UK. Ruth notes that her teaching background initially led her to work at the local school before fully committing to unschooling after her second child was born. A key insight is how this environment has taught Ruth to slow down and observe her children's natural curiosities. She believes allowing children to lead their time fosters self-trust and connection to their own interests. Ruth reflects on the challenge of resisting the societal pressure to constantly fill a child's schedule with activities. She emphasizes that her approach stems from responsive parenting and a desire for her children to know themselves, not from a rejection of school systems. Ruth acknowledges the loneliness that can come from being the only family in her area practicing unschooling in this way. She finds community and reassurance through online writing and podcasts. The conversation touches on how parenting choices model self-compassion and boundaries for children. Ruth prioritizes her own needs through daily swims, writing, and appreciating the natural beauty around her home. She describes the profound impact of living without artificial light, which naturally aligns their days with sunrise and sunset. The tone is reflective and conversational, featuring a warm exchange of personal experiences between host and guest. The style is educational, drawing practical insights from one family's lived experiment in alternative education and lifestyle. Parents interested in rural unschooling, child-led learning in nature, or balancing parenting with self-care would find this episode valuable. Listeners seeking debates on educational theory or critiques of conventional schooling might find the episode too anecdotal and personal.

As heard by us

A gentle, practical look at unschooling, de-schooling, and mindful parenting.

Ruth McAllen's conversation treats unschooling as a daily practice rather than a theory: child-led routines, slower rhythms, family arrangements, and the discipline of trusting judgment when parenting choices run against convention.

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Why you'd press play

If you want a calm, real-world look at unschooling from rural Zambia, press play.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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