Welcome, Triangle Alternative Parents!

Both moms and dads who are swimming against the mainstream parenting culture are welcome. Are you attachment parents? Interested in homeschooling or unschooling? Tired of all of the marketing to parents and children? Wanting to say goodbye to TV and plastic toys?

Alternative Parenting of Durham is a community of parents who wish to approach parenting mindfully, respectfully questioning what others often take for granted. We believe in "education for life" and enjoy reading and learning about educational philosophy, anthropology, and human development. We believe that being a parent is the most important role we have in life, and we are passionate about exploring the many ways in which we can help guide our children through their own journeys of self-discovery and discovery of the world at large.

Once the group gets off the ground, it is our goal to host a variety of meet-ups and spin-off gatherings. Possibilities might include:

-Discussion groups on books such as the following: Unconditional Parenting by Alfie Kohn, Teach Your Own by John Holt, The Underground History of American Education by John Taylor Gatto, The Creative Family by Amanda Soule, Our Babies Ourselves: How Biology and Culture Shape the Way We Parent by Meredith Small ... and many more.
-Introductions to various educational philosophies, such as, but not limited to: Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, and unschooling.
-Small, child-guided interest groups for homeschooling children with growing passions for various topics like evolution, oil painting, woodworking, birding, geology, photography, etc. The possibilities are endless! We, as parents, will help connect the children to community resources and "experts" in the field.
-Special social meet-ups for expecting parents, new parents, and parents of specific age groups.
-Educational outings for entire families or families with children of a specific age range or interest: camping trips, cooking classes, art courses, seasonal gatherings and celebrations, and thematic field trips (i.e. Milk - from Dairy Cow to Grocery Store.)

Ultimately, the organization and scope of Alternative Parenting of Durham will depend on the members and their own needs and vision for the group.

To all those who swim against the parenting current and are looking for friends and support, welcome!