Families are increasingly exploring homeschooling and unschooling as alternatives to conventional schooling for their children. Shivani Bansal, an IT professional based in Pune, has chosen to educate her four-year-old daughter at home. In Surat, Vishruti Shah follows an unschooling approach with her ten-year-old son Vedarth, who has already written a book. These choices stem from concerns over rigid systems that require young children to sit still and face evaluations. Parents aim to preserve childhood while fostering natural curiosity through daily experiences like reading, play, creative projects, and outdoor activities. A typical day for the young girl includes short sessions on maths and phonics alongside free play and gymnastics, with flexible wake-up times but consistent bedtimes. The mothers note that learning occurs beyond classrooms or fixed curricula, emphasizing critical thinking over standardized tests. For higher education, options such as the National Institute of Open Schooling or Cambridge pathways are under consideration. Challenges include societal pressure and occasional self-doubt, which families address by maintaining clarity in their decisions.
