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[Judy Anderson <segwynne AT verizon.net>]

I came into this conversation very late, but I would like to add my two 
cents.  I don't believe the environment and/or unschooling are capable 
of being the sole determinants in how a child grows up. I am unschooling 
my children in a housing project, where we live in poverty (by American 
standards).  I will admit that I am in a great city, and the worst crime 
we have suffered while living here is getting our tires slashed and 
having CPS spuriously called on us repeatedly by someone wanting to get 
revenge for some unknown grudge.

The environment can destroy any child regardless of schooling method, if 
the parents don't lead their children.  Unschooling will work in any 
environment, if the parents are committed to their children.  I am a 
stay home mom, so I have my children with me at all times.  I severely 
limit their contact with the neighbors.  I take them out of this 
neighborhood and give them good role models.  Two of my girls are in 
Girl Scouts.  They all love the library and participate each year in the 
summer reading program, and whatever other events the library hosts.  
They are wonderful kids (for the most part).

I agree that everyone is capable of teaching their children, but only if 
they want to.  The parent's level of education really isn't an issue 
because a committed parent will find the information themselves or find 
someone who knows and can teach their child.  I once heard the library 
called the second public education system, and I have to agree.  If an 
illiterate parent wants to teach their child themselves, they will 
either learn how to read, or find someone who can teach their child how 
to read, or both.  I'm not saying it isn't hard, I am saying it should 
not be dismissed out of hand.

Ultimately, the parents are *the* single most influential factor in a 
child's life.

Judy