Challenging Adultism, Respecting Children & Rethinking the Power Dynamic in Parenting
In this episode of the BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast, Kelly and Ashley get real about adultism—the often-unquestioned power imbalance between adults and children. Inspired by fellow home educating mum and respected expert on Adultism, Eloise Rickman and her book 'It's Not Fair', they reflect on how even the most conscious parents can slip into controlling patterns, and what it means to truly respect kids as full people.
They discuss:
- What adultism is, and how it shows up in everyday family life.
- The challenge of letting go of control as kids grow and assert themselves.
- Why children’s rights and autonomy matter (and why most of us never learned about them.)
- The impact of language, discipline, and school structures on children’s self-worth.
- Personal stories about food battles, bodily autonomy, and learning to find a balance between protection and control.
- How to balance safety, boundaries and respect—without losing your mind as a parent!
Kelly and Ashley share honest moments of vulnerability, cringe from some seriously eye opening moments experienced whilst reading, and how important growth is in this area, as well as offering practical ways to shift from a power-over dynamic to a more collaborative, compassionate approach.
They highlight the importance of compromise, self-reflection, and community support for parents doing this work.
Take it further: Listen in for inspiration, solidarity, and practical ideas to help you rethink your own patterns and raise more empowered, respected kids. Join the conversation on Instagram or TikTok @bighomeedpodcast, or via the blog www.offroadingmotherhood.co.uk/blog
Don't forget to grab a copy of Eloise Rickman's book, 'It's Not Fair' to take your journey down this road further
Keywords: adultism, respectful parenting, children’s rights, home education UK, conscious parenting, autonomy for kids, power dynamics, BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast
