Unschooling Mom2Mom Blog

There are many areas to consider, learn and integrate when diving into unschooling. Sue and other unschooling experts share written wisdom in blog posts. They cover topics such as how to start unschooling kids at any age, deschooling, math, reading, and more! In addition, posts offer sage insights on coping with critics, obstacles, or teens! 

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By Sue Patterson 09 Mar, 2024
Let's talk about "Screen Time." We need to shift our conversation with the kids about their love for technology and electronics.

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Blogpost Collections:

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Brainstorming Instead of Lesson Plans
By Sue Patterson 17 Oct, 2023
When Unschoolers move away from curriculum and lesson plans, brainstorming with the kids is a great Next Step!
By Sue Patterson 11 Sep, 2023
Think of Unschooling as your compass pointing you toward individualizing and connection. Sue Patterson shares more about this in the Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast. You can read the transcript here while you listen!
By Sue Patterson 09 Sep, 2023
Let's figure out what you need to help you overcome your fears about unschooling and get back to the life you and your kids can all enjoy!
By Sue Patterson 29 Aug, 2023
Do you like unschooling but wonder why your doubts hold you back? Sue Patterson shares what she did to grow her confidence in unschooling - it could work for you too!
By Sue Patterson 23 Jul, 2023
Do you wish someone could just give you a permission slip to make the choices you want to make? Sue Patterson shares some ideas about getting the permission you want in this Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast/blogpost.
By Sue Patterson 03 Jul, 2023
Why is is so hard to get schooly ideas out of our heads? Sue Patterson talks about it this week on the Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast.
By Sue Patterson 07 Jun, 2023
What's unschooling REALLY about? After hearing so many misconceptions, let's talk about what's really going on!
By Sue Patterson 02 May, 2023
Do you like the idea of unschooling but you're worried that your kids will have gaps in their education? Sue Patterson talks about this on this week's Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast
By Sue Patterson 11 Apr, 2023
Interested in learning how to unschool math - without a curriculum? Listen to the podcast and/or read along! Sue Patterson shares unschooling secrets that will help you eliminate power struggles and still prepare kids for the adult life!
By Sue Patterson 06 Dec, 2022
Sue Patterson shares three stumbling blocks she has seen parents facing when they want to successfully unschool. And she shares them here in the podcast/blogpost.
By Sue Patterson 27 Oct, 2022
Are you wondering how long deschooling is supposed to take? It's all so vague, right? Sue Patterson shares some ideas that will help clarify in this podcast/blogpost.
By Sue Patterson 20 Oct, 2022
Let's talk about some of the issues that pop up this time of year: Candy consumption, big kids trick-or-treating, feeling judged by other parents. BONUS: Movie and book recommendations from other unschoolers!
By Sue Patterson 12 Oct, 2022
Looking for that perfect homeschooling curriculum? Unschoolers create curriculum through brainstorming with their kids. You can too! Sue Patterson shares why it's a good idea in this quick unschooling pep talk podcast!
Ok, you're unschooling - now what's the plan?
By Sue Patterson 24 Aug, 2022
OK! You've decided to unschool. But now you're wondering what exactly is the plan here? You're in the right place - Sue can help!
By Sue Patterson 28 Jun, 2022
Lots of families like some parts of unschooling, but want to keep parts of traditional homeschooling too. Maybe you can relate? Sometimes people consider this more Eclectic Homeschooling. I consider it all on a continuum. Where I started was not where I finished when my kids were grown. It was as if layers peeled away over time. Read more...
A  Mom and her young Daughter talking to each other.
By Sue Patterson 16 May, 2022
Is Homeschooling NOT Working for You? Did you start this home education journey with one idea in mind, but the reality hasn’t ended up looking like that at all? Many of you were thrown into homeschooling because of the pandemic and you just did what was familiar to you. Even before Covid, this is often Read More
By Sue Patterson 12 Jan, 2022
You've explored the internet, but you're still left with the question - How do I START unschooling? Sue Patterson can walk you through it!
By Sue Patterson 25 Oct, 2021
When we're walking away from curriculum, families want to know how to unschool a teen. This podcast gives you tips, ideas, resources, and inspiration from someone who's done it!
By Sue Patterson 07 Jun, 2021
Are you telling yourself that homeschooling/unschooling would be too hard for you? Are you listing out all the reasons it might not be a good idea? Sue Patterson shares 5 reasons TO homeschool your kids - especially in the unschooling way!

Learning the “how to” of unschooling presents parents with many challenges since there is not a curriculum or specific steps set by others to follow. Sue understands that every family, every situation, and every parent’s “emotional baggage” is different. In this collection of posts, Sue shares her insights to guide you in discovering your “how to” unschool. 

By Sue Patterson 13 Dec, 2023
If this past semester of homeschooling has been lackluster - or worse - it might be time to explore unschooling! Sue Patterson shares 5 Steps to help you move into an unschooling direction.
By Sue Patterson 11 Nov, 2023
Let's look at an unschooling approach to creating Gratitude Journals - whether our kids like to write or not!
By Sue Patterson 17 Sep, 2023
Starting your homeschooling journey? Here are 100 tips to help you be successful!
By Sue Patterson 11 Sep, 2023
Think of Unschooling as your compass pointing you toward individualizing and connection. Sue Patterson shares more about this in the Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast. You can read the transcript here while you listen!
By Sue Patterson 31 Aug, 2023
For Unschoolers... summer isn't ending at all!!
By Sue Patterson 07 Jun, 2023
What's unschooling REALLY about? After hearing so many misconceptions, let's talk about what's really going on!
A black woman with her young daughter both smiling at the camera.
By Sue Patterson 06 Jul, 2022
Are you having trouble Connecting with your Kids? That's what we're talking about this week! Some of us are naturals at this. Maybe we had parents that did a good job or maybe we simply have a more playful personality. But even if this isn’t your strong suit - don’t give up!! Read More
Child in a field using a magnifying glass to look at bugs.
By Sue Patterson 01 Jul, 2022
The world provides so many interesting and curious opportunities. Kids are engaging in these all the time. As parents, our job is to notice the learning that is happening right in front of us!
By Sue Patterson 28 Jun, 2022
Lots of families like some parts of unschooling, but want to keep parts of traditional homeschooling too. Maybe you can relate? Sometimes people consider this more Eclectic Homeschooling. I consider it all on a continuum. Where I started was not where I finished when my kids were grown. It was as if layers peeled away over time. Read more...
By Sue Patterson 21 Jun, 2022
Following Kids' Interests - When you start to explore unschooling, you hear a lot about kids following interests. And initially, for a lot of people, they think of 1-2 things they’ve seen their kids interested in - Lego, playing make believe, Fortnight or Minecraft. And they can’t wrap their brain around that being “enough.” Read More

Is technology distracting your kids or part of their natural learning path? How do video games fit into the picture? Gain insights into how you want to incorporate tech with Sue’s experience, research and guest experts showcased in this collection of posts.

By Sue Patterson 09 Mar, 2024
Let's talk about "Screen Time." We need to shift our conversation with the kids about their love for technology and electronics.
How much is too much technology?
By Sue Patterson 04 Mar, 2024
How much IS too much - when it comes to gaming and surfing the web? Especially if you're going to unschool! Sue Patterson shares strategies for how to tackle the technology in your home!
Technology and Your Kids
By Sue Patterson 08 Sep, 2022
Worried about your kids use of technology and "screens?" Sue Patterson helps you understand how to see it through an unschooling lens.
By Sue Patterson 15 Feb, 2022
Are you worried that your kids are "addicted" to technology? Sue Patterson shares some unschooling thoughts on in this Unschooling Mom2Mom's podcast.
By Sue Patterson 27 Jul, 2021
Are you concerned about your kids and their devices? Here's more information about unschooling and technology - include 6 Ideas to Help You!
By Guest Blogger 22 Oct, 2019
 Guest blogger, Belinda Bonham Carter, noticed how many stories exist about how technology disconnects us, its ill effects and how gaming in particular can be harmful. This story is not that perspective. Sixteen months ago, relatively new to homeschooling, I took an online discussion/seminar class focusing on child-led learning. During the class the subject of Read More
By Guest Blogger 08 Oct, 2019
Michelle Conaway shows us how technology may be changing how we view socialization. Parents may not be aware of all the skills kids are learning while they're playing games and interacting with friends online.  It is hard to believe, but one of the most asked questions of homeschoolers is still about socialization. How will they learn Read More
By Guest Blogger 09 Jun, 2018
Have your children experienced trauma? Was bullying one of the reasons you've removed them from school? Roya Dedeaux, LMFT, shares seven reasons why parents should consider encouraging (rather than discouraging!) their children from playing video games. Playing video games can be one of the ABSOLUTE BEST THINGS a kid can do after undergoing trauma, abuse, Read More
By Sue Patterson 19 Dec, 2017
Unschoolers embrace technology in spite of the dire warnings from the mainstream parenting approaches! Let us help you understand why - here and at our Facebook group!
By Sue Patterson 19 Jun, 2017
What’s up with Minecraft? And why are parents so worried about it? Let’s talk about it: “My kid is playing Minecraft All.The.Time!” Comments like this always make me start with some questions... Really? ALL the time? No karate practice, Shark Week on TV, Pizza with the fam? I don’t think it’s always. A lot? Maybe. Read More

Are you curious about unschooling and math? While most parents don’t want to single out subjects, math contains many essential concepts. Sue and other experts share pearls of wisdom in this collection of blogs about math- from personal phobias to money to Minecraft and how it weaves through our everyday life.

By Sue Patterson 23 Jan, 2024
Social media is in a flurry about the Pythagorean Theorem... why we learn it, how we learn it, what's the point? So I decided to ask my Robot Friend how DO we use the Pythagorean Theorem in real life. I think you'll be surprised!
By Sue Patterson 11 Apr, 2023
Interested in learning how to unschool math - without a curriculum? Listen to the podcast and/or read along! Sue Patterson shares unschooling secrets that will help you eliminate power struggles and still prepare kids for the adult life!
By Sue Patterson 07 Mar, 2023
Every March, you too can celebrate Pi Day with the Kids! Math really IS everywhere!
How DO Unschoolers Learn Math?
By Sue Patterson 28 May, 2021
Unschooling and math... how does that work? Do you worry about how your child would learn math if they were unschooled? We have so many resources to help you reframe how you look at math. This is a good starting place!
By Sue Patterson 11 Mar, 2021
Do you have reservations about how unschooled kids can learn math? Let's talk about it!
Michael's Unschooling Path to Math
By Sue Patterson 01 Mar, 2021
Michael left school after 1st grade and never took another math class until college. Want to know what that path looked like?
By Sue Patterson 21 Feb, 2021
Join the Creating Confidence group where guest speaker, Colleen Salchow, comes to speak about kids and money!
Unschooling everything except math?
By Sue Patterson 03 Feb, 2021
Helpful tips for getting over your own resistance to math!
By Guest Blogger 06 Jan, 2021
Pam Sorooshian poses some questions to see our emotional connection to math
Unschooling, Math, Older Kids
By Sue Patterson 18 Dec, 2020
Unschooling Q & A with Sue Patterson - "How DO older unschooled kids learn the math they need to know?"

Have you come up against obstacles such as your spouse or the grandparents not being on board with unschooling?  Or maybe you’ve encountered criticism from family, friends, strangers, or even from yourself. This collection of posts by Sue and other guest experts addresses these issues and reassures you that unschooling is worth it.

By Sue Patterson 19 Nov, 2023
While we may be a little nervous about this season of get-togethers with friends and family - our kids may need a little help from us. Prepping ahead of time is the key to success! This Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast/blogpost will show you how to get everyone out of The Hot Seat!
Coping with Holiday Gatherings - as Unschoolers
By Sue Patterson 23 Nov, 2022
Need help coping with criticism about your family's educational choices at holiday get togethers? This podcast / blogpost is for YOU!
By Sue Patterson 18 Oct, 2022
People say, "I went to school and I'm fine." But are they really? Let's look at this more closely.
Mother's Day and Being that Mom
By Sue Patterson 03 May, 2022
Maybe You're THAT Mom too? This week is Mothers’s Day.  And since the podcast is Unschooling Mom2Mom, I thought it’s important to talk about it a little. I actually have a collection of writings about Mother’s Day - so I’ll share them here: Anticipating Mother's Day Podcast/Blogpost Mother's Day 2020 blogpost Pinterest Board - Mother's Read More
By Sue Patterson 04 Apr, 2022
Does the word, Unschooling, bother you? A lot of people like the idea of unschooling, but hesitate because they feel the word is negative. Let's talk about that!
By Sue Patterson 28 Mar, 2022
People worry that unschooling will cause major gaps in learning. Sue Patterson shares what her unschooled kids never learned.
By Sue Patterson 23 Nov, 2021
Are you nervous about the holidays and unschooling? Maybe your relatives tend to put you on the spot with questions - and you're not sure how to answer? This podcast gives suggestions and tips for navigating those holiday get togethers.
By Sue Patterson 17 Sep, 2021
We hear a lot of concern when it comes to unschooling and socialization. Let's talk about it a little more.
By Sue Patterson 24 May, 2021
Do you have trouble with critical family and friends? Here are some unschooling points to consider as you wade through the negativity.
By Sue Patterson 05 Apr, 2021
Sometimes Dad is anti-unschooling. Maybe your spouse (could be Mom) simply isn't embracing unschooling as much as you do! Let's talk about how we can get on the same page.

Not Back-to-School

When the local kids are all heading back to school, it can turn into a community frenzy - sometimes causing parents and kids second-guess their home education approach or wonder what they're missing. In these blogposts, Sue shares a variety of techniques and practical ideas to help you through this time of year, creating new traditions, examining what's going on, and celebrating the option to unschool!

By Sue Patterson 31 Aug, 2023
For Unschoolers... summer isn't ending at all!!
By Sue Patterson 29 Aug, 2023
Do you like unschooling but wonder why your doubts hold you back? Sue Patterson shares what she did to grow her confidence in unschooling - it could work for you too!
By Sue Patterson 17 Aug, 2023
Unschooling Mom2Mom's first viral post... was not that fun. But kind of expected...
By Sue Patterson 15 Aug, 2023
It's Decision Time! You don't have to walk through this "Back-to-School" season all alone! This is the first video in our NOT Back-to-School series. Sue Patterson walks you through 3 tips to remember.
By Sue Patterson 06 Aug, 2023
The time has come to break up with school. Read the reasons in this week's Unschooling Mom2Mom post.
By Sue Patterson 23 Jul, 2023
Do you wish someone could just give you a permission slip to make the choices you want to make? Sue Patterson shares some ideas about getting the permission you want in this Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast/blogpost.
By Sue Patterson 03 Jul, 2023
Why is is so hard to get schooly ideas out of our heads? Sue Patterson talks about it this week on the Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast.
By Sue Patterson 20 Jan, 2023
Unschooling parents share what they were taught in school that turned out to NOT be true!
NOT Back to School Celebrations
By Sue Patterson 02 Sep, 2022
Let's shift from worrying about this upcoming "school year" to CELEBRATING all the reasons we've chosen to unschool! It's time to have our own NOT Back to School Party/Webinar!
By Sue Patterson 17 Aug, 2022
Podcast Transcript Each year, about this time, I get a little twinge that lasts about a month or so - especially when I walk into a grocery store or Target or any other place that has those Back-to-School shopping aisles. I know that some families are excited to be getting all their stuff together for the new year. And school works for them. And I also overhear some moms loudly announcing, “Only four more days...” with their kids in earshot, envisioning their relaxing lunch dates and calmer afternoons before the kids get home. The kids don’t usually seem that happy about their moms’ glee at getting rid of them... but that’s probably...for another podcast, right?

Do you feel anxious when thinking about unschooling teens? Whether your children are already teens or just on their way to that stage, Sue’s blogs offer helpful insights, tips, and inspiration. She draws on her own parenting experience plus interviews with teens and parents.

Teen Years – Is it too late to Unschool?
By Sue Patterson 08 Nov, 2022
So many kids have been struggling with school! Bullying, the pressure to perform, the over-emphasis on testing, the sleep deprivation – the list keeps growing. But parents worry if it's too late to switch gears and choose to unschool. Sue shares why it's not too late to unschool - AT ALL!
By Sue Patterson 04 Oct, 2022
Are you new to unschooling and your kids are worried unschooling may not be "enough?" Sue Patterson shares how you could talk about it with them, when it's all new.
By Sue Patterson 19 Jul, 2022
What do you do when your teen hates school ...and anything that seems even a little bit "educational? In this episode of the Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast, Sue Patterson shares how and why the unschooling approach is perfect for this! Podcast Transcript Hi Everyone! It’s time we talk about teens again! I’ll share a message I received just today about a family that’s wondering how to do this. So instead of answering her and sending her some resources, I thought I’d put it in the podcast! If we haven’t met or this is your first time listening, I’m Sue Patterson, and this is the Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast. Each week, I offer you 5-10 minutes of an unschooling peptalk. - Something to help you see that your connection with your kid matters most. - Something that can show you how it’s OK to do something unconventional more than ok! Actually a really good idea! My own unschooled now-grown kids are 33, 31, and 28. They all took different paths - and they were and are prepared for their young adult lives. They got into college, conservatories, trade schools, own homes and businesses, started families - all things! AND they had awesome childhoods. And we didn’t duplicate school - not even in the teen years! I want to show you how. After 25 years in this community, I have so many resources to help you - whether you want to dip your toes in the water, or dive on in. I’ll put links in the shownotes for you. My New Unschooler course, Jumping Into Unschooling is a great solution for getting your brain wrapped around HOW unschooling can work for your teen. You don’t have to buy that expensive curriculum. Take the course and you’ll see what I mean!
By Sue Patterson 25 Oct, 2021
When we're walking away from curriculum, families want to know how to unschool a teen. This podcast gives you tips, ideas, resources, and inspiration from someone who's done it!
By Sue Patterson 04 Oct, 2021
Do you wonder what should "count" when you're unschooling? Everything counts! Let me explain...
By Sue Patterson 20 Jun, 2021
Are you worried about unschooling teens and transcripts? Here are the resources you need to feel confident about unschooling AND create an acceptable transcript.
By Sue Patterson 31 May, 2021
Can unschoolers get into college? Yes! They're doing it all the time. Sue Patterson will share how this happens...
By Sue Patterson 08 May, 2021
So many parents are looking into how unschooling could work for their family. This week, we're talking about learning to read, unschooling teens, "What about socialization?" and PARENT transitions!
By Sue Patterson 22 Mar, 2021
Why do we feel like the stakes get higher when it comes to the teen years? In some ways, maybe it does. In other ways, not so much. Let's talk about unschooling a teen.
Unschooling, Math, Older Kids
By Sue Patterson 18 Dec, 2020
Unschooling Q & A with Sue Patterson - "How DO older unschooled kids learn the math they need to know?"

Have you heard about deschooling and are unsure why it’s an integral part of the unschooling process? While technically it’s the stage between traditional school and unschooling, Sue understands there is much more to learn for you and your child. Read all about this key topic in this collection of blogs on deschooling.

Incomplete Deschooling - Are Homeschoolers Doing it Wrong?
By Sue Patterson 19 Dec, 2023
This Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast/blogpost examines the idea that maybe your homeschooling struggles are because you haven't completely deschooled.
By Sue Patterson 13 Dec, 2023
If this past semester of homeschooling has been lackluster - or worse - it might be time to explore unschooling! Sue Patterson shares 5 Steps to help you move into an unschooling direction.
By Sue Patterson 06 Aug, 2023
The time has come to break up with school. Read the reasons in this week's Unschooling Mom2Mom post.
By Sue Patterson 23 Jul, 2023
Do you wish someone could just give you a permission slip to make the choices you want to make? Sue Patterson shares some ideas about getting the permission you want in this Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast/blogpost.
By Sue Patterson 03 Jul, 2023
Why is is so hard to get schooly ideas out of our heads? Sue Patterson talks about it this week on the Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast.
By Sue Patterson 28 Jun, 2023
Unschoolers Find Subjects Hiding Everywhere!
By Sue Patterson 27 Oct, 2022
Are you wondering how long deschooling is supposed to take? It's all so vague, right? Sue Patterson shares some ideas that will help clarify in this podcast/blogpost.
By Sue Patterson 18 Oct, 2022
People say, "I went to school and I'm fine." But are they really? Let's look at this more closely.
By Sue Patterson 04 Oct, 2022
Are you new to unschooling and your kids are worried unschooling may not be "enough?" Sue Patterson shares how you could talk about it with them, when it's all new.
Child in a field using a magnifying glass to look at bugs.
By Sue Patterson 01 Jul, 2022
The world provides so many interesting and curious opportunities. Kids are engaging in these all the time. As parents, our job is to notice the learning that is happening right in front of us!

Are you wondering how unschoolers learn to read without a curriculum? You’re not alone. Sue and other experts take this topic head-on in this collection of posts about reading. You’ll read tips, insights, research, and reassurance that your child will be able to read, even if reading isn’t your passion.

By Sue Patterson 23 Oct, 2021
Does your child spell a lot of words incorrectly? Are you thinking you may not be able to continue unschooling? How DO unschoolers learn to spell?
By Sue Patterson 08 May, 2021
So many parents are looking into how unschooling could work for their family. This week, we're talking about learning to read, unschooling teens, "What about socialization?" and PARENT transitions!
By Sue Patterson 12 Apr, 2021
Do you worry about unschooling & learning to read? This is the transcript for the Unschooling and learning to read podcast.
By Sue Patterson 31 Jan, 2021
Unschoolers share their personal journeys to reading - come share yours too!
By Sue Patterson 27 Jan, 2021
Guest Blogger, Rebecca Taberski, shares her experiences when her son learned to read a little later than expected.
By Guest Blogger 26 Jan, 2021
Guest Blogger: Paula Sjogerman shares about experiences with reading a little later than expected.
By Guest Blogger 26 Sep, 2019
Guest Blogger, JJ Ross, Ed.D., originally wrote this article in 2014 for a collection on the topic of reading in the Homeschooler Post. Unschooling Mom2Mom is happy to be able to share her work here.
By Sue Patterson 09 Dec, 2015
So many people wonder how a child will learn to read if he/she has no teacher to teach them?Sue Patterson shares how her own three children learned to read - three very different paths!

Blog Archive

By Sue Patterson 09 Mar, 2024
Let's talk about "Screen Time." We need to shift our conversation with the kids about their love for technology and electronics.
How much is too much technology?
By Sue Patterson 04 Mar, 2024
How much IS too much - when it comes to gaming and surfing the web? Especially if you're going to unschool! Sue Patterson shares strategies for how to tackle the technology in your home!
By Sue Patterson 14 Feb, 2024
What's the big takeaway when an unschooling mom looks back? Lean into the Love. Originally written in 2012, and now updated for 2024, Sue Patterson share's what she wish she had known... way back when.
5 Signs it's time to Unschool
By Sue Patterson 08 Feb, 2024
5 Signs that it may be time for you to start unschooling! Whether you've been homeschooling and it's not working out as planned, or you're looking for alternatives to public schools, here are 5 Signs it may be time to start homeschooling from an unschooling perspective.
By Sue Patterson 23 Jan, 2024
Social media is in a flurry about the Pythagorean Theorem... why we learn it, how we learn it, what's the point? So I decided to ask my Robot Friend how DO we use the Pythagorean Theorem in real life. I think you'll be surprised!
By Sue Patterson 21 Jan, 2024
While no unschooling family would be considered "typical," a few characteristics are common for those who successfully unschool. Sue Patterson solves the mystery and shares what a few of these traits are. Perfect for those who are trying to figure out how to unschool or are looking for how to create a homeschooling routine.
Create a Reverse Bucket List - brainstorming on paper with Post-its
By Guest Blogger 04 Jan, 2024
Spend a little time with family creating your own "reverse bucket list" - identifying and celebrating accomplishments from this past year!
Incomplete Deschooling - Are Homeschoolers Doing it Wrong?
By Sue Patterson 19 Dec, 2023
This Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast/blogpost examines the idea that maybe your homeschooling struggles are because you haven't completely deschooled.
By Sue Patterson 13 Dec, 2023
If this past semester of homeschooling has been lackluster - or worse - it might be time to explore unschooling! Sue Patterson shares 5 Steps to help you move into an unschooling direction.
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