Ha! Loving these stories! I think "self-feeding" as they get older does help, but is not a get-out-of-jail-free card. I think of it this way -- even a relaxed, unschooly sort of homeschool parent will spend several hours a day guiding, strewing, discussing, debating, finding resources, answering questions, etc. Then by 2 in the afternoon the kid is ready to just go to the park and play. My kid puts in a full day at school, and then needs that five or so hours of additional "unschooling." A ravenous monster indeed!
