Can Children Really Learn Without School? Thoughts After Reading This Powerful Unschooling Book
When I picked up School Isn’t For Everyone by Heidi Steel, I expected an encouraging and thought-provoking read about unschooling and home education — especially knowing that Naomi Fisher had written the foreword. What I didn’t expect was just how deeply parts of the book would resonate with me, particularly its compassionate approach to children,…
Book Review: Lauren St John Series (The White Giraffe, Dolphin Song, The Last Leopard, The Elephant’s Tale & Operation Rhino)
For parents whose children love animal stories, Lauren St John does a series of deeply moving stories based in South African. These stories have sparked curiosity and have engaged my children throughout. A Captivating Blend of Adventure and Compassion The White Giraffe series introduces readers to Martine, a young girl sent to live on a…
The Surprising Side of Home Educating
What does “falling behind” actually look like in a child? We are now unschooling a nine-year-old and seven-year-old twins. As part of our parenting journey, we’ve grown to understand the importance of nurturing their intrinsic motivation rather than relying on praise or extrinsic rewards. Our aim is to keep their own sparks alive and avoid…
When Endless Love Turns to Dust: A Parent’s Heartbreak Over Hobbycraft Glitter
It’s hard to put into words the kind of heartbreak that hits when you realise something you bought to bring your children joy could have put their health at risk. For years, Hobbycraft felt like a safe haven for creative parents — aisles of paints, paper, glitter, and glue promising endless possibilities. But what happens…
Why Put Up With Me, Tears and Anger and All?
I once asked my friend, who was formerly a counsellor, “Why are you doing this Jimmy? Willing to come out all hours to listen to me cry and be so angry? I don’t understand!”. His simple reply was “One day you will understand.” Until a few years ago, I still couldn’t understand at all why…
Book Review: Michael Morpurgo’s Mr Nobody’s Eyes
For parents and educators seeking beautifully crafted stories that blend emotional depth with accessible themes for children, Michael Morpurgo’s Mr Nobody’s Eyes offers a tender and thought-provoking journey into friendship, compassion, and the unseen struggles we all carry. Known for his gentle storytelling and ability to touch profound subjects with sensitivity, Morpurgo once again delivers a narrative…
Gently Stopping Thumb Sucking
When my oldest daughter was around four or five, I remember writing a desperate question to a gentle parenting group online. The responses I received left me guilty, ashamed, and in tears. My instincts told me she needed to stop sucking her thumb, yet gentle parenting advice seemed to say otherwise. Torn and overwhelmed, I…
Review of: Santa Claus The Movie Story Book
For parents and educators seeking festive books that capture the magic of Christmas without overwhelming or overstimulating young readers, “Santa Claus The Movie Story Book” offers a gentle journey into holiday cheer. Based on the beloved 1980s film, this storybook evokes nostalgia for grown-ups while opening the world of Santa, elves, and Christmas dreams to…
Celebrating The Christmasaurus Series with Our Home Educated Kids
We home educate three children, aged 8 years and 7-year-old twins. One of our biggest challenges is finding enough books to devour together. The kids love reading, especially when Mummy reads chapters aloud every day. I kid you not! When we find a great book, we want to celebrate and share it with the world…
When Bedtime Becomes a Crying Ritual: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Bedtime has a way of revealing truths that stay hidden in the busyness of the day. For many parents, it’s the moment when a child’s unmet needs and deepest longings surface—not in words we can easily solve, but in tears that ask for closeness and reassurance. In my home, bedtime often means lingering at the…
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