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,Continue reading “Can Children Really Learn Without School? Thoughts After Reading This Powerful Unschooling Book”
Tag Archives: writing
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.
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 avoidContinue reading “The Surprising Side of Home Educating”
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 happensContinue reading “When Endless Love Turns to Dust: A Parent’s Heartbreak Over Hobbycraft Glitter”
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 whyContinue reading “Why Put Up With Me, Tears and Anger and All?”
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 narrativeContinue reading “Book Review: Michael Morpurgo’s Mr Nobody’s Eyes”
Five Children on the Western Front: A Touching Tale of Love, War, and Gentle Parenting Lessons
I remembered watching Five Children and It when I was younger, so when I spotted the book in a charity shop, I bought it. To be honest, Five Children and It felt a bit dull to me, though the kids enjoyed it—especially when I put on a deep rasping voice for the Psammead. They seemedContinue reading “Five Children on the Western Front: A Touching Tale of Love, War, and Gentle Parenting Lessons”
Poem: What I Tell My Children
Sometimes, the stories we carry from our own childhoods are a tangled mix of light and shadow. When my young kids asked me to share my earliest memories, I found myself walking a delicate line — wanting to protect their innocence while honouring the truth of my past. This poem is a glimpse into thoseContinue reading “Poem: What I Tell My Children”
Poem: Splitting In Three
Bedtime in our house has always been a journey—sometimes sweet, often challenging, and lately, more emotional than ever. As a parent of three, I’ve found myself pulled in different directions, wishing I could be everywhere at once to comfort each of my children through their nighttime fears and worries. Over the years, we’ve tried everyContinue reading “Poem: Splitting In Three”
Hold Onto Your Kids: An Ode to Dr. Gordon Neufeld
Why I Hold Onto Dr. Gordon Neufeld’s Wisdom: A Poetic Tribute In a world where childhood often feels overshadowed by peer pressure and social calendars packed with endless play dates, it can be challenging to share a different perspective on what children truly need to thrive. For over two decades, Dr. Gordon Neufeld has beenContinue reading “Hold Onto Your Kids: An Ode to Dr. Gordon Neufeld”
Gentle Parent 