In a world that often glorifies speed, multitasking, and measurable results, embracing a slower approach to homeschooling can feel countercultural. Yet, for many families, the shift to slow homeschooling brings an undeniable sense of freedom, fulfillment, and balance. Slow homeschooling isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing what truly matters—with intention and presence.

This time of year always makes me reflect on family rhythms. That’s because the seasonal shift is one that I am feeling and seeing everywhere (in the length of days, in the change in the weather, in the wild animal activity outside my window), and I intuitively begin to feel my life moving to a different tempo.

I love the month for many reasons but one special reason is the 30 Days of Connection Challenge. Every October for the past several years, I have run the #ThirtyDaysofConnection challenge on social media. The goal is to spend the month intentionally building more meaningful connection with your children.

It's almost launch day for The Joy of Slow: Restoring Balance and Wonder to Homeschool Learning and I couldn't be more excited! But that also means that after August 12th, the pre-order bonus will no longer be available. And friends, it really is SO GOOD!

Are there any of you who disliked reading for one reason or another at some point in your life and then changed? Maybe you had an experience or read a book that completely flipped your relationship with reading. Let's explore the strong connection between a reader's interest and motivation.

Last month, my family and I went on an adventure to tour the National Parks in Utah. We also saw some state parks and slot canyons along the way. There were many life lessons hidden in those canyon walls that resemble ones we've encountered along our education journey.

Some friends of ours recently found an intact animal skull in their yard. So naturally, they gifted it to us! These are friends who definitely get our quirky affinities. You best believe that we made a whole educational moment about figuring out what animal it was from. 

Education and school are not always synonymous. Even a homeschool setting doesn't guarantee that the environment is fostering the natural curiosity that most parents desire for their children. We recognized some inspiring ways that three different people pursued an interest and they were all marked by freedom.

We were off to a smooth start. She loved practicing her letters and numbers with all kinds of writing tools. So imagine my horror when slowly, stealthily, she developed a more personalized grip that completely derailed all of my hard work and good intentions.

Much of homeschooling is built upon predictable routines and rhythms. That’s not a bad thing. Routines help us create practices that align our time with our values. Our ability to choose and decide how our days will ultimately flow is a gift. However, routines and rhythms can also be the main culprits in our lack of fun.