I thought I would go back to work after my first maternity leave. It only took one day for me to realise I was wrong! As I sat pumping milk in a windowless room they had set aside just for … Read More

I’ve been reflecting on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and how, when you consider the lives of those literally directly in the firing line, the families that are being torn apart, the way of living that is being destroyed, the … Read More

After experiencing pandemic enforced school at home you’d be forgiven for thinking those of us who choose to home educate are either bonkers or superhuman. There’s a lot of evidence out there as to why self-directed education is a wonderful … Read More

Have you ever shared your concern that your child is not happy at school only to be met with statements like “but every child is unhappy” or “I didn’t like school either but we all have to do it”? It … Read More

I’m gonna be frank; Home educating is not for everyone. But I’ll tell you what is for everyone; Deschooling is for everyone. Home educating requires time, effort, a supportive community, and ways of making income that can fit around your … Read More

TL:DR The process of ‘convincing’ your partner in the short term to home educate will develop the skills you will both need to be long term home educators, plus help you advocate for/justify/defend your approach. When I was a young … Read More

A continuing theme in my life is ‘coming to terms with my ordinariness’. You could also call it self-acceptance After my youth was spent striving to be something noteworthy, scuppered by my small comfort zone (I imagined), it’s only been … Read More

I’ve started writing poetry… It’s a bit embarrassing to call it poetry as I’ve never been a fan and don’t feel like I know what poetry even is, but lately I have felt the desire to write less and express … Read More

As Steve opened the opaque kitchen window I was struck by the view of the sun dancing on the sea. Terracotta buildings rose out of the canopy of palm trees, swaying in the sea breeze. How on earth did we … Read More

After 7 years and 3 months it appears my milk has dried up and my breastfeeding career is over. Emmie was only feeding intermittently for short times at bedtime, but the second night she told me there was no milk … Read More