౨ৎ What does a typical slow day look like in your home?

We gave up the privilege of slow mornings when we acquired SO many animals! We wake with the roosters, tend to all the animals and then prepare our breakfasts. My eldest daughter is so type A, she has her workbooks ready to go as soon as I sit down and we go through her core learning (English and Math) and then we have the rest of the day to lean into what her passions are (mushrooms as of late!). We live on a 5 acre property with 4 generations of my family and everyone is involved in their learning which I am so grateful for.

౨ৎ What inspired you to start homeschooling?

Our family culture is very sacred to us and the thought of sending my girl out to the local schools just felt so conflicting. We wanted learning to feel like an extension of life itself, not confined to the perimeter of a school. With our backyard, garden, and animals, homeschooling felt like a natural way to nurture that sense of discovery. We did trial preschool to see if my daughter thrived in that environment and was able to see quickly that it wasn’t her most ideal space. My time with my girls is an absolute blessing and I’m so grateful to have the circumstances that we can homeschool.

౨ৎ How do your kids respond to learning at home — do they enjoy it?

Yes, because learning feels playful and woven into everyday life. There’s joy in being able to learn outside, to move at their own pace, and to follow interests that spark excitement. As mothers we have been teaching them since babies and no one knows how their brain is wired better than we do, and I think that makes us the best teachers for them.

౨ৎ What do you say to people who worry about the social aspect when you are homeschooling?

We remind them that “social” doesn’t only mean sitting in a classroom with same-aged peers. Our girls spend time with their congregation, neighbours, extended family, nature groups, and local homeschool meet-ups. She’s learning to connect with people of all ages, which we see as a richer form of socialisation.

౨ৎ What’s been the most surprising part of homeschooling so far?

It’s made me realise how sacred childhood is and gives me the confidence I am preserving her childhood. And what an honour it is to be able to watch her childhood unfold and then also look back on my childhood with gratitude.

౨ৎ What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

One challenge is balancing structure with flexibility. At first, I felt pressure to “do it all,” but I’ve learned to lean into rhythm rather than rigid schedules. Another challenge is outside opinions, but reminding myself of why we chose this path has helped me stay grounded.

౨ৎ What advice would you give to someone considering homeschooling?

Start small. You don’t have to recreate school at home. Let curiosity lead, and notice how much learning happens naturally in daily life. And don’t be afraid to adjust as you go, homeschooling can be as unique as your family and every family has their own learning culture.

౨ৎ What does “success” look like to you in this lifestyle?

Success to me is about raising a child who is curious, kind, connected to nature, and confident in who they are. If we create a family life that feels rooted, joyful, and meaningful, then we’re successful.

౨ৎ What are your favourite simple joys or slow rituals as a family?

Ohhhh I could go on and on. Sharing our brewed chai together, painting our murals, our read alouds, trying to get my 2 year old to STOP chasing the ducks, constant dress ups and always and forever being in the garden with my babies.

౨ৎ How do you create space for your kids to just be — without overscheduling?

We leave intentional blank spaces in our days. Instead of filling every moment with an activity, we make room for wandering, daydreaming, and free play. That’s often when the most imaginative learning happens.

౨ৎ What small changes would you recommend to parents who want to begin slowing down?

Begin by saying no to one thing that doesn’t serve your family rhythm. Replace it with something simple — a walk, reading together, or just quiet time. Small shifts create space for bigger change.

౨ৎ What was the intention of starting your Cowboy Kids account?

It was to connect with homeschoolers and share ideas in the beginning but as time went on I naturally started connecting with brands and creating beautiful, story telling type content for them. I have a degree in business management/branding and had my own brand in the past so it’s always been a joy of mine. I’m so grateful to work with such beautiful brands (like Phile!) that makes it viable for me to be able to homeschool my girls.

౨ৎ If your kids described your family life, what do you hope they’d say?

I hope they’d say it feels magical, full of love, sometimes chaotic and that they had the luxury of time to explore their interests to the full.