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The Unhurried Homeschooler: A Simple, Mercifully Short Book on Homeschooling
Homeschooling is a wonderful, worthwhile pursuit, but many homeschool parents struggle with feelings of burnout and frustration. If you have ever felt this way, you’re not alone! Most of us need to be reminded of the “why” of homeschooling from time to time—but The Unhurried Homeschooler takes parents a step further and lifts the unnecessary burdens that many parents place on themselves. Drawing on twenty years of homeschooling her eight children, Durenda Wilson gently reminds parents about the things that really matter, as she offers a clear portrait of what a life-giving home life can be during the homeschooling years. Reading The Unhurried Homeschooler is like having coffee with a trusted friend. You’ll be encouraged as you learn to do what God has put before you. This book will lighten your load while helping you learn how to raise life long learners and ENJOY the homeschool years with your kids.
78 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2016
931 people are currently reading
2900 people want to read
About the author
Durenda Wilson
4 books67 followersDurenda Wilson has been very happily married to Darryl for 26 years and homeschooling for 20 years. They have eight awesome kids, 5 boys and 3 girls. Two are married, one is in college and the rest are still at home. Durenda is a Nana to four cuties! She writes for her own blog, Simple Nourishing Home and Hip Homeschool Moms. She also writes and podcasts over at The Busy Mom. Her passion is simplifying, being authentic and inspiring moms to homeschool and mother in freedom and joy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 311 reviews
July 29, 2017
This is an okay beginner's guide to relaxed homeschooling, especially if you are homeschooling for religious reasons.
It's encouraging to read how well it has worked with her kids (most of the older ones have gone on to college and seem to be doing okay) but it's surprising how little she says she actually teaches and how much her teens learn on their own and from others, considering this is not an unschooling book.
The author says she doesn't teach science, history, art, etc. at all to her kids. She basically teaches rudimentary math and reading/writing herself at a very slow pace and starting pretty late, and then has them take on more work themselves as they enter the middle school and high school years. She farms out things like math or has them figure it out themselves. They also learn things related to their interests on their own, so of course some science, history, etc. will work its way in that way. She also assigns lots of chores and seems to have high expectations of her kids outside of academic things.
There is a LOT of encouragement about trusting the Lord and remembering that the things that matter are things like a strong work ethic, time with family and such, and there are lots of reminders that the goal should be serving God.
I really have no idea after reading this book how the author homeschooled 8 kids by doing almost nothing past teaching them reading, writing and basic math, and got them through the middle school and high school years. She describes what she did for the little ones (daily time doing a couple of workbooks in math and reading, then reading something and writing up a bit about it every day) but she's very vague on how things looked past then. She said she has no problem paying for classes, tutors, etc. and that the kids apparently are pretty much in charge of things themselves, but there's no real information on what that looked like or how she/they did it (other than a lot of references to the fact that one of her kids picked up a coding book at 12 and then taught himself what he needed to know and is now finishing college soon).
I read this book free through Kindle Unlimited and it was an interesting, short read, but not really helpful to me as a homeschooling mother who's been doing this a long time and not just starting out.
It's encouraging to read how well it has worked with her kids (most of the older ones have gone on to college and seem to be doing okay) but it's surprising how little she says she actually teaches and how much her teens learn on their own and from others, considering this is not an unschooling book.
The author says she doesn't teach science, history, art, etc. at all to her kids. She basically teaches rudimentary math and reading/writing herself at a very slow pace and starting pretty late, and then has them take on more work themselves as they enter the middle school and high school years. She farms out things like math or has them figure it out themselves. They also learn things related to their interests on their own, so of course some science, history, etc. will work its way in that way. She also assigns lots of chores and seems to have high expectations of her kids outside of academic things.
There is a LOT of encouragement about trusting the Lord and remembering that the things that matter are things like a strong work ethic, time with family and such, and there are lots of reminders that the goal should be serving God.
I really have no idea after reading this book how the author homeschooled 8 kids by doing almost nothing past teaching them reading, writing and basic math, and got them through the middle school and high school years. She describes what she did for the little ones (daily time doing a couple of workbooks in math and reading, then reading something and writing up a bit about it every day) but she's very vague on how things looked past then. She said she has no problem paying for classes, tutors, etc. and that the kids apparently are pretty much in charge of things themselves, but there's no real information on what that looked like or how she/they did it (other than a lot of references to the fact that one of her kids picked up a coding book at 12 and then taught himself what he needed to know and is now finishing college soon).
I read this book free through Kindle Unlimited and it was an interesting, short read, but not really helpful to me as a homeschooling mother who's been doing this a long time and not just starting out.
August 6, 2017
This was a "mercifully short" book and I am so glad for it. It's a wonderful little book that I will be able to reread, without getting bogged down, and glean the encouragement and gentle reminders of why I have chosen to homeschool. Although, I can't fully embrace her style of educating her children, due to the strict homeschooling laws of my state, it was still a great, thought provoking, read on how we can stop worrying about every little detail, and to simply focus on what works best for my family.
I would recommend this to all the homeschool parents who feel burnt out and feel like the family is being formed around the homeschool, instead of the homeschool forming around the family.
I would recommend this to all the homeschool parents who feel burnt out and feel like the family is being formed around the homeschool, instead of the homeschool forming around the family.
January 22, 2020
She talks about most of this stuff on her pod casts so it felt like review to me BUT what she is saying is really good stuff!! Her point is God should lead our homeschooling and it shouldn’t look like public school or how our friends homeschool. It should be unique to our family’s lifestyle. I wish I would have believed all of this when I started my homeschooling journey! I’m still learning to let go of expectations I place on myself and trust God’s leading is perfect for my family. I would encourage any potential homeschoolers or those just getting started to read this, even those who’ve been doing it for a while and feel bogged down by expectations. There is much freedom in letting God lead your schooling!
UPDATE: Jan 2020
This book is filled with good reminders to slow down, take the pressure off yourself and your kids, and live life together enjoying your families unique gifts and passions. I probably need to read this every year when I’m planning out our school year and adding a kazillion different things which leads to me feeling overwhelmed. Keep it simple: Cover the basics and let the kids interests lead the rest of your schooling. So refreshing!
UPDATE: Jan 2020
This book is filled with good reminders to slow down, take the pressure off yourself and your kids, and live life together enjoying your families unique gifts and passions. I probably need to read this every year when I’m planning out our school year and adding a kazillion different things which leads to me feeling overwhelmed. Keep it simple: Cover the basics and let the kids interests lead the rest of your schooling. So refreshing!
November 15, 2019
I couldn’t bring myself to do more than skim this. Soooo much God stuff. Where did I get this recommendation from? I’m sure there are nuggets of wisdom to be mined here but I just couldn’t get that much out of it because it was so in-your-face Christian.
August 18, 2024
I really appreciated this book. It truly is “mercifully short” and easily readable in about an hour…A gift to busy moms whom this book is intended for. It’s not overly heady or wordy, but rather clear and to the point. It would be a great book to pick up for a little encouragement or to get started on formulating your homeschooling vision for your family.
For me personally, it gave voice and vocabulary to thoughts and goals I’ve been ruminating on for my own family. Adding it to my list as probably a yearly read; a good succinct reminder on the heart behind homeschooling.
For me personally, it gave voice and vocabulary to thoughts and goals I’ve been ruminating on for my own family. Adding it to my list as probably a yearly read; a good succinct reminder on the heart behind homeschooling.
August 20, 2016
I love the author's heart and perspective, but can't say I got a whole lot out of the book. There are so many resources out there for homeschoolers nowadays that I think authors must try harder to offer a novel or fresh perspective. I suppose in a way, she does, but it's from a personal perspective and backed up with very little from anyone else.
April 4, 2016
There is nothing new here for the classical/CM educator, but it is so very encouraging. And kind. And wise. We cannot underestimate the value of simple encouragement as we live and work as homeschooling mamas. It's a quick read--takes maybe an hour--but it will stick with you. So many important reminders about what we are REALLY doing as we teach and guide our babies to love the Lord. Really trying to let go of the stuff that doesn't matter and Wilson gave me all the permission I needed.
May 23, 2017
Some of the "unhurried" principles were good, but... I just could not get around the fact that she doesn't teach her kids any science, history, etc. I mean, I know those subjects will come again and in more depth later, but... never? Really? I agree with a focus on reading, writing and arithmetic for the younger years, but we still easily make time for art, science, history, music, etc. And that's in less than three hours per day!
Not my cup of tea.
Not my cup of tea.
January 4, 2020
This book is extremely short, like less than 80 pages, so a very quick read. It’s hard to cover much in depth in that amount of space. Her overall strategy is to focus on the three Rs in elementary school, plus interest-based learning and things around the home. Then start with more comprehensive science, history, etc more like middle & high school. She has good points on how the love for learning gets squelched too early under pressure.
I wish she could have given more specific examples of what it looked like for her high schoolers to start owning their work. Also the study she quoted in the section on trusting your instincts seemed to not really support her point—her logic regarding the causation was flawed. And so was the example of us “teaching” our kids to sit up/walk/talk/etc—we don’t do any of those things, the kids do! Which actually furthers her point. But she was trying to say we taught them those things so we can teach them how to read.
I like the point about being unhurried, but the book Teaching From Rest does a much better job explaining it.
I wish she could have given more specific examples of what it looked like for her high schoolers to start owning their work. Also the study she quoted in the section on trusting your instincts seemed to not really support her point—her logic regarding the causation was flawed. And so was the example of us “teaching” our kids to sit up/walk/talk/etc—we don’t do any of those things, the kids do! Which actually furthers her point. But she was trying to say we taught them those things so we can teach them how to read.
I like the point about being unhurried, but the book Teaching From Rest does a much better job explaining it.
May 28, 2016
I wasn't sure how to rate this. If you're a new homeschooler this is a great book. But for me who has 12 years of homeschooling under my belt, there is nothing here I haven't read before, many, many, many times. I'm not sure that there is really a need for this book when there is so much out there already saying the same thing.
May 2, 2020
Such a fabulous grace-filled look at what homeschooling can look like! A perfect read before we start homeschooling again next year.
March 22, 2016
I love the concept of this book and appreciate so much of Durenda's personal preferences. However, as much as I respect the ideas presented, in the state where I homeschool the law restricts me from embracing them to the fullest.
June 18, 2024
Wilson accomplished what she wrote in the tagline: “a mercifully short book on homeschooling.” This is a very easy, bit sized read but one that will encourage any parents heart that is entering or already in the throes of homeschooling. She has many other resources that go deeper into the topic but this little word will bring you some confidence, encouragement, and faith.
June 15, 2022
This book was interesting, and as the title says, mercifully short. I didn’t agree with everything, but it gave me some good food for thought.
August 21, 2025
A quick read that felt like having coffee with a wise and godly homeschool veteran. Good reminders to keep the main things the main things and not let the curriculum rule your life and home.
June 19, 2024
Delightful short, but immensely encouraging book for any homeschooling mother. Highly recommend for anyone even remotely thinking of homeschooling.
August 22, 2023
Very simple with a lot of encouragement to slow down and pay attention to where your children thrive.
January 2, 2020
Meh. This was another somewhat disappointing self-published Amazon find. I mean, the information is good---but it's not actually very well written and it's nothing I'm not already practicing. In fact, I could have written much of this book---especially the chapter on when she introduces what subjects and how she structures her days---as that's almost exactly how we do things here in our homeschool.
This might be a great book for a beginning homeschooler, but with 17 years and nine kids under my belt, I didn't really find anything that spoke to me. A better title for this little collection of Facebook posts would be, "The UnWORRIED Homeschooler". There's not a lot in here about practical ways to slow down. Entire sections, like the one on work ethic, are great but aren't at all related to the topic of "unhurriedness". There is, however, a lot of encouragement to chill out your emotions and trust the process. I really just think this author had some stuff to say and wanted to say it...ha! There's a lot of whys here but not a lot of hows.
Chapter one could have been totally left out. This book is obviously directed to those who are already homeschooling and opening up a discussion about the whys of homeschooling needed much more than just a couple pages. Her discussion about abuse seemed awkward and out of place, especially when she didn't mention other reasons to homeschool. I think it would have been better to start with the last few paragraphs of that chapter and the scripture and then move on to chapter two which is actually on topic.
I didn't do any of the study questions but these might be helpful to someone who isn't already structuring her life this way.
I'll keep this in my homeschooling library in case any of my friends are looking for it, but I can't say I'll recommend it.
This might be a great book for a beginning homeschooler, but with 17 years and nine kids under my belt, I didn't really find anything that spoke to me. A better title for this little collection of Facebook posts would be, "The UnWORRIED Homeschooler". There's not a lot in here about practical ways to slow down. Entire sections, like the one on work ethic, are great but aren't at all related to the topic of "unhurriedness". There is, however, a lot of encouragement to chill out your emotions and trust the process. I really just think this author had some stuff to say and wanted to say it...ha! There's a lot of whys here but not a lot of hows.
Chapter one could have been totally left out. This book is obviously directed to those who are already homeschooling and opening up a discussion about the whys of homeschooling needed much more than just a couple pages. Her discussion about abuse seemed awkward and out of place, especially when she didn't mention other reasons to homeschool. I think it would have been better to start with the last few paragraphs of that chapter and the scripture and then move on to chapter two which is actually on topic.
I didn't do any of the study questions but these might be helpful to someone who isn't already structuring her life this way.
I'll keep this in my homeschooling library in case any of my friends are looking for it, but I can't say I'll recommend it.
May 8, 2016
This goes straight to the top of my list of recommended HS Books!
Begin by reading this book if you are beginning your journey. I am a homeschooling mom to 4 (ages 1 to 8 years old) and only have been homeschooling officially for 2 years (unofficially 4 years), and I already see the truth of what Durenda Wilson writes beginning to play out right before me. Her knowledge and wisdom is invaluable!
Some may choose rigor versus a more gentle approach, workbooks versus literature based learning, whatever your homeschooling style - the keys mentioned here, I believe, simply spell s-u-c-c-s-e-s-s!
Thank you Durenda for sharing your wisdom!
Begin by reading this book if you are beginning your journey. I am a homeschooling mom to 4 (ages 1 to 8 years old) and only have been homeschooling officially for 2 years (unofficially 4 years), and I already see the truth of what Durenda Wilson writes beginning to play out right before me. Her knowledge and wisdom is invaluable!
Some may choose rigor versus a more gentle approach, workbooks versus literature based learning, whatever your homeschooling style - the keys mentioned here, I believe, simply spell s-u-c-c-s-e-s-s!
Thank you Durenda for sharing your wisdom!
March 6, 2018
This book turned out to be little more than a self-published pamphlet or an expanded blog post. It was encouraging to me although a little heavy on the Christian jargon, and reinforced what I already believe about letting homeschooling be a gradual process. I'd guess experienced homeschoolers might find it a disappointing purchase, however, as there isn't much more to it than that.
October 25, 2018
Not what I was hoping for
I was hoping for more gentle encouragement but I felt like it was more “harsh”. I think I was looking for more of something like Sarah MacKenzie’s Teaching From Rest. The Unhurried Homeschooler felt more like it had a lot of you “should” and just felt more rough to me.
I was hoping for more gentle encouragement but I felt like it was more “harsh”. I think I was looking for more of something like Sarah MacKenzie’s Teaching From Rest. The Unhurried Homeschooler felt more like it had a lot of you “should” and just felt more rough to me.
February 24, 2019
I love Durenda's heart in this book, but there are just so many homeschooling books out there, and this one doesn't provide anything different than what you would find in many of them.
It is mercifully short, only 61 pages in total, and great if you are just looking for a quick word of encouragement.
It is mercifully short, only 61 pages in total, and great if you are just looking for a quick word of encouragement.
February 28, 2023
An okay book for new homeschoolers or people thinking of homeschooling. Would probably not recommend for someone already homeschooling or someone who is not into religious books.
March 30, 2021
"The educational system in the United States is broken and we know it. Why, then, do so many homeschool parents keep using it as a frame of reference? Why are we letting it beat us down, and why would we let that same broken system steal our kids' childhoods and-in some cases-even our relationships with our children?"
In this little book, Durenda Wilson gives moms & dads permission to follow their instincts and not feel constrained to comply with the school system's often changing methods. She does not advocate any particular method of home education but encourages you to utilize your strengths within your own family's unique style.
Pray and trust God as you educate the children He gave you. You can do this!
2021 An author's debut book
In this little book, Durenda Wilson gives moms & dads permission to follow their instincts and not feel constrained to comply with the school system's often changing methods. She does not advocate any particular method of home education but encourages you to utilize your strengths within your own family's unique style.
Pray and trust God as you educate the children He gave you. You can do this!
2021 An author's debut book
December 6, 2025
4/5 stars. This truly is a “mercifully short” book on homeschooling. It has no frills and fluff, just simple, short encouragement to keep homeschooling simple. It seems that the author lived in a state that had fewer requirements/regulations for homeschooling families, so some families cannot be as low-key as the author describes. But, her overall message of following the child, paying attention to parental instincts, and seeking God’s direction and wisdom throughout the schooling journey are all very important. I would recommend this book to parents considering homeschooling or embarking on the journey for the first time.
October 5, 2016
This is a short, encouraging book -- a very quick read. It was well-timed for me, and could be a good one to encourage others who aren't as far along in their homeschool journey also. It’s not an in-depth, detail type of book -- just a little breath of biblically-based practical perspective, good for helping us step back a bit from the midst of minutiae and take a look at the bigger picture.
Some things I appreciated about this book:
- Her encouragement to trust motherhood instincts. It’s been hard for me to know at times through the years just how much to listen to my “gut feelings” or “intuition.” My tendency has often been to downplay those in favor of things I can think through and express with clear reasoning. I’ve always been cautious about trusting emotions or instinct, but have learned that while neither should be blindly followed, wisdom doesn’t dismiss them altogether, either, but weighs them with respectful consideration and evaluates them by its light. I have learned through living (sometimes the hard way) that if I have a gut feeling about something, it’s probably wise for me to pay attention. Having that confirmed by a mom with more experience (20 years teaching, 8 children) was good for me.
- The encouraging reminder that home life is good for children, that character is shaped through routine, that much of what may not feel like “school” still provides learning, just in a different way – even play, and even challenging life circumstances that may make more formal learning more difficult.
- Her discussion of what her homeschool days were/are like. She doesn’t dwell on detail, just an overview, but I enjoy peeking into others’ homeschool days.
- The "Think About It" sections, which contain questions and/or thoughts to help me evaluate my homeschool.
- She discusses teaching from a place of strength in two ways. First, using our own talents/gifts and interests to give our children a boost in those areas. Taking who we are into account in what we emphasize for our children enables us to look realistically at what we can best give them ourselves and what we may need more supplemental help with, either from materials or outside sources. Secondly, teaching from strength is having courage, and trusting that God is going to help as we work to fulfill our role.
Some of the quotes I liked:
"Unfortunately, we often put more effort into thinking about how we're going to protect our dogs and front yard than how we're going to protect our children. Our children need us to be their greatest allies and greatest protectors, especially when they are young. God has a lot to say in His Word about defending the defenseless. Our children are among the defenseless, and they need us to protect them. We are called to protect them" (9).
"It's hard to miss what [Deut. 6:6-7] seems to indicate about time - more time together than a typical school schedule can afford. It paints a pictures of daily life together, and it doesn't feel rushed. Instead it centers around an intentional heart, set on God's priorities as we walk life out with our kids" (10).
She quotes the Moores citing a Smithsonian Institutuion study of geniuses which noted three factors they had in common: "1) warm, loving, educationally responsive parents and other adults; 2) scant association outside the family, and 3) a great deal of creative freedom under parental guidance to explore their ideas, drilling as necessary" (17).
"I firmly believe that as a parent, you have a God-given compass inside you when it comes to raising your children. He equips us for what He puts in front of us to do, and raising our children is one of our greatest callings and accomplishments in life" (19).
"I've found that if I teach our children out of my strengths - that is, out of my giftings - God faithfully takes care of the rest" (20).
"We need to understand that no curriculum or homeschooling method is 'the answer.' Our trust needs to be in God.... He loves our kids more than we do and has their best interest in mind. Our job is to keep our eyes on Him..." (21).
"Typically, fear is a big part of what causes us to feel hurried or stressed. God clearly says in His Word that we are not to fear. He gave us a 'spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control' (2 Timothy 1:7).... Love (that is, God) leads us, but fear 'drives' us.... Every time you start to feel driven, I encourage you to hit the pause button and wait on the Lord" (22).
"Play, work, and service are every bit as important as working the mind, and they actually do work the mind as well, just in a different way.... Is there a balance of head, hands, heart, and health in your days?" (24)
"You are responsible to train your children's hearts. How is it going? What are they learning?" (24)
"The way we homeschool has everything to do with who I am as a mom, who we are as a family, and what worked during specific seasons of our life. I strongly urge you to let your homeschooling journey take on its own unique design" (25).
"How we approach life, handle stress, our worldview, etc. will have a greater impact on our children than any curriculum or bookwork" (35).
"What it really comes down to is being willing to surrender our plans and visions to the Lord in exchange for His.... It involves yielding, a whole lot of prayer, and walking in obedience to Him, trusting Him for the end result" (52).
"His presence is the reason you can slow down and savor these precious years with your kids. He's got this and He's got you" (53).
Some things I appreciated about this book:
- Her encouragement to trust motherhood instincts. It’s been hard for me to know at times through the years just how much to listen to my “gut feelings” or “intuition.” My tendency has often been to downplay those in favor of things I can think through and express with clear reasoning. I’ve always been cautious about trusting emotions or instinct, but have learned that while neither should be blindly followed, wisdom doesn’t dismiss them altogether, either, but weighs them with respectful consideration and evaluates them by its light. I have learned through living (sometimes the hard way) that if I have a gut feeling about something, it’s probably wise for me to pay attention. Having that confirmed by a mom with more experience (20 years teaching, 8 children) was good for me.
- The encouraging reminder that home life is good for children, that character is shaped through routine, that much of what may not feel like “school” still provides learning, just in a different way – even play, and even challenging life circumstances that may make more formal learning more difficult.
- Her discussion of what her homeschool days were/are like. She doesn’t dwell on detail, just an overview, but I enjoy peeking into others’ homeschool days.
- The "Think About It" sections, which contain questions and/or thoughts to help me evaluate my homeschool.
- She discusses teaching from a place of strength in two ways. First, using our own talents/gifts and interests to give our children a boost in those areas. Taking who we are into account in what we emphasize for our children enables us to look realistically at what we can best give them ourselves and what we may need more supplemental help with, either from materials or outside sources. Secondly, teaching from strength is having courage, and trusting that God is going to help as we work to fulfill our role.
Some of the quotes I liked:
"Unfortunately, we often put more effort into thinking about how we're going to protect our dogs and front yard than how we're going to protect our children. Our children need us to be their greatest allies and greatest protectors, especially when they are young. God has a lot to say in His Word about defending the defenseless. Our children are among the defenseless, and they need us to protect them. We are called to protect them" (9).
"It's hard to miss what [Deut. 6:6-7] seems to indicate about time - more time together than a typical school schedule can afford. It paints a pictures of daily life together, and it doesn't feel rushed. Instead it centers around an intentional heart, set on God's priorities as we walk life out with our kids" (10).
She quotes the Moores citing a Smithsonian Institutuion study of geniuses which noted three factors they had in common: "1) warm, loving, educationally responsive parents and other adults; 2) scant association outside the family, and 3) a great deal of creative freedom under parental guidance to explore their ideas, drilling as necessary" (17).
"I firmly believe that as a parent, you have a God-given compass inside you when it comes to raising your children. He equips us for what He puts in front of us to do, and raising our children is one of our greatest callings and accomplishments in life" (19).
"I've found that if I teach our children out of my strengths - that is, out of my giftings - God faithfully takes care of the rest" (20).
"We need to understand that no curriculum or homeschooling method is 'the answer.' Our trust needs to be in God.... He loves our kids more than we do and has their best interest in mind. Our job is to keep our eyes on Him..." (21).
"Typically, fear is a big part of what causes us to feel hurried or stressed. God clearly says in His Word that we are not to fear. He gave us a 'spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control' (2 Timothy 1:7).... Love (that is, God) leads us, but fear 'drives' us.... Every time you start to feel driven, I encourage you to hit the pause button and wait on the Lord" (22).
"Play, work, and service are every bit as important as working the mind, and they actually do work the mind as well, just in a different way.... Is there a balance of head, hands, heart, and health in your days?" (24)
"You are responsible to train your children's hearts. How is it going? What are they learning?" (24)
"The way we homeschool has everything to do with who I am as a mom, who we are as a family, and what worked during specific seasons of our life. I strongly urge you to let your homeschooling journey take on its own unique design" (25).
"How we approach life, handle stress, our worldview, etc. will have a greater impact on our children than any curriculum or bookwork" (35).
"What it really comes down to is being willing to surrender our plans and visions to the Lord in exchange for His.... It involves yielding, a whole lot of prayer, and walking in obedience to Him, trusting Him for the end result" (52).
"His presence is the reason you can slow down and savor these precious years with your kids. He's got this and He's got you" (53).
May 8, 2025
Short and sweet. I think my greatest takeaway from this book is “letting school revolve around the home life, instead of the home life revolving around school.”
I also loved all the gentle reminders to slow down and not rush my child, but to provide the fuel needed for learning and then watch my child’s natural curiosity takeover. It was also great to be reminded to start out slow and increase the school load as age and maturity necessitate. I highlighted a lot of thoughts and plan to revisit this book again in the future.
I also loved all the gentle reminders to slow down and not rush my child, but to provide the fuel needed for learning and then watch my child’s natural curiosity takeover. It was also great to be reminded to start out slow and increase the school load as age and maturity necessitate. I highlighted a lot of thoughts and plan to revisit this book again in the future.
August 5, 2025
This is a short quick book to read. There are really deep thought provoking questions being asked per chapter. I really enjoyed these questions as they really made me stop to think. And I do plan on writing out my answers to those questions.
This is Christian based with many scriptures being quoted, with many references to God, His plan for people and praying about homeschooling. Though I am Christian I found this perspective refreshing.
What I didn’t like is that for some reason it felt really superficial and not as down to earth or true as I was expecting. There was just something off with how the voice is. Maybe it would have been better as an audio book.
This is Christian based with many scriptures being quoted, with many references to God, His plan for people and praying about homeschooling. Though I am Christian I found this perspective refreshing.
What I didn’t like is that for some reason it felt really superficial and not as down to earth or true as I was expecting. There was just something off with how the voice is. Maybe it would have been better as an audio book.
November 21, 2023
I really needed the reminders this book offers. This is all about taking your time with education and allowing kids to be kids first. While I didn't agree with everything she said (little socializing in the early years, not teaching them to read until older, etc.) The general message really resonates and feels true to what my heart and gut has been saying. She also reminds us to trust that mama instinct because we know them best.
April 7, 2025
The author, based on her background, prefers to focus on homeschooling in a relaxed manner, creating a comfortable and unpressured educational environment. She encourages self-directed learning and exploration, moving away from traditional forms of education. The book offers tips and ideas that make the homeschooling experience enjoyable and beneficial.
My perspective is quite different, as the school environment itself provides education beyond academics, helping to develop individuals who are stronger in interacting with others of various ages.
I do not encourage this approach at all
My perspective is quite different, as the school environment itself provides education beyond academics, helping to develop individuals who are stronger in interacting with others of various ages.
I do not encourage this approach at all
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