A Journey Beyond Schooling; Our Story

When my second-born was barely 5 , I started to notice something not quite right - her little spark, the light in her big, wise brown eyes, started to slowly dim. She also couldn’t understand why she had to ask permission for basic needs like going to the bathroom or eating when she wasn’t hungry! why she couldn’t choose for herself what she wanted to draw or paint in school! Now I had been through the school system and so had my eldest yet I had never questioned anything, I had always felt unease but never took action,

Now I had a little 5 year old asking these things challenging the norm!! It truly was a moment of clarity for me, and I finally could see it through her eyes. After reflecting deeply very deeply, I knew I wanted something different for my kids, and that’s when we turned to home education.

What I mean when I say Home Ed

I use the term home ed intentionally here instead of home-school because i want people to understand I’m not replicating school at home. This isn’t about recreating a classroom environment, far from it, it’s about embracing a learning lifestyle. For us, home education covers unschooling, wildschooling, worldschooling all of which nurture a love of learning in unique, child-led ways, that caters to my kids’ individual needs and interests There are many terms and styles of alternative education and here I share with you what we have experienced and embraced so far on our journey........

Questioning the System: Why I Chose Home Education

As soon as I made this decision I took on with some research and delved into a little history of schooling, I don't make decisions lightly and when I do I want to be fully informed and I want to feel assured of my commitment to the unconventional routes. The more I found the more unsettled I became and the more it affirmed my decision, Learning that the modern school system was designed during the Industrial Revolution, in part by Rockefeller who so freely admitted; to take children from their parents and create obedient workers and this just doesn't sit right with me. The idea of sending my children into that machine anymore felt unaligned. I want them to experience life in a way that honours their individuality, their natural curiosity, and nurtures their creativity.

Fully Trusting this Path when no one else could

At this point Most people thought I was out of my mind, bat sh**t crazy! and I do not blame them!!! After all, I was a single mother, just separated, living in a small town house, with a new baby, in the middle of my brothers farcical Trial, also with a nourishing food and juice business that was just starting to take off. It would have seemed to have been easier to send the kids off to school and to focus on my business and all of these other important things. But I made the incredibly difficult decision; but one that was pulling at my heart strings, I had to follow my gut, my intuition and at that moment I chose my children. I truly believe the greatest job I feel I will ever have is being a mother, and the greatest gift I can give to the world is to raise them to be emotionally intelligent healthy kind adults, I thought to myself I may not get a huge wage for this sacred work, but I trust that I will always find a way, as long as I follow my heart and my intuition, so I made this very commitment to be the one to guide them, to nurture their emotional growth, and to witness their blossoming alongside them.

Finding Our Home Ed Community

We were thrilled to discover a big home ed community in Northern Ireland.

I remember the very day I deregistered my daughter and my son, he had only been in preschool 1 week, I remember shaking that day feeling so unsure and out of my depth!! I logged in to the HEDNI fb group and spilled all my fears on the page , I received so much support and love and felt instantly calm and grounded and assured, so grateful for those parents and that community in that moment and throughout our journey

It was like finding an oasis in the desert. We reached out, connected with others, and never looked back. The richness of our journey since then has been incredible, forest meetups, beach days, science classes, crochet lessons, free climbing. Our experiences have become the curriculum, and I’m forever grateful for the co-op that nurtured us and the lifelong friendships we’ve made. For all things Home ed https://hedni.org/ has a wealth of information support and guidance I am so grateful I had at the beginning and throughout our journey. We were also incredibly fortunate to connect with a group of home ed mums setting up a Steiner school in Ballybay, Monaghan. My boys enjoyed their short time there, and knowing that the school is expanding right now is exciting for us knowing that is another path available to us and others seeking alternative education. You can find out more about this incredible project at https://www.facebook.com/steinermonaghan

Worldschooling: dipping our toes

Worldschooling is something we recently embraced, and it’s been such a beautiful addition to our home ed journey. This summer we spent time at Shepherd's Rest in Oria, Spain, which was a magical experience for all of us. Worldschooling? I hear you ask what on earth? I know I couldn't believe something like this existed honestly my mind has been expanded and blown beyond belief. This way lets us use the world as our classroom, offering rich, immersive experiences that help my children learn at their own pace.

Each of my children learns differently some are more adventurous, like my wild one, who loves to climb and be on the move. Sitting him at a desk all day in a uniform would never work for him. Through worldschooling, he gets to explore, move, and learn in ways that suit him. He learns boundaries and life skills through natural experiences, not harsh school discipline.

World schooling allowed us to connect as a family, bask in beautiful sunshine, share new experiences, and meet incredible people along the way. At Shepherd's Rest, the community of like-minded families added so much value to our journey. We will be dipping our toes again very soon how blessed we are!

The Joy of Outsourcing

My kids get asked this quite often "is your mum a teacher"? The answer is No I am not a Teacher, I am not an expert in subjects like maths and geography and I don’t have to be. What I am becoming is an expert in outsourcing and finding resources that support my kids learning, their passions and interests!

Within the HEDNI group we have found a vast range of lessons groups opportunities all over Northern Ireland some close by others further a field its been a blessing to have such variety and choice.

What About Exams

Another common question I get about home education is, “What about exams?” The beauty of home ed is that it’s flexible. We’re not bound by a traditional school timetable or set exam dates. My kids will be able to choose to take formal exams, like GCSEs or A-levels, whenever they feel ready, and they can pursue subjects they are genuinely passionate about. For example, my daughter is learning Spanish and crochet, and she’s even setting up her own small business!

There are plenty of online resources, such as the £2 Tuition Hub and Reading Eggs, which we use to support learning when needed. It’s all about following their interests, and when it comes time for exams, we can source appropriate guidance and materials to help them succeed. This is the beauty of it all for me!

Our route isn't about skipping education; it’s about tailoring it to fit the child’s unique learning pace and passions. And when exams are necessary, we will approach them with intention, at the right time for each child.

Socialising: Building loving lasting connections

Socialising was one of my biggest worries at the beginning, but honestly, my kids have had so many opportunities to make friends! From local groups and sports clubs, youth clubs to forest meetups, they’ve built deep connections and friendships through home education. I have come to understand and see Socialising happens naturally when kids are in environments that support their interests! They might not be around as many kids as they would in a school setting and that comes with many advantages also, We have been so blessed to have had opportunities to build beautiful lifetime connections on our journey so far

No Judgement here just Love

I want to make something so clear: this blog isn’t about shaming anyone or saying I’m better than those who send their children to school. This is not that. I share my journey because I want people to know that there are choices, alternatives and that it’s okay to question things when something feels off. I advocate for EVERY parent, whether they send their kids to school or choose alternative education, because we are all doing the best we can with what we know. And let’s be honest, some kids can thrive in school, and for some, it’s the safest place for them. My blogs are simply a sharing of my heart and wisdom, and maybe, just maybe, they’ll spark something in someone who’s searching for their own answers. I would like to also state that I recognise that there are many incredible, phenomenal teachers out there, I had the pleasure of working alongside some when I worked in a preschool setting many moons ago, also some of my dearest friends are teachers, and they are remarkable at what they do. But I see even they are struggling in a system that often dims their spark and light.

The Challenges; why self care is a non negotiable!

I won’t pretend it’s all smooth sailing, sunshine and rainbows, Sometimes its bloody hard!!!! There are days when the house is in chaos, the kids are bickering and fighting, and I feel utterly spent, exhausted and I am losing my sh**t!!!. Days when screen time exceeds the limits! Days when I think I am failing them and on days I’ve even caught myself saying, “If you don’t stop, I’ll send you all to school!”

But then I remember why we chose this path. I take a deep breath and remind myself how crucial that my cup is overflowing, especially when I’ve committed to pouring so much into my children. Finding time for myself amidst the whirlwind of our days isn't always easy but I make sure i find a way, Learning to be so gentle with myself has been a big part of this journey, meeting myself where I am at and not where I think I should be!

Other things that have sustained me are Swimming in the sea, meditating when they are asleep, journaling, Qi Qong, yoga, nourishing my body with healthy food, barefoot on ground, crying, dancing... all these help keep me grounded in the chaos, In the midst of it all I make a commitment to myself to find small pockets of time to do the healing work, I have been blessed to receive some womb healing and blessings, Hypnotherapy, Join coaching containers of support, all of which I will share with you in this space, That is the soul purpose of my blogs to share with love my story in real time

I am deeply grateful for these tools, spaces, resources, community and guidance that have and continue to hold and support me in the toughest moments along with my beautiful family and dear friends, who have loved me through it all

Question Everything

At the heart of this journey is the reminder to question everything. We've been conditioned to accept only one way and that goes for so many other life experiences also, but the truth is, there are endless possibilities. Home education has allowed us to explore those possibilities, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Thankyou and Giving Back

Thankyou for being here in this space, for taking your precious time to hear me to see me I appreciate your support and presence

With all this is mind and my way of giving back to my communities to the collective is the creation of my brand new course Nurturing the Nurturer, a heartfelt and holistic support program created especially for you. As Mothers and fathers , we give so much of ourselves, often forgetting to pause and nurture the person at the heart of it all—ourselves.

This space is a loving reminder that you deserve to be cared for, cherished, and replenished. I have poured every ounce of my heart, wisdom, and love into this program, knowing how vital it is for us as mums to feel whole, supported, and empowered. Within this space, you will find tools that will not only nourish your soul but also help you bring peace, balance, and wellness into your family's life, gently and naturally.

I understand how overwhelming motherhood/Fatherhood can be, and it is my deepest hope that this course feels like a soft embrace, a safe haven where you can reconnect with your own needs and receive guidance that honour's who you are. so you can pour in to your family from overflow.

A Note to all parents

I hope that whatever path of education you choose for your kids, you find the time and space to prioritise self-care and compassion for yourself. It's so important to allow yourself the time to fill your cup so you can pour into your family. If you’re feeling burnt out, exhausted, or just trying to balance it all—especially as mums—please reach out. You don’t have to do it alone.

I cannot wait to walk this journey with you and support you every step of the way.

With all my love

Sonya x

Join Mailing List