I have five children; three of them are adults now. When people ask how many children I have, there are three common responses. The first: “What? How do you do it?” The second: “You must have been fond of it!” And the third: “Sure, you know it all.” Let’s address the first two. How did… Continue reading Parenting Experience Doesn’t Mean Parenting Is Easy
Author: Nicola Naessens
Nicola, Mum of five, lives in Co. Wexford on the south-east coast of Ireland. Simply Homemade is her corner of the world wide web where she shares a myriad of recipes, many personal thoughts and an insight into her perfectly imperfect life.
From Structure to Freedom, Parenting Alternative Education Paths
Previously, I said I never imagined any of our children not going to mainstream school. I have also written about deschooling and its importance in the transition from school to home education. Now, we find ourselves navigating both at the same time: preparing for one child to return to mainstream school in a couple of… Continue reading From Structure to Freedom, Parenting Alternative Education Paths
De-Schooling
De-schooling is an important time that allows both children and parents to step away from the routine, expectations, and structure of traditional schooling. During my research, I've read and heard that the general rule of thumb is anywhere from one week to one month for every year a child has spent in school. (I am… Continue reading De-Schooling
Navigating Home Schooling Application in Ireland
Article 42 of the Irish Constitution The State acknowledges that the primary and natural educator of the child is the Family and guarantees to respect the inalienable right and duty of parents to provide, according to their means, for the religious and moral, intellectual, physical and social education of their children. Parents shall be free… Continue reading Navigating Home Schooling Application in Ireland
Deciding
Would he prefer to be homeschooled? It’s a big question for a 13-year-old boy. It’s a big question for his parents, too. His initial response was, “Is it legal?” (And the answer is yes, it is.) It goes without saying that making this decision wasn’t as black-and-white as simply asking him a question and having… Continue reading Deciding
How Did I Get Here?
School isn’t for everyone. It’s something I have often said. But, to be honest, I never imagined that any of my own children wouldn’t attend school. I have five children, all very different, and some are neurodivergent. Our three eldest went through mainstream school, our fourth is currently in mainstream education, and our youngest son… Continue reading How Did I Get Here?