Why I started this blog (and why authentic families flourish)
It was a Tuesday morning in the school parking lot, and my second-oldest daughter was having a panic attack.
E. was in 2nd grade at the time, and this wasn't the first time. Her older sister and her younger sister were already unloaded and in class - the bell had rung, and here we sat. E. cried and cried, and no matter what I tried, she could not bring herself to go inside.
This can be an exaggerated form of worry or actual anxiety, and it's different from child to child. But I knew in my mama heart that her worry and fear stemmed from dread about going to school. She was uncomfortable; her personality had her extremely sensitive to both mean kids and any teachers' critique or correction. She was so young and already feeling like she didn't fit in.
I Know That Feeling All Too Well
Here's the thing - my husband and I BOTH experienced very similar feelings throughout our entire childhoods. I remember so many instances of just dreading school.
I remember envying homeschooled kids in elementary and middle school. But my parents never even presented it as an option. They had no idea how to navigate it! They had zero resources.
The last thing I ever wanted to do was drop my kids off at school for an entire day if they didn't want to be there, day in and day out.
A Beautiful World of Possibilities
Some people can't find a way to homeschool for one reason or another, but I find myself fortunate in this season of life to have the flexibility to offer it as an option. But here's what's absolutely incredible - there are SO many options now!
Fully virtual distance learning, hybrid options, total freedom in education, unschooling, micro schools, public schools, charter schools, private schools... the possibilities are near endless!
No one child is the same. So why do we think they all can be educated in the same manner: by the same teacher, at the same time, with the same material, in the same style and be expected to progress at the same pace?
What Eight Years Has Taught Me
Eight years into this flexible schooling journey - following my intuition on what they need, always keeping it adaptable to change as they change and grow - I've learned something breathtaking: the most beautiful approach to education (and honestly, to parenting) is letting each child choose their own path.
Some of my girls are ready to head back to a Montessori classroom. Others want to try a hybrid approach. Some are thriving learning at home. And you know what? That's exactly how it should be.
Our children are brand new humans, fresh at life, and we get the extraordinary privilege of knowing them from the very beginning! I love to delight in all their differences, and education is just one magnificent area where we can honor who they uniquely are.
Why This Blog Exists
This cozy corner of the internet exists because I believe every family deserves to do things their own way. Whether you're:
Homeschooling by choice or necessity
Navigating traditional school with anxious kids
Somewhere in between with hybrid options
Still figuring it all out
You belong here.
I'm here to share the tools, systems, and encouragement that have helped our neurodiverse family of 6 flourish. Not because we have it all figured out, but because we've discovered that authentic families who aren't afraid to do things their own way are the ones that truly thrive.
What You'll Discover Here
I'll be sharing about three things precious to my heart:
Home Organization & Systems - Because life flows more smoothly when you have systems that actually work for your real family (not the Pinterest-perfect ones)
Family Relationships & Culture - Building genuine connections and traditions that bring your unique family closer together
Creative Living & Faith - Finding magic in ordinary moments and nurturing both creativity and spiritual growth
Perfect Families Are a Myth
Here's what this blog is NOT: perfect family showcases, one-size-fits-all solutions, or pressure to be anything other than your wonderful selves.
Because perfect families don't exist. But authentic families? Families who notice the magic and nurture the growth? Families who aren't afraid to pivot when something isn't working?
Those families flourish.
Come Along for the Journey
If you're a family who loves to do things your own way, I'd be delighted to have you along for this adventure. Grab my free guide to 5 Delightfully Different Family Traditions - because some of our most cherished family traditions started with the silliest ideas.
And if you want weekly encouragement and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our beautifully chaotic life, join our email community. No spam, just real family inspiration delivered with love.
Welcome to Flourish Family Co. I'm so grateful you're here.
