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Slow Mornings and the Beauty of Routines Over Schedules
There’s something sacred about a slow morning. The kind where the sun peeks in gently instead of being forced to rise with an alarm. Around here, we don’t jump out of bed to meet a schedule—we ease into the day.
Our dogs used to eat at 7 a.m., but even they’ve adapted to our flow. Now it’s 9 a.m. breakfast for them, and honestly, they seem just as content. The kids sometimes lay back down after waking up. We eventually gather around the kitchen for a slow breakfast, no rush, no deadlines. Just togetherness.
And the best part? There’s nothing on the schedule. Because I’ve realized schedules overwhelm me. They feel like a constant deadline I can’t escape—ticking time boxes that strip joy from the moment.
But routines? Routines feel different. Routines are like rhythms. They bring comfort and direction without pressure. You can step into a routine and still feel like yourself. A schedule demands obedience to the clock. A routine invites you to flow.
Routine vs. Schedule: What’s the Difference?
A schedule is bound by time: breakfast at 7:00, math at 9:00, lunch at noon. It’s rigid. A routine, however, is about order—not time. You still do breakfast, math, and lunch, but when your family is ready. There’s freedom in that.
I was raised on routines. And when I became a daycare teacher, everything switched to strict scheduling. I understand the purpose—especially with large groups—but I noticed something troubling. Kids were always being told to hurry up. They weren’t done painting, or building, or just enjoying the moment. But the schedule said it was time to move on. Their creativity was cut short because the next item on the list was calling.
It felt like bootcamp.
I think schools and daycares often become a standardized test for creativity. Some kids need more time to express, to understand, to explore. Some kids need to do and talk it through instead of reading or listening and then moving on. I’ve always been that kind of learner—hands-on. I learn by watching, then trying, then improving. Reading and doing doesn’t click the same way.
That’s one of the many reasons we homeschool and live the way we do. Slow mornings, open-ended learning, grace-filled routines over clock-bound schedules.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Do you prefer structure or flow? Have you noticed how your kids (or even you) learn best? Let’s chat in the comments.
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Why We Choose to Homeschool (And Why We Still Do)
When I first started homeschooling, I wasn’t sure I was “qualified.” I didn’t have a teaching degree. I didn’t grow up homeschooled. But what I did have was a deep conviction:
My children deserve to learn in an environment where they’re loved, known, and safe.
Homeschooling started as a leap of faith — now it’s a way of life.
🏡 More Than Just School at HomeHomeschooling in our house looks like:
- Morning devotionals around the kitchen table
- Math with a baby on my hip and a toddler building forts
- Science in the garden
- Reading under blankets in the living room
- History through storytelling and heart-to-heart talks
It’s messy, beautiful, and completely rooted in real life.
🌱 Why We Chose This Path
Here’s what led us to homeschool:
- I wanted my kids to grow up without the pressure to perform — to learn at their pace, not the system’s.
- We wanted faith to be central in their education.
- After facing trauma in my own childhood, I craved a space where my kids felt secure and connected every single day.
- Flexibility — especially with my health journey and Moyamoya — allows us to make space for grace on hard days.
📅 What Our Days Look Like
Every season looks different, but here’s our current rhythm:
Morning time: Slow wakeups. Long conversational breakfasts.
Core subjects: Math, reading, and writing — often at the kitchen table or outside
Afternoons: Nature walks, baking, board games, or life skills
Fridays: Fun Fridays — crafts, field trips, or family projects
We follow more of a Charlotte Mason / eclectic approach — with lots of freedom to follow their interests.
✝️ Centered on Family. Sustained by Faith.
Homeschooling isn’t always easy. There are days I question everything, cry in the laundry room, and wonder if I’m doing enough. But through it all, God keeps showing up.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
My children are learning academics, yes — But more importantly, they’re learning to love God, love people, and live fully.
💬 If You’re Considering Homeschooling…
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to be willing to show up, love big, and keep learning alongside your kids. Homeschooling isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection. And that’s something every mama can give.
