Eclectic, natured based, Waldorf inspired, holistic homeschoolers is how Melinda sums up her family's approach. With four children in tow ranging in age from 11 - 1, she and her husband have crafted their lives in celebration of the seasons, community, art and the natural world.  SUMMARY Being the kid who spent her lunchtime doing art by herself because she struggled with the social side of schoolMelinda dabbles in all sorts of arts, predominately a fibre artist, in particular felting - also loves painting, drawing, working with clay and jewellery and this passion for art has now trickled down to her own childrenHer husband suggested homeschooling in relation to his own negative school experience and the more they looked into it, the more they likedMotherhood is the true beginning of homeschooling because it’s just this natural flow on that doesn’t stopIt’s just as important for the parents as it is for the kids to have communityWanting their kids to feel supported in who they are and never experience bullying in a school setting that both she and her husband enduredGetting to experience four full seasons where they live and how they celebrate each one - poetry tea time, nature journalling, seasonal displays, nature crafts and wheel of the year“The joy is getting to witness all those little moments with my children that I would miss out on and also the moments they wouldn’t get to experience if they weren’t living this lifestyle.”Deschooling has been her greatest struggle and how she handles judgementA holistic education is hand in hand with interest based learning - mind, body and spirit, hands on sensory learning, handcrafts and nature craftsYou don’t have to spend a lot of money to homeschool. Melinda advocates for making your own resources and gives examples of using natural materials that produce no wasteYou are learning with your child along the way so you don’t need to know everything INSPIRATION Josie @onwillowsbend Instagram Brene Brown Dr. Shefali Tsabary Stark Raving Dad Blog CONNECT @deerandfawns Instagram Deer and Fawns Website Have you got a story to tell? Connect with us on instagram @australianhomeschoolstories or email [email protected] Sign up to our substack to be notified of new episode releases: Australian Homeschool Stories Mailing List This podcast is recorded on the lands of the Bunurong people of the Kulin nation. I pay my respects to elders past, present and emerging and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. This always was, always will be aboriginal land. Original Music by Daniel Garrood @garroodcomposer Listen on Spotify here