Shannon Hayes

When I picture a homeschooling parent, I can’t help but vision the über-caregiver; a person who is so lovingly in-tune with his or her children that they know exactly how to cultivate these young minds and give them a superb education. Through intuition and grace, homeschooling parents help their children to sidestep the emotional trauma experienced by so many victims of the conventional education system.

I tried to hold that vision in my head this week as I sat on my hands to avoid shaking Saoirse when she couldn’t grasp how to add 10 to a number in her head. (more…)

Next Friday, Bob and I leave for an 8 day speaking tour with 3 stops, during which time I’ll deliver six programs.

Nothing makes me bubble with enthusiasm more than meeting up with fellow farmers, homesteaders, homemakers and foodies to share ideas…But the process of tearing ourselves away from our home, our kids, our cooking and our comfortable routine has repeatedly wreaked havoc on our family. (more…)

This week for homeschool, Saoirse and I learned all the capitals of all the states. I must admit that while they were taught in my school, I never actually learned them. I’ve managed to live to the age of 37, acquire 2 advanced degrees, support my family, and enjoy bountiful social relationships without requiring this bit of information.

So why did I subject her to it? Because every git who meets her and finds out that she’s homeschooled feels compelled to quiz her on state capitals. Apparently that’s the gold standard for evaluating educational quality among the unimaginative. (more…)

Can you take on consumerism without being a Scrooge?

I signed on to my email this morning, and there, at the top of the list, was a very sensitive, careful email from my Aunt Katie. She was broaching the ever-touchy subject of Christmas presents for my daughters, Saoirse and Ula. What is acceptable this year? USA-made? Eco-friendly? We will be allowing gifts, yes? And, can we please make some time to talk about the holiday menu and what foods will be allowed?

Here’s the bitter truth. I’m my family’s biggest pain the ass every Christmas. (more…)

Christmas is just a few days away, and no matter how averse many of us may be to the social pressures of our consumer culture, we all still need to deal with the “gift issue” – Whether it is helping children to see why we may not want them to be doused with bucket-loads of plastic crap from Santa, trying to figure out what kinds of gifts might be most meaningful to loved ones, or simply trying to redefine what makes the holiday season pleasurable. (more…)