how I learned to live a slow(er) life with the help of Waldorf, an education curriculum *this essay isn't just for parents* + a video of my chickens and garden
Increasingly I am trying to be conscious of how often I reach for my phone and trying to curb that impulse. Waiting in queues, or those odd moments of time I am trying to let myself just daydream or be a little bit bored just because I think I have got into the habit of always having something to do/see/think about.
Exactly. It's almost like we have to treat it as a skill to keep our phones down. I have to consciously make the decision not to look. I wish it wasn't that way but it's the reality for me! I have to assume this is for a lot of people so thanks for admitting that to me... makes me feel seen :)
This is a great post! I know I tease you about this school, but truly, I love how intentional everything is. CJ’s penmanship is better than her older cousins’ by a long shot. I love that the school has so many communal activities!
As for me personally slowing down, my fantasy self reads lots of books, still knits and sews, and gardens... You’re right though, take it slow and one thing at a time. I’ve bought a few plants and put them on the window sill. I will work on mothering those for now!
Well, I make fun of it too because it's a fun easy little joke and so far off from what we grew up with. I'm so bought into it though, it's cool to see the kids do analog things.
Yes, one thing at a time! And it's ok if you have just the one thing!
I loved this post. What a treat to see your chickens and the garden too. Those juicy ripe tomatoes made my mouth water! I too want to slow down, but it's such a struggle. Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement to keep trying.
I imagine it's a lot harder when you live in a city. Don't beat yourself up! I think it's even waking up and not looking at your phone for an hour. Or doing something around the house without any music or a podcast playing. Simply just being with your son and playing with him. I think we're slower living more than we think, it's just nice to notice it because we are so fast paced with so many other things.
Nice post, Stephanie! I always tried to keep my children's lives full of simple pleasures. My 33-year old son has been home for a few weeks, and I'm planning to write a post (after my two-week vaca from writing) about this very subject, simple things. Also enjoyed "The Reset." 💜
I look forward to reading your post! Are you going to write about your son being back and what it's been like to spend a good amount of time with him? I hope when my kids are 33 they want to come hang out with me for that long :)
Yes, in part, but also about how some things, what I consider the important things, don't seem to change. I am beyond grateful for the relationship I have with my adult children. The bond is created in those early years, where you are now, taking that time, enjoying your children, making them the priority. Keep up the good work! Oh, and I love your new logo! 💜
I loved reading this Stephanie and I feel like I've learned something having never heard of Waldorf! I think the idea of phone-free schools and giving children more time for creativity is so refreshing. I feel grateful to have grown up in a time where phones weren't around when we are at school but I didn't particularly enjoy school, it feeling too regimented and learning what I see now as pointless things. I wish I could have had the opportunity to foster my creativity more in that kind of setting.
How amazing too that not only are your kids learning, but you are too. Thanks for sharing 💜
I feel lucky that I stumbled upon this school. When I sent my 2 year olds to the preschool I didn't think too much about phones and schools yet but as they grow older and as I see them do so well working with their hands, embracing arts and music, and learning practical life skills... it just makes sense! I'm lucky their way of schooling infiltrated my home and my personal life.
You were one of the first writers I thought of when I put the list together! What's going on, why are you needing encouragement today? I'd love to hear if you're willing to share.
I totally understand this especially because I’m like you and have strong feelings about social media. Sometimes substack feels like a social media platform (which it is in its own sense) but it’s the most healthy one I’ve been on because the content I consume here isn’t quick hit content, which is so easy to get addicted to! I admire how you’ve built such a strong community without using social! That said, you’ve inspired me to feel confident that I don’t need to be on social to meaningfully get my work to the world.
The confidence issue... isn’t it crazy?! When the feeling is very strong it seems like I’m the only one in the entire world feeling this way but I know in reality that everyone feels this, including those who seem to have “made it.” Even though I intellectually know this I still default to this feeling and need to mindfully and intentionally switch my mindset. Our human brains are so bizarre.
Increasingly I am trying to be conscious of how often I reach for my phone and trying to curb that impulse. Waiting in queues, or those odd moments of time I am trying to let myself just daydream or be a little bit bored just because I think I have got into the habit of always having something to do/see/think about.
Exactly. It's almost like we have to treat it as a skill to keep our phones down. I have to consciously make the decision not to look. I wish it wasn't that way but it's the reality for me! I have to assume this is for a lot of people so thanks for admitting that to me... makes me feel seen :)
Absolutely. You are definitely not alone
This is a great post! I know I tease you about this school, but truly, I love how intentional everything is. CJ’s penmanship is better than her older cousins’ by a long shot. I love that the school has so many communal activities!
As for me personally slowing down, my fantasy self reads lots of books, still knits and sews, and gardens... You’re right though, take it slow and one thing at a time. I’ve bought a few plants and put them on the window sill. I will work on mothering those for now!
Well, I make fun of it too because it's a fun easy little joke and so far off from what we grew up with. I'm so bought into it though, it's cool to see the kids do analog things.
Yes, one thing at a time! And it's ok if you have just the one thing!
Love this, Stephanie!
Thank you Laura! I’m lucky to have our writers group!
I loved this post. What a treat to see your chickens and the garden too. Those juicy ripe tomatoes made my mouth water! I too want to slow down, but it's such a struggle. Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement to keep trying.
I imagine it's a lot harder when you live in a city. Don't beat yourself up! I think it's even waking up and not looking at your phone for an hour. Or doing something around the house without any music or a podcast playing. Simply just being with your son and playing with him. I think we're slower living more than we think, it's just nice to notice it because we are so fast paced with so many other things.
Nice post, Stephanie! I always tried to keep my children's lives full of simple pleasures. My 33-year old son has been home for a few weeks, and I'm planning to write a post (after my two-week vaca from writing) about this very subject, simple things. Also enjoyed "The Reset." 💜
I look forward to reading your post! Are you going to write about your son being back and what it's been like to spend a good amount of time with him? I hope when my kids are 33 they want to come hang out with me for that long :)
Yes, in part, but also about how some things, what I consider the important things, don't seem to change. I am beyond grateful for the relationship I have with my adult children. The bond is created in those early years, where you are now, taking that time, enjoying your children, making them the priority. Keep up the good work! Oh, and I love your new logo! 💜
This is so comforting to hear! I shall do much of the same with my parenting because it also feels right for me and my husband and my kids.
Thanks! I updated the logo, my headshot, also my about page. It was fun to mix it up and change
I have to go visit your about page! 💜
You are sharing secrets of L-I-V-I-N-G
I have too much to say so that’s all I’m gonna say right now !
well now I'm super interested in what you have to say! I guess we need to talk on the phone soon and discuss!
I loved reading this Stephanie and I feel like I've learned something having never heard of Waldorf! I think the idea of phone-free schools and giving children more time for creativity is so refreshing. I feel grateful to have grown up in a time where phones weren't around when we are at school but I didn't particularly enjoy school, it feeling too regimented and learning what I see now as pointless things. I wish I could have had the opportunity to foster my creativity more in that kind of setting.
How amazing too that not only are your kids learning, but you are too. Thanks for sharing 💜
I feel lucky that I stumbled upon this school. When I sent my 2 year olds to the preschool I didn't think too much about phones and schools yet but as they grow older and as I see them do so well working with their hands, embracing arts and music, and learning practical life skills... it just makes sense! I'm lucky their way of schooling infiltrated my home and my personal life.
I love this - so intimate and authentically you!
Thank you Susan! That’s my goal! That’s all I can be and feel good about what I put out into the world.
You were one of the first writers I thought of when I put the list together! What's going on, why are you needing encouragement today? I'd love to hear if you're willing to share.
I totally understand this especially because I’m like you and have strong feelings about social media. Sometimes substack feels like a social media platform (which it is in its own sense) but it’s the most healthy one I’ve been on because the content I consume here isn’t quick hit content, which is so easy to get addicted to! I admire how you’ve built such a strong community without using social! That said, you’ve inspired me to feel confident that I don’t need to be on social to meaningfully get my work to the world.
The confidence issue... isn’t it crazy?! When the feeling is very strong it seems like I’m the only one in the entire world feeling this way but I know in reality that everyone feels this, including those who seem to have “made it.” Even though I intellectually know this I still default to this feeling and need to mindfully and intentionally switch my mindset. Our human brains are so bizarre.