A Tiny Confession
My Secret Sanctuary in the Chaos of Home Education and Family Life
Hey there! I'm Elizabeth, a mum of three in South Wiltshire, UK. With a degree in Early Education and over twenty years of experience, I'm passionate about supporting children and families. Join me on my journey of unschooling with my husband Justin, while building our learning community and forest school. I'll share insights into our unschooling lifestyle, part-time travel, community building, and the slow seasonal rhythms of motherhood. Subscribe for twice-weekly updates straight to your inbox and let's create a beautiful community together!
In the whirlwind of home education and the ceaseless demands of family life, finding moments of rest becomes not just a luxury but a necessity. For me, the secret lies in the simple pleasure of taking a bath, a sanctuary where water becomes my haven and solitude my companion.
Whether it's the hushed stillness of the morning, the sunlit afternoons or quiet of the night, I carve out time for myself. The bathtub becomes a multipurpose haven – a reading nook, a writing desk, and a meditation space. It's not just about cleansing the body but nurturing the soul and quieting the mind.
In this chaotic journey of parenting and educating at home, the bath serves as my escape. It's where I unravel the threads of the day, immersing myself in stories, pouring thoughts onto paper (or my phone notes), and finding peace in the present moment. The water becomes a conduit to rejuvenation, a liquid refuge from the constant ebb and flow of responsibilities.
Even with the inevitable interruptions – a child's curiosity or a snack request – I've learned to savour these moments. Amidst the scattered bath toys and piles of laundry, the bath stands as a symbol of reclaiming time for myself. It's a practice of prioritising self-care amid the joyful chaos of parenting.
Home education, with its intricacies and surprises, demands resilience. Taking rest becomes not just a break but a vital part of the journey. Whether the kids are engrossed in their own projects, gaming online with friends or out for a walk with Justin and the dogs, I seize those opportunities. It's a deliberate act of self-love, acknowledging that to care for others, I must first care for myself.
The essence of rest is not confined to a specific time; it's a conscious decision to carve out space for myself amidst the dynamic rhythm of family life. So, as the day unfolds, and the house echoes with laughter, chatter and bickering, I find solace in the bath – my secret oasis, a reminder that amid the chaos, rest is an essential companion on this extraordinary journey.
Tell me, where do you find moments of stillness in your day?
Until next time.
Warmest wishes,
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Oof. It's so hard for me to not be abboted by constant interruptions from my children. 🙃
I can SO relate! The bath has always been my safe space and my me time since becoming a mother. Baths have held me through the depths of pregnancy, through hard days, through joyful days, through reconnecting with myself. Or at least it was my special space up until the last 14 months as we have been travelling and haven’t had one.
Right now walks are my time and I’m certain bath times will be back again one day.