Once a week I load my kids into the car and the whole family heads in to our LuSa Organics business space. It's my one day a week to work on site – developing new products, blending new scents, and making product prototypes for private label customers.
Yesterday I reflected on how this day works for my kids. Are they just spending the day waiting for me to finish my work, or are they learning? And in that moment in the other room I overheard Pete teaching Sage long division. Pete took a quick break from bookkeeping to explain the math to Sage, who had been carefully measuring and drawing something to scale all morning.
Meanwhile Lupine was singing and dancing (as usual), cutting some treasures out of paper, working on a puzzle, drawing, and helping me quality check the soaps. As always there were lots of questions about the map of the world that hangs on the wall.
And then I remembered what I have known for so long. That wherever we go they learn. They learn at home, in the woods, in the city, and yes, even at LuSa. There was math and art and fine motor work. There was geography and chemistry. There was physical education and natural history. It's all happening. Everyday. No matter where we are. And I love that for so many reasons.
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P.S. Some of you have emailed looking for a LuSa Organics coupon code. You can find one here for Mother's Day. Enjoy!
Love,
Rachel
I also think they learn about life from seeing us at work, I feel that there is some fantasy of that things and money come from magic when they go to school and never see their parents working, it just a theory of mine.
I love the picture of Lupine smelling the soap. I have tried every scent you have and when I saw the picture of all the bars of soap in the second picture, I was wishing I could smell them too. It must smell great in your business space!
I see my blue pin on your map 🙂 At least, I assume they represent where you’ve shipped LuSa goodness?!
You always hit the nail right on the head Rachel, this perfectly shares why we are choosing to homeschool our litle man with a goal towards “life learning”.
And your soaps are amazing, love them!
It’s great to see pictures of your workspace!
And homeschooling seems such a wonderful path…
Lupine’s eyes are amazing by the way 🙂
That reminds me of a “how they make crayons” video I saw as a kid … who wouldn’t want to be checking that out in person! And some hands-on learning of math and geography to boot!
Our sons have grown up around our business their whole lives. 2 are now young men, with great business sense, creativity and more. I think growing up seeing your parents work is wonderful!
You are so correct they are always learning. I hear my 4 and 2 1/2 year discussing that they are opening their own cake store and already asking for help with naming the store and trying to figure out renting a building. The 4 year later decide to work from home lol.
Yes. I think they (Sage in particular) really get it. He started his first micro-business venture at four and made $25 at his first farmer’s market. At four! And he does watch us work every day.
It does!
Yes! That must be your pin. How fun!
Thank you Kim.
Thanks, Isavoyage. She glimmers sometimes.
What I love most about unschooling is that all subjects are integrated. Like life, you have to deal with everything all at once. In real life when do you ever do algebra equations all by themselves or list the 50 state capitals in alphabetical order? You learn math while counting soap bars or geography while looking at a map of where your mama send people the soap you just counted.
I can’t even imagine how good the LuSa shop smells, well actually I can because if it smells anything like the box that your products come in then, I want to just move right in!
Im so frustrated with the Public school system right now i could scream (really). Learning shouldnt be this hard for a child that loves to learn!!!!
What you’ve posted of your life so far (unschooling, family, family-business, parenting, etc.) is so very motivating and uplifting for me. So much so, that I want to do it–staying home with my family and having a family business (I have not idea what that would be tho). Ever since becoming a mom 5 years ago, I’ve wanted to leave my job. Never thought about until I became a parent. Wow, it really changed me. I also love how you connect and encourage your children to connect to the natural world. Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you.
<3 "And then I remembered what I have known for so long. That wherever we go they learn." <3
So adorable.
Yes! Everything at once. I really love that aspect of it. If you ever want to visit LuSa and smell it for yourself, just let me know, KC. You’d love it!
Hugs, Lori. I’m sure you are working for change.
Thank you for sharing these words. I read them on Friday and your comment keeps popping into my head. Blessings on you making space for big changes. We never looked back. xo
Love that message, and the beautiful soapy pictures.