Stay at Home Sparky

How it began

Tradesman for 20 years, father of one and really awesome husband, we were living in Queensland, Australia. The daily race no longer satisfied our family. With everchanging shift work and our son seemingly living in out of hours school care, the cravings for change were strong.

We hardly saw each other, quality time seemed rare; a life with lots of stuff yet a thirst for so much more. We needed a shift and a change in perspective gave its gift – We asked the question, “Financial security, is it greater than smile security?”

We bought a bus, built it into home; sold our Sunshine Coast house and gifted away most of our material stuff – the first step in our discovery that less is more. A leap into the unknown yet feeling the universe had our back. Why not us? This was our guiding philosophy.

A family on the road, home schooling began as road schooling. Freedom filled with gratitude, we began to live and not just exist.

Where we are now

Australia has a rapidly growing homeschooling community, and no where is this more evident than Northern New South Wales. Rich with natural, awe inspiring beauty, families like ours have been attracted to the region for a range of reasons, for us it was family.

We landed in the bush and soon we found our people. The established homeschooling community in this area was huge! Welcoming, active, and free.

Coming form a regular “go to school” upbringing, to my wife and I, everything homeschooling was foreign and a little daunting at first. This journey has been one of growth for our little family, from discovering unschooling and child lead learning to a generous mix of curriculum based activities and community organised events – with play groups and theatre productions to swimming and athletics carnivals, Homeschoolers do it all.

From traveling and life learning, to settling where we are, we joined a community of like minded friends.

Balancing work, life, and homeschooling

Life gets hectic! From a busy education schedule both at home and in the community, to maintaining a social life and earning an income; homeschooling is a juggling act. It takes planning and self care to achieve a level of fulfilment for both children and parents.

Simply put, self awareness is key. I asked myself, “What do I need to keep sane?” For the most part, providing for my family is huge for me, I get a lot out of this life that’s good for the soul. Spending so much quality time with my son is incredibly valuable, and life is for living so I make the most of it. However, this bloke needs variety!

Keeping active, spending time with my wife and catching up with mates; to make it all happen is challenging but it can be done. Then there’s earning an income as a fulltime at home educator. To do everything is near impossible but not if you can find a way to overlap.

This site and blog, a new venture for me, but even this forms a part of a self care strategy; creativity, journaling, community connection and knowledge sharing, all becomes an opportunity for growth.

My approach

I integrate philosophy, lifestyle, and daily experiences to create a supportive learning environment.

Building community

Sharing tips on balancing work, mental health, and family life to encourage fellow homeschoolers.

Our journey

This blog reflects my motivation to give my child a meaningful, values-driven education. Filled with fun and experience.