The Unhurried Homeschooler: A Simple, Mercifully Short Book on Homeschooling

I just finished this book, and felt like I needed to share how wonderful it was! I found this gem while searching for a completely different book on the topic of homeschooling, bought it on a whim, and I am so glad I did! For several weeks now, my family has been preparing for our first year of homeschooling, which will begin over the summer. We're starting late, as I have a daughter in fifth grade and one in first at our local public school. It's a bit overwhelming to think about doing a complete 180, but we can't deny the tug at our hearts to do so. What this book has done for me is given me permission to relax about the whole thing. Chances are we already have everything we need to "do it right." I always knew this on some level, but Durenda confirmed it for me. It's life-giving, confidence-building, and full of grace, this book. I gobbled it up in a couple sittings as it is exactly what the subtitle suggests--simple and mercifully short. Yet it's jam-packed with awesome stuff I can reference later. I love that! If you're looking for something to add to your arsenal, this one's a must.

As a mother who will soon begin the journey of homeschooling, this book was a blessing! It had thought-provoking questions, a ton of encouragement, and anecdotes that at times made me want to bawl due to their beauty. My favorite thing about this book was the message to homeschool in a way that fits YOUR family - not someone else's expectations or a list of "to do" from a curriculum. Each family, child, and journey is unique. For me, this will be a staple book to return to after prayer when I need to reorient myself and need some encouragement on the journey. A recommended read for those both new to homeschooling and for those who are years in but beginning to feel overwhelmed or drained.

The book was so quick and easy to read. It was so encouraging hearing the author speak so highly of homeschooling her children in a slow unhurried way, following their passions ! The early years are for character building, being patient & taking our time to study our child, remembering that every child develops at a different rate, and learning happens all the time! Too much too soon is stressful, children have a good sense when they are ready to learn & when they’re not clueing us in with defiance, crying, lack of interest, etc. Kids are natural learners and they’re all curious and instinctively want to explore on their own.

I read this book originally several years ago when my daughter was quite young & I'm glad I did. I feel like it gave me permission from a veteran homeschool mom to slow down & enjoy childhood with my baby instead of trying to recreate public school in our home. I recently picked it up again & still find it comforting & encouraging. I'm a bit taken aback at some of the negative reviews that seem to be awfully virulent. But then, that does make sense as the Enemy hates God's work. Bringing peace, comfort, & training up Christian children is absolutely Kingdom work. As a Christian homeschool mommy I don't feel there's anything more important & I'm sure that other Mommies like me would benefit from this book.

Thank you for writing this book to share the wisdom you've learned! It is important to have mentors who can train up others in this homeschool journey. There are a lot of voices in the homeschool world and this book offers Time tested wisdom, not just trendy thoughts. I've been homeschooling for over a decade and even graduated one, but this was so applicable and helpful.

I loved this book. In fact I re-read it at the end of our school year each year so that I can remember what is really important in our homeschool as I plan the next year. My copy is covered in highlights and completely worn out from being propped open when I read while I nursed a baby! Durenda homeschooled EIGHT children. She clearly knows what she is talking about. More importantly, Durenda uses that experience and wisdom to help homeschool parents to determine what is important in their homeschool. I LOVE the portion on page 23 where she says Please don't let anyone guilt you into thinking that true homeschooling never involves outsourcing any of your kids learning. Remember, the heart of a homeschooling parent is to facilitate what God is orchestrating in their kids' lives. That portion of the book is what really got me. I really appreciate that Durenda repeats over and over again to listen to your instincts. It was SO freeing for me to realize that while I will be homeschooling my children, it is okay if I get help with the advanced math for them! Durenda really encourages homeschooling parents to focus on learning their children really well in order to be the best teacher and advocate for their child's individual needs rather than doing what school districts, books, methodologies, or family members push for. Overall, I give The Unhurried Homeschooling: A Simple, Mercifully Short Book on Homeschooling by Durenda Wilson a solid 5 stars and I recommend it to any and all homeschooling parents. This book also makes a great gift!

I truly love this book, its a great reminder and brings you back to what's in octant about homeschooling

I read this for the first time in 2018. It radically changed me and my homeschool. I finally had permission to drop the public school mindset and put in the “hand to the plow” work to homeschool my crew. I re-read this each year to refresh my resolve. Hands down my favorite homeschool book! Thank you, Durenda for pouring out years of wisdom! You are greatly missed.

This is a book for those who already believe in God's plan and wisdom. Half is the job of parents, half is to just pray to God to take care of them

Describe lo básico del homeschool, basado en la experiencia de la autora y su familia, tiene buenas ideas pero no profundiza. Es un texto para conocer su experiencia como mama homeschooler

I loved reading this book by Durenda. As a homeschooling Mom, I often wonder if I'm doing enough, being enough. This book encouraged me to take an unhurried approach and do what works for my family and pray. Highly recommended.

Wonderful, easy to read, compact book CHALK FULL of wisdom and encouragement for the homeschool mom. I have recommended this book so many times! My copy is full of note and underlined sections. Just wonderful, can't recommend it highly enough!

Can't describe the blessing this book has been. I felt any pressure of home educating melt off my shoulders within five minutes of starting, never to return. It echoed what I'd felt in my heart about home ed, and gave me permission to step out from under the 'shoulds' and 'must do' mentality we can so easily fall into. Fabulous read. Extremely grateful to Durenda for writing this!