The Simple and Slow Life: Insights on Homesteading and Homeschooling with Stephanie from Winging It on the Homestead
In today's fast-paced world, the idea of homesteading and homeschooling can feel like a distant dream for many. But for Stephanie, a dedicated mom of five, these concepts have become a lifestyle that ties together her family, values, and sense of community. Stephanie's approach to homesteading and homeschooling is rooted in intentionality, resourcefulness, and a slow, deliberate pace that offers both challenges and rewards.
In this blog, we dive into some of the key takeaways from a recent podcast conversation with Stephanie, the voice behind Winging It on the Homestead and host of the Simple Living Made Simple podcast. Let’s explore how she integrates homesteading, homeschooling, and a simplified lifestyle into her everyday life.
Homesteading: A Simpler Way of Living
For Stephanie, homesteading is not just about farming and living off the grid; it's about choosing a simpler, slower lifestyle that prioritizes connection with nature, family, and community. She shared that many people mistakenly think homesteading requires complete self-sufficiency—owning a dairy cow, growing all your food, and making everything from scratch. While that can be part of it, Stephanie views homesteading as something more attainable and sustainable for everyday families.
“Homesteading isn’t about doing it all,” she explains. “It’s about a simpler lifestyle, a slower lifestyle, and getting back to basics. It’s about working with your hands, being more intentional, and building the skills that will serve you and your family over a lifetime.”
Homesteading Is a Mindset Shift
At the core of homesteading is the decision to slow down and make more intentional choices. Stephanie talks about the importance of embracing a mindset shift when it comes to resourcefulness. For example, even if you can’t grow all your own food or keep animals on your property, you can still prioritize supporting local farmers, reduce food waste, and make more sustainable choices.
One of Stephanie’s tips for families looking to simplify their lives is to start small and build a community of like-minded people. She and her co-founder have started a local group where they meet regularly to visit and vet local farms, making sure they align with their values and priorities.
“It’s not about doing everything perfectly,” she says. “It’s about making small changes and committing to building community.”
Homeschooling: Weaving Education Into Everyday Life
Homeschooling is another key component of Stephanie’s lifestyle. It isn’t just about doing school at home—it’s about integrating education into the everyday activities of homesteading. From chores to cooking to caring for animals, homeschooling for Stephanie is as much about learning through experience as it is about hitting academic milestones.
“Homeschool is home,” she says. “It’s not just school at home—it’s the way we live. The way we do things, the way we move about our day, it’s all intertwined.”
Stephanie shared how her children are involved in various aspects of homesteading, including cooking, cleaning, and learning skills that will serve them throughout their lives. This hands-on approach is woven into the homeschooling schedule, creating a rich, interactive learning environment.
Balancing Homeschooling and Homesteading
As a mom of five, balancing homeschooling with running a homestead can be a challenge. But Stephanie finds that having a flexible routine that prioritizes family life and household tasks makes everything work. While she still ensures her children meet basic academic benchmarks, the learning process is much more fluid and less structured than in traditional school systems.
Stephanie finds that focusing on what motivates each child—whether it's their natural curiosity, specific interests, or talents—helps foster an environment where they thrive. “Once we find something they’re interested in, we dive into it,” she says. Whether it’s a historical topic, a nature study, or a new skill, homeschooling gives Stephanie the opportunity to nurture her children’s individual passions and help them develop as lifelong learners.
Overcoming the Challenges of Homesteading and Homeschooling
While Stephanie's approach to homeschooling and homesteading sounds idyllic, it’s not without its challenges. She admits that one of the hardest parts of the lifestyle is finding time to accomplish everything, particularly when it comes to housework and maintaining a clean, organized home.
“It would be nice to have a couple of hours a day to clean the house thoroughly,” she laughs. But despite the difficulties, Stephanie believes the benefits of this lifestyle far outweigh the challenges. It’s a life that values connection—with your family, with your community, and with the land.
The Financial Side of Homesteading: Balancing Costs and Benefits
One of the most common concerns about homesteading is the financial commitment. Many people believe that homesteading requires a lot of money upfront, especially when it comes to purchasing land, animals, and equipment. While it’s true that there can be significant initial investments, Stephanie emphasizes that homesteading doesn’t have to be financially burdensome.
“You don’t need to be wealthy to start homesteading,” she notes. “It’s about being resourceful, buying in bulk, and making things yourself. It’s about long-term thinking and seeing the benefits over time.”
For example, buying a bushel of peas for $30 may seem expensive at first, but once they’re canned and stored, that box of peas can feed a family for an entire year. It’s all about seeing the value in what you’re investing in and understanding that some costs are upfront, but they pay off in the long run. Homesteading, Stephanie suggests, is as much about time management and goal setting as it is about financial planning.
Tips for Getting Started with Homesteading
If you’re feeling inspired to try a simpler, slower lifestyle like Stephanie’s, here are a few tips to help you get started:
Start Small: Don’t feel the pressure to do it all at once. Start by growing a few vegetables, learning to bake bread, or visiting local farmers to support their produce.
Build Community: Find like-minded people who can support your homesteading goals. Whether it’s through online groups, local meetups, or family and friends, community will help you stay motivated and learn along the way.
Embrace Resourcefulness: The heart of homesteading is making do with what you have. Learn to repurpose items, reduce waste, and find creative solutions to your daily needs.
Be Flexible: Homesteading isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Adapt your lifestyle to fit your family’s needs and don’t be afraid to make changes as you learn.
Balance and Patience: Homesteading and homeschooling both require a long-term mindset. They’re both about investing in your family’s future and being patient with the process.
Conclusion
Stephanie’s approach to homesteading and homeschooling is a beautiful reminder that a simpler, more intentional life is within reach for anyone willing to make small, gradual changes. Whether you're interested in starting a garden, exploring homeschooling, or simply slowing down your daily pace, it’s possible to create a life that’s meaningful, connected, and full of purpose.
Homesteading doesn’t have to mean living off the grid or becoming completely self-sufficient—it’s about making choices that align with your values, nurturing your family, and enjoying the rewards of a slower, more intentional life. Stephanie’s journey is a testament to the power of community, resourcefulness, and a little patience along the way.
TL;DR
Jessica talks with Stephanie, homesteader and blogger, about her inspiring journey into homesteading and how it’s shaped her family’s lifestyle. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of starting small, taking one step at a time, and prioritizing what best serves her family. She discusses how growing their own food and choosing non-toxic products have become essential aspects of their daily lives.
Stephanie also shares insights on involving her children in homesteading activities, highlighting how this fosters connection and teaches life skills. They explore the role of seasonal rhythms in homesteading, meal planning, and canning based on the produce available each season. This episode is perfect for listeners interested in mindful, sustainable living, with valuable tips for incorporating family-centered routines and intentional choices.
How to connect with the Stephanie:
Website: www.wingingitonthehomestead.com
Mom podcast, Motherhood Podcast, Motherhood Journey, Postpartum Mental Health, Pregnancy, New Mom Support, homesteading, gardening, self-sufficiency, cooking from scratch, canning, seasonal living
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