We have a not-so-secret secret …. we have very recently launched a personal blog called “HAPPYFISH SCHOOL” that follows our adventures as a creative industry/business running family who homeschool our kids … and trying to make healthier choices on the side.
Here’s the honest truth of why I’ve created this blog ….. it is by the encouragement of our beloved photographer clients and friends that (I speak for myself here) …. got the guts to dive off into this unknown territory in the first place. You know who you are – and I’m deeply indebted to you for your wisdom and encouragement. Thank you as well, for those of you, who as clients – have told us that you were homeschooled – or your homeschooled your kids …. or, are ‘thinking’ about homeschooling your little ones someday but really are not sure…. and a bit afraid….
I feel that those of us in this creative industry – or frankly ANY creative industry as small business owners and entrepreneurs are totally suited to do this because:
- we’re self starters and are self reliant
- we’re creative and great problem solvers
- we love to learn… and keep learning …. because we LOVE growing everyday and getting inspired about new things and adventures
- we like to have FUN 🙂 and like a life that isn’t boring
- we run our own schedule and hours (and that is largely also why we run our own businesses – we like our flexible time so that we can be with our loved ones when we need to be not just after 5pm.)
- working for ourselves is a big deal and not one that everyone can handle – we have a lot to offer our kids – and their friends …. to learn about life and what it takes to run your own company and make your own living
- many of us work out of our own home offices or studios whether with our partner-wife-husband…. or not … we are ‘around’ and available
- we have tons of technical experience – as well as wearing many hats…. marketing, advertising, accounting, PR, customer service etc etc.
- we’re not afraid of making mistakes; we know that we learn from them
- we want to experience as much as we can in life every minute every day…. that’s why we’re photographers and designers – we’re capturing everyone’s moments and when we remember… our own too!
- we enjoy communities of like-minded people (fellow photographers, designers etc. love the forums, conferences, seminars etc… well, amplify that by the homeschool crowd – I had NO IDEA how huge this was…..)
- no matter what your beliefs are, or worldview, or learning style/philosophy – there’s curriculum and a support group to fit anyone’s unique preferences
I know there is more…. will add later. 😉
Caterpillar we raised from an egg we found
Making yogurt pops
I loved school (elementary right on through to my Bachelor’s Degree) and would have stayed in school forever….. Chad – he’s a full blooded entrepreneur who preferred yearbook over other classes (while in the midst of starting up businesses outside of high-school hours) …. but when challenged that he couldn’t do well – well, he did amazing out of spite. That’s his competitive spirit there and continued on through his college turning down Microsoft recruiters because “they were the creepy little place behind the Burger Master” back in the day. My being an overachiever with overstuffed glowing transcripts … and he with his questioning everything core – we make a good balance. There is nothing against ‘school’ the institution – we’ve known many devoted and gifted teachers who are doing the best that they can with their high class ratios and limited budgets. We wanted to challenge our kids in flexible ways and let them learn at their own pace (accelerated or relaxed), own learning style (visual, kinesthetic, auditory etc. ) and have more fun and options in their education (less worksheets and more creative projects, reading literature, hands on science etc…).
Studying worms and how they mix soil layers
The other huge reason is spend more family time together – life is short and the kids are growing before our eyes !! There really are a million other benefits – but this isn’t an attempt to sway anyone’s ideas …. merely an invitation to check out the blog if you guys are homeschooling… or wondering about trying it with your kids… or wanting to relive your own experience …. or are just plain curious!
If you ever have questions or want to talk – we’re here for you too and would be honored to give back what was done for us.
(P.S. HappyFish School is facebook and twitter too ;D)
