When we chose to move off-grid we aimed to find balance, a life in harmony with nature’s rhythms and where modern day conveniences and technology can serve us, without consuming us. This lifestyle has given us the gift of sharing that with our children, offering them a first hand experience of living close to the land while appreciating the tools that are provided. At the heart of our philosophy is moderation in all things, a principle we hope will guide them to lead balanced, fulfilled lives.

Our days are filled with hands-on tasks, from identifying edible plants and fungi to bushcrafting and DIY projects. While home projects have taken center stage lately, we always carve out time for the fun moments. Seeing our children’s faces light up when they recognize a plant for the first time or catch a fish is a joy like no other. These skills, rooted in tradition, foster their self-reliance and encourage them to turn to nature for resources, deepening their appreciation for all that this beautiful earth has to offer.

While primitive skills and nature exploration are a significant part of our lives, we’ve also stayed connected to modern times. Solar panels power our cabin, and an air conditioner keeps us cool in the summer. When winter rolls around, we will rely on our wood-burning stove, fueled by the wood we’ve chopped by hand. Even though we live in the woods, we still have a television for cozy family movie nights after a day spent outdoors. Our son enjoys the occasional video game, but he also has a keen interest in wilderness survival, biology, insects, crafting, and playing outside with friends.

Our approach to raising our children is rooted in the idea that they should feel confident navigating both the natural world and the modern one. While we prioritize whole foods, we believe in enjoying treats, too. Screen time is limited but not off limits. By modeling balance, we hope to empower them to make mindful choices, understanding both the benefits and limitations. In this way, we hope they’re learning to use technology with intention, seeing it as a resource that can enhance their lives without totally consuming them.

This blend of old and new creates a beautiful space for learning and growth. Our children are gaining valuable life skills like foraging, building, fire starting, and connecting with the land. My husband is always eager to learn, watching project videos on Youtube and researching ways to enhance our homesteading skills, all while opting out of social media. It really comes down to balance. We are believers that you don’t have to completely abandon modern methods to embrace the wisdom of the past.

I keep connected with family and friends using my phone, while managing the social media for our beloved community school, and nurture my love for photography. This goes to show – we’re not disconnected entirely, in many ways, we are more connected than ever – to nature, family, friends, and our purpose.

This journey isn’t about fleeing society as a whole, its more so about building memories, growing together, sharing experiences as a family, and knowing that we don’t have to rely on the systems that we don’t agree with. Watching our children around a campfire, fishing in the river, going on “bug hunts” to identify insects, these are moments of connection to each other and to the land. It’s not just about teaching them valuable skills; it’s also about fostering respect for the natural world. So they can pass down this love and knowledge to their future children. Through these daily experiences, we’re weaving together lessons in resilience, gratitude, and the beauty of a life lived with intention.

We still enjoy grabbing a coffee in town with friends or setting off on a spontaneous family adventure, but there’s something deeply grounding about returning home to a cabin deep in the woods. A simple and slow life, where simplicity and nature coexist.

For us, a simpler life means freedom. A life focused on nature, family, and our values. We wanted to step away from the pressures of conventional society, including the often rigid structure of public education. We want our children to grow up not by someone else’s standards, but with a sense of creativity and connection that comes from learning in the real world. We don’t worry about keeping up with the Joneses; instead, we’re focused on embracing what nourishes us, and letting go of what doesn’t. To co create a meaningful childhood for our children, filled with lessons that last a lifetime.

Heres a video my son made about his love for foraging and exploring nature ~ He shares his favorite wild finds and his excitement of discovering edible plants in the woods.

🦋🍄🌲🌿👇

Discover Nature Through His Eyes!