The Hickey family—Shelley, Jaison, and their 8-year-old son, Liam—are a fun-loving trio dedicated to learning, adventure, and living life with purpose. From raising animals on their small homestead to traveling and exploring the world, their days are filled with exciting discoveries and hands-on experiences that go beyond a traditional lifestyle.
A Holistic Approach to Health and History
Shelley is passionate about holistic healing and natural wellness, always seeking ways to keep her family healthy in body, mind, and spirit. Jaison, a history enthusiast, finds joy in sharing his knowledge of ancient civilizations and modern events with Liam. Together, they’ve instilled a love for learning in Liam, who is always eager to experiment with science projects or explore their farm. For the Hickeys, education isn’t just about books; it’s a lifestyle enriched by the family’s adventures, pursuits, and curiosities.
Tweed Hill Homestead: A Sustainable Lifestyle
The Hickeys are proud caretakers of their small homestead, Tweed Hill Homestead, where they raise chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, and pigs. Their farming philosophy focuses on fostering natural animal behaviors and promoting optimal health, free of antibiotics, hormones, and harmful chemicals. This approach not only supports the animals’ well-being but also provides nutritious, local food for the Hickey family and their community.
Through his role on the farm, Liam has learned valuable life skills like responsibility, resilience, and a deep respect for nature. Farming connects the family to the natural world, creating a daily rhythm grounded in sustainable living.
A Life Full of Activity and Play
When he isn’t helping out on the farm, Liam enjoys a variety of activities, from playing baseball to practicing jiu-jitsu, swimming, and building exciting projects with Crunch Labs kits. Shelley and Jaison stay active alongside him, ensuring he has a balanced lifestyle that includes movement, learning, and play.
Each year, the Hickeys look forward to their annual camping trip to a family farm in Michigan, where they reconnect with relatives and continue their learning journey through outdoor adventures. Whether they’re fishing, stargazing, enjoying campfires, or simply soaking up the peaceful beauty of the farm, these trips are a cherished family tradition.
A Tailored Approach to Education: Choosing A One-Room Schoolhouse
When it came to Liam’s education, Shelley and Jaison wanted something that would allow him to see the world from various perspectives. They chose A One-Room Schoolhouse (AORSH) for its flexible, hybrid homeschooling model that aligns with their values. The program’s hands-on, experience-based approach has been a perfect fit for Liam, allowing him to learn through real-life lessons and everyday adventures.
Genevieve Peterson’s inspiring leadership drew them to A One-Room Schoolhouse, as her dedication to providing personalized education for every child resonated deeply with their educational philosophy. “Mrs. Peterson really understood the importance of tailoring education to each child’s unique needs,” Shelley explains. “That’s exactly what we wanted for Liam.”
For the Hickeys, the world itself is a classroom. They study history through travel, learn science through farming, and integrate life skills into their daily routines, making education a natural and enjoyable part of life.
Personal Insights and Advice for Other Parents
Throughout their homeschooling journey, the Hickeys have gained insights they love to share with other parents considering a similar path. Their top advice? Don’t be afraid to take the leap.
“We know it’s intimidating to step away from traditional schooling,” Shelley admits. “But homeschooling doesn’t have to be a solitary experience. There’s a supportive community out there, from programs like AORSH to online resources and local homeschool groups.”
Jaison encourages parents to trust their instincts and be open to exploring a non-traditional path if it feels right. “It’s okay to think outside the box,” he says. “Every child learns differently, and it’s our job as parents to find what works best for them.”
For the Hickeys, homeschooling has been more than just academics—it’s allowed them to bond, explore, and let Liam learn in ways that genuinely resonate with him. Their final piece of advice? Take things one step at a time, find a program that matches your values, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. With the right support, homeschooling can be an incredibly fulfilling experience for both the child and the parents.
The Hickey family’s journey is a testament to the idea that education doesn’t have to be confined to a classroom. Life itself offers endless opportunities for learning, and for them, the path less traveled has made all the difference.
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