How to Teach Multiplication the Charlotte Mason Way: Living Math That Actually Sticks

If you’ve ever watched your child’s eyes glaze over during a multiplication drill worksheet, you’re not alone. I remember sitting at our kitchen table last spring, flash cards scattered everywhere, my second-grader near tears, and thinking — there has to be a better way. Spoiler alert: there is. And it looks a lot less like memorization torture and a lot more like real life.

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What Is Living Math, Anyway?

Charlotte Mason believed that math should be taught with the same life and meaning as any other subject. She wasn’t a fan of rote memorization divorced from understanding — and honestly, neither am I. Living math means connecting mathematical concepts to real experiences, concrete objects, and the natural world around us.

For multiplication specifically, this means we’re not just chanting “six times seven is forty-two” into the void. We’re actually understanding what multiplication means — that it’s repeated groups, that it shows up everywhere in daily life, and that it’s genuinely useful.

The goal isn’t to avoid memorization entirely (those facts do need to become automatic eventually), but to build understanding first. When kids understand why multiplication works, the memorization comes so much easier.

Start With Manipulatives and Real Objects

Before we ever touch a times table chart, we spend weeks — sometimes months — just playing with multiplication as a concept. And by playing, I mean actual hands-on work with things we can touch and move around.

The Backyard Chicken Method

I’m not even joking — our chickens have taught my kids more about multiplication than any workbook. “If each of our four hens lays one egg a day, how many eggs do we collect in a week?” Suddenly 4 × 7 isn’t abstract. It’s breakfast planning.

We count eggs into cartons, figure out how many treats to divide among the flock, and calculate how much feed we need for the month. Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens actually has some great charts in the back that we’ve used for real math problems about feed ratios and coop spacing.

Nature Collections Work Beautifully

Here in Northwest Florida, we’re blessed with endless nature study opportunities. Acorns, shells from Pensacola Beach, pinecones — all of these become multiplication manipulatives. “Let’s make 5 groups of 6 shells. How many shells altogether?”

We keep a nature journal where the kids sketch and record, and I’ve started having them add simple multiplication observations. “We saw 3 groups of 4 pelicans flying in formation. That’s 12 pelicans total.” Math becomes part of noticing the world, not separate from it.

Build Understanding Before Speed

Charlotte Mason emphasized short lessons with full attention. For multiplication, this means we don’t do 30 problems in one sitting. We might do 3-5 problems with deep understanding, using drawings, manipulatives, and discussion.

The Array Approach

Arrays are your best friend for teaching multiplication conceptually. We draw arrays constantly — rows and columns of dots, squares, even Faber-Castell watercolor painted squares when we want to make it artsy.

Seeing that 3 × 4 makes the same rectangle as 4 × 3? That’s the commutative property, learned visually instead of as a vocabulary word to memorize.

Skip Counting as a Foundation

We do a lot of skip counting around here — during nature walks, while swinging, jumping on the trampoline, waiting for dinner. Skip counting by 2s, 5s, 10s, and then the trickier ones. This builds the mental foundation that multiplication facts will eventually sit on.

I’ll admit, we use Math-U-See as our spine curriculum because it aligns so well with the concrete-to-abstract progression that Charlotte Mason valued. The manipulative blocks make multiplication visual in a way that just clicks.

Bring Multiplication Into Daily Life

The Charlotte Mason approach shines when math stops being “school” and starts being life. Here’s where we find multiplication hiding in plain sight:

In the Kitchen

“We need to double this recipe. If it calls for 3 eggs, how many do we need?” Baking is basically delicious math class.

Planning and Shopping

“If these rain boots are $12 and we need pairs for both of you…” My kids have become surprisingly good at mental math when there’s something they want involved.

Outdoor Play

Setting up lawn games? “If 4 people each get 3 bean bags, how many bean bags do we need total?” Even organizing outdoor lawn games for a backyard hangout becomes a math opportunity.

The Role of Memory Work (Yes, Eventually)

I’m not anti-memorization — I’m anti-meaningless memorization. Once my kids understand what multiplication actually is, we do work on automaticity. But it looks different than what I remember from school in the 90s.

We use songs, chants, and games. We practice facts while walking the dog around the neighborhood. We quiz each other during car rides to the beach. It’s woven into life, not isolated as a dreaded “math facts” time.

Charlotte Mason used the term “habit training” — and multiplication facts do become habits. But habits built on understanding stick so much better than facts memorized in a vacuum.

Resources That Support Living Math

If you’re looking for curriculum support that aligns with this approach, Rainbow Resource has an incredible selection of hands-on math materials. I’ve spent more hours than I’ll admit browsing their math manipulatives section.

Timberdoodle also curates kits that work beautifully for Charlotte Mason families — they understand that learning should involve the hands as much as the head.

A Note for Florida PEP Families

If you’re using the Florida PEP scholarship like we are, many of these resources qualify for purchase. Manipulatives, curriculum, even some of the nature study supplies that support our living math approach — it’s worth checking what’s approved. Having that flexibility to choose materials that actually fit how our kids learn has been such a gift.

Trust the Process

Here’s what I want you to hear, mama: multiplication doesn’t have to be a battle. It doesn’t have to look like timed tests and frustrated tears. When we slow down, connect math to real life, and trust that understanding will come before speed — it does.

My kids now notice multiplication everywhere. In the garden beds, in the egg cartons, in the array of windows on a building downtown. That’s the gift of living math. It’s not just a subject to get through. It’s a way of seeing the world.

So grab some shells, count some eggs, and let multiplication become part of the rhythm of your days. I promise — it’s more fun this way. For all of you.

Now if you’ll excuse me, someone needs help calculating how many apple slices four chickens can share equally, and apparently this is urgent business.

Backyard Chickens and Dogs: How to Introduce Them Safely (From a Mama Who’s Done It)

So you’ve got a dog. And you’ve got chickens — or you’re about to. And somewhere in the back of your mind, you’re picturing feathers flying, your dog in full predator mode, and chaos in the backyard. I get it. Before we brought home our first chicks, I had the same worry. Would our mini labradoodle see them as friends… or snacks?

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The good news? With patience, intentionality, and the right approach, backyard chickens and dogs absolutely can coexist peacefully. Ours do. Our doodle now barely glances at the hens when they’re free-ranging, and the chickens have learned she’s just part of the scenery. But it didn’t happen overnight, and it definitely didn’t happen by accident.

Here’s how we made it work — and how you can too.

Start With Realistic Expectations

First things first: every dog is different. Breed matters, but individual temperament matters more. Our labradoodle has a relatively low prey drive, which helped. But I’ve known hound mixes and terriers who learned to peacefully coexist with chickens too. It just takes more time and supervision.

The key is to never assume your dog “would never.” Even the sweetest family dog has instincts. Chickens move erratically, make noises, and frankly look a lot like the squeaky toys we’ve trained our dogs to chase. Your job is to teach your dog that chickens are off-limits — part of the family, not prey.

Before the Introduction: Set the Stage

Brush Up on Basic Obedience

Before you even think about introducing your dog to your flock, make sure your dog has solid recall and responds to “leave it” or “no.” If your dog won’t listen to you when a squirrel runs by, they’re not ready for chickens.

We spent a few weeks reinforcing commands before our chicks were big enough to go outside. It was time well spent.

Create Physical Barriers First

Your chickens need a secure space where they can exist without any dog interaction at all — at least initially. A sturdy coop and run are non-negotiable. We also invested in an automatic coop door early on, which has been a game-changer for keeping everyone safe, especially during those early morning hours when I’m not quite ready to supervise outdoor time.

Make sure your run is secure enough that your dog can’t dig under or push through. Florida sand is soft and easy to dig, so we buried hardware cloth around the perimeter.

The Introduction Process: Slow and Steady

Phase One: Scent Introduction

Before any visual contact, let your dog get used to the smell of chickens. Bring some bedding from the brooder inside for your dog to sniff. Let them investigate while you stay calm and neutral. No big reactions — just normal life.

Phase Two: Visual Introduction Through a Barrier

Once your chicks are in their outdoor coop, let your dog observe them through the fence or run. Keep your dog on a leash at first. Watch their body language closely.

Signs of trouble: intense staring, stiff posture, whining, lunging, or that laser-focused predator stillness.

Signs of progress: relaxed body, looking away, sniffing around casually, or even ignoring the chickens entirely.

Reward calm behavior with treats and praise. If your dog gets too fixated, calmly redirect them and try again later. We did this for several weeks — just short sessions every day.

Phase Three: Closer Contact (Still Controlled)

Once your dog is reliably calm near the coop, you can try having them closer while the chickens are in a secure area. We’d sit outside with the kids doing nature study — maybe sketching birds with our Faber-Castell watercolors or flipping through our Sibley bird guide — while the dog lay nearby on a long leash.

The goal is for your dog to learn that chickens are boring. Just part of the background. Not exciting. Not worth chasing.

Phase Four: Supervised Free-Range Time

This is the big one, and honestly, we didn’t rush it. It was probably two months before we let the chickens free-range with the dog in the same space, and even then, I was right there the whole time.

Keep your dog on a leash or long line at first. If they show any sign of chasing, immediately interrupt with your “leave it” command and remove them from the situation. Consistency is everything here.

Over time, as trust builds, you can give more freedom. Now our dog mostly ignores the hens, and if she does show too much interest, a quick “leave it” does the trick.

What If It’s Not Working?

Some dogs have a very high prey drive, and no amount of training will make them safe around chickens unsupervised. That’s okay. It doesn’t make them bad dogs — it just means you need to manage the situation differently.

This might mean:

• Never allowing unsupervised interaction
• Keeping chickens in a fully enclosed run during free-range time
• Rotating yard time so the dog and chickens are never out together

Safety comes first. Always.

A Few Extra Tips From Our Backyard

Start young if you can. Puppies are generally easier to train around chickens than adult dogs with established habits. If you’re getting a new dog and already have chickens, this is something to consider.

Don’t punish fear or curiosity. If your chickens flap or squawk and your dog gets excited, stay calm. Harsh corrections can create anxiety and actually make things worse.

Protect your flock’s health too. Dog saliva and waste can carry bacteria that aren’t great for chickens. We keep the areas somewhat separate and make sure the chickens’ waterer stays clean and uncontaminated.

Learn as a family. Our kids have loved being part of this process. We’ve read through Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens together, and the kids have their own copy of A Kid’s Guide to Keeping Chickens. Understanding animal behavior — both the dog’s and the chickens’ — has been a rich learning experience for everyone.

It’s Worth the Effort

There’s something deeply satisfying about watching your dog nap in the sun while the chickens scratch nearby. It feels like the backyard I dreamed of when we started this whole homesteading-lite, nature-based life here in Northwest Florida.

It takes patience. It takes consistency. But if you’re the kind of family that’s already chosen chickens, chances are you’re not afraid of a little extra effort for something meaningful.

And honestly? Watching my kids learn to read animal body language, practice patience, and see the rewards of slow, intentional work — that’s the stuff I want their childhood made of. Less screens, more real life. Messy, feathery, sometimes chaotic real life.

You’ve got this, mama. Take it slow, trust the process, and before you know it, your dog and your flock will be old friends.

Non-Toxic Paint for Kids Rooms and Nurseries: A Real Mom’s Guide to Safer Walls

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When I was pregnant with my first, I remember standing in the paint aisle at our local hardware store, completely overwhelmed. I wanted that perfect soft green for the nursery — something calming, something that felt like bringing the outdoors in. But the smell? Even with the windows cracked in our Florida heat, I couldn’t shake the headache that came with traditional paint. And honestly? If it was making me feel bad, I didn’t want my newborn breathing it in either.

That sent me down the rabbit hole of finding non-toxic paint for kids rooms and nurseries. And like most things in this intentional living journey, once I learned what’s actually in conventional paint, I couldn’t unlearn it.

Why Does Non-Toxic Paint Even Matter?

Here’s the thing — traditional paints contain volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These are chemicals that off-gas into your home’s air, sometimes for years after application. That “new paint smell” we’ve all grown up associating with fresh starts? It’s actually a chemical cocktail evaporating into your breathing space.

For little ones — especially babies who spend 12-16 hours a day sleeping in their rooms — this matters. Their developing lungs and nervous systems are more vulnerable to these exposures. And in Florida, where we keep our houses sealed up tight against the humidity for a good chunk of the year, those fumes don’t exactly have anywhere to go.

I’m not here to fear-monger. I’m just saying: if there’s an easy switch that makes our homes a little safer, why not take it?

What to Look For in Non-Toxic Paint

Not all “eco-friendly” paints are created equal. Marketing can be tricky, so here’s what I actually look for when choosing paint for our kids’ spaces:

Zero-VOC or Low-VOC

This is your baseline. Zero-VOC paints have little to no volatile organic compounds. Low-VOC is better than conventional, but zero is the goal for bedrooms and nurseries where kids spend the most time.

No Added Fragrance

Some companies add fragrance to mask chemical smells. Hard pass. If a paint needs to smell like lavender to cover something up, I don’t want it on my walls.

Third-Party Certifications

Look for certifications like GREENGUARD Gold, which specifically tests for chemical emissions in environments where children and sensitive individuals spend time. It’s not perfect, but it’s a meaningful standard.

Watch the Colorants

Here’s a sneaky one — a base paint might be zero-VOC, but the tints added at the store can introduce new chemicals. Ask specifically about zero-VOC colorants, or choose brands that guarantee the whole system is low-emission.

Brands Worth Considering

Over the years, I’ve tried several options and talked to plenty of other mamas doing the same research. Here are some brands that consistently come up:

Benjamin Moore Natura — Truly zero-VOC including colorants. Great coverage and color selection. This is what we used in our kids’ shared room.

Sherwin-Williams Harmony — Zero-VOC, anti-microbial properties, and formulated to help reduce odors in the room. Widely available, which is helpful.

ECOS Paints — If you want to go a step further, ECOS is zero-VOC and free from all the major chemical nasties. It’s what I’d call “next level” if you’re building a truly non-toxic nursery.

Clare Paint — A newer option that’s zero-VOC, comes in beautiful colors, and ships directly to you. Nice for those of us in areas without specialty paint stores nearby.

Any of these would be a solid choice. The best paint is the one you’ll actually use, so pick based on what’s available and fits your budget.

Our Experience Painting in Florida Heat

I’ll be honest — painting in Northwest Florida comes with its own challenges. Between the humidity and the heat, drying times can be unpredictable. When we painted the kids’ rooms, we ran the AC a little cooler than usual and used fans to keep air circulating. Most non-toxic paints dry just fine, but giving them good conditions helps with both curing and minimizing any residual smell.

We also timed it so the kids could spend a couple of days at grandma’s house while the paint fully cured. Not strictly necessary with zero-VOC options, but it gave me peace of mind — and let’s be real, the quiet was nice too.

Beyond the Walls: Creating a Non-Toxic Kids Room

Once you’ve tackled the paint, it’s worth thinking about the whole room environment. Here are a few other swaps we’ve made over time:

Air quality — We keep windows open when the weather cooperates (those few magical weeks in spring and fall here in Florida). A simple air purifier in the kids’ rooms helps too.

Cleaning products — We switched to non-toxic options from Grove Collaborative years ago, and it’s made a real difference in how our house smells and feels.

Pest control — Florida and bugs go hand in hand. Instead of harsh sprays in the kids’ spaces, we use Wondercide around baseboards and entry points. It works, and I don’t worry about little hands touching surfaces.

Bedding and furniture — This is a longer journey, but choosing solid wood over pressed particle board (which can off-gas formaldehyde) and organic cotton bedding when possible all adds up.

The Bigger Picture

I think about non-toxic choices the same way I think about our Charlotte Mason approach to learning — it’s all about creating an environment where kids can thrive. A nature-rich, curiosity-driven childhood doesn’t just happen outside. It starts with the home we build around them.

When my kids wake up, I want their first breaths of the day to be clean ones. When they’re sprawled on the floor building block towers or flipping through their nature journals, I want to know the air around them isn’t working against their little bodies.

It’s the same reason we spend so much time outdoors, why we have backyard chickens they help care for, why we’re particular about sunscreen (because Florida sun is no joke — we use non-toxic kids sunscreen every single day). It all connects.

A Few Practical Tips Before You Start

• Order samples first. Most of these brands offer small sample sizes. Paint a big swatch and live with it for a few days before committing.
• Prep matters. Good prep means better adhesion, which means the paint lasts longer and you’re not repainting in two years.
• Don’t stress perfection. A little wall imperfection never hurt anyone. Kids’ rooms are meant to be lived in.

Wrapping Up

Choosing non-toxic paint for kids rooms and nurseries isn’t about being perfect or achieving some impossible standard. It’s about making thoughtful choices where we can, one small decision at a time.

Our nursery days are behind us now — these kids are solidly in the elementary years, and that soft green room has seen everything from midnight feedings to Lego explosions to fort building with every blanket in the house. The walls have held up beautifully, and more importantly, I’ve never once regretted taking the extra time to choose something safer.

If you’re nesting, redecorating, or just finally getting around to that painting project you’ve been putting off, I hope this helps you feel a little more confident walking into the paint aisle. You’ve got this, mama.

Now if you’ll excuse me, someone just let the dog in with muddy paws, and those freshly mopped floors aren’t going to survive without intervention.

Best Homeschool Co-op Ideas and Activities That Actually Work for Real Families

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If you’ve been homeschooling for more than five minutes, you’ve probably heard someone mention co-ops. Maybe you’ve even searched “best homeschool co-op ideas and activities” at 10 p.m. while wondering if your kids need more social interaction or if you’re the only mama who feels like she’s winging it most days. (Spoiler: you’re not.)

Here’s what I’ve learned after a few years in the Florida homeschool world: co-ops can be absolutely wonderful, but only when they’re built around activities that actually work for real families — not Pinterest-perfect projects that require seventeen supply runs and a master’s degree in patience.

Let me share what’s worked for us and the families we’ve done life with.

What Makes a Homeschool Co-op Actually Work?

Before we dive into specific activities, let’s talk about what makes co-op time valuable. The best homeschool co-ops aren’t about recreating school at someone’s house. They’re about pooling talents, sharing the load, and giving our kids experiences they couldn’t get at the kitchen table alone.

For our family, that means prioritizing:

• Hands-on learning over worksheets
• Outdoor time whenever Florida weather cooperates (which is most of the year, y’all)
• Mixed-age activities that let littles learn from bigs
• Parent involvement without parent burnout

We follow a Charlotte Mason approach at home, which means we value nature study, living books, and real-world experiences. That philosophy carries right into our co-op time.

Nature Study and Outdoor Exploration

Bird Watching and Nature Journaling

This is probably our favorite co-op activity, and it costs almost nothing. We meet at a local park or nature trail — here in Northwest Florida, we’re blessed with places like the UWF nature trails and Tarkiln Bayou — and spend the first hour just observing.

Each kid brings a nature journal and we encourage them to sketch what they see, even if it’s just a wobbly tree shape or a blob that’s supposed to be a heron. The point isn’t perfection; it’s paying attention.

We keep a Sibley Birds field guide in our nature bag, and the kids love racing to identify what we’ve spotted. Florida has such incredible biodiversity — we’ve logged everything from painted buntings to roseate spoonbills on our co-op outings.

Bug Hunts and Microscope Stations

Let’s be honest: kids and bugs go together like peanut butter and jelly. One of our simplest co-op activities is setting up a bug hunt with bug catcher kits and then examining our finds under pocket microscopes.

The shrieks of excitement when they see a beetle’s wing up close? Worth every penny. This is the kind of 1990s childhood experience I want my kids to have — getting dirty, discovering something real, and not caring one bit about a screen.

Backyard Homesteading Skills

Chicken Care Workshops

Okay, I might be biased because we have our own little flock, but teaching kids about chickens is one of the most rewarding co-op activities out there. We’ve hosted “chicken days” where families come over and the kids learn to collect eggs, refill waterers, and identify different breeds.

For co-ops with multiple chicken-keeping families, you could rotate hosting. I always recommend having A Kid’s Guide to Keeping Chickens on hand — it’s written at a perfect level for elementary kids and covers everything from coop setup to egg anatomy.

If you’re the resident chicken expert in your group, Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens is the gold standard reference for answering all those parent questions that come up.

Garden Planning and Planting

Florida’s growing seasons are weird compared to the rest of the country (we’re planting tomatoes in February, y’all), which makes gardening a perfect co-op topic. Families can take turns hosting planting days, seed swaps, or harvest parties.

The kids learn patience, responsibility, and where food actually comes from — lessons that stick way longer than any workbook page.

Art and Handicrafts

Nature Watercolor Sessions

Charlotte Mason emphasized handicrafts and art appreciation, and watercolor painting ties beautifully into nature study. After a morning of outdoor exploration, we’ll often settle in for quiet painting time.

I’m a big fan of Faber-Castell watercolor sets for co-op use — they’re sturdy enough for multiple kids and the colors are vibrant without being overwhelming. Each child paints something from our nature walk, and the results are always surprisingly beautiful.

Handwork Circles

Knitting, finger crocheting, embroidery, whittling for the older kids — these quiet, productive activities are perfect for co-op time. Mamas can chat while helping little hands, and kids feel so proud of making something real.

Active Games and Free Play

Old-Fashioned Lawn Games

Remember when kids just… played outside? No organized sports, no adult referees, just neighborhood games that went until the streetlights came on?

We try to recreate that magic at co-op. Outdoor lawn games like croquet, bocce ball, and capture the flag are perfect for mixed ages. Set them up, step back, and let the kids figure it out together.

Creek Walking and Exploration

If you have access to a shallow creek or spring (and in Florida, we have plenty), creek walking is an absolute hit. Kids’ rain boots are essential, and we always slather everyone in non-toxic sunscreen before heading out.

The conversations that happen during creek exploration are incredible — kids asking questions, making observations, and just being present in creation.

Academic Co-op Ideas That Don’t Feel Like School

Science Experiment Days

Each family takes a turn bringing a hands-on science experiment. We’ve done everything from vinegar volcanoes (a classic for a reason) to building simple machines to dissecting owl pellets. The key is keeping it interactive — every kid should be doing something, not just watching.

Literature Circles

Reading the same living book and gathering to discuss it is Charlotte Mason gold. For elementary kids, picture books or short chapter books work well. The discussion is often richer than anything we’d get at home because kids hear different perspectives from their peers.

Tips for Starting or Improving Your Co-op

• Keep groups small. Four to six families is the sweet spot.
• Rotate leadership. No one mama should carry the whole load.
• Stay flexible. The best co-op moments often happen when you abandon the plan.
• Prioritize relationship. Activities are just the framework — connection is the goal.
• Meet regularly. Weekly or biweekly consistency helps kids build real friendships.

Making It Work for Your Family

Here in Florida, we use our PEP scholarship funds for curriculum and supplies, but honestly, the best co-op activities cost almost nothing. A nature trail, a backyard, some basic supplies, and a handful of families who want their kids to have a real childhood — that’s the magic formula.

Our co-op days usually end with the kids barefoot, slightly muddy, and begging for “just five more minutes” of play. The dog is exhausted from following them around, and I’m refilling my coffee while swapping recipes or book recommendations with the other mamas.

It’s not fancy. It’s not Instagram-worthy most days. But it’s exactly the kind of childhood I dreamed of giving my kids — full of wonder, friendship, and the freedom to explore.

What activities has your co-op loved? I’d genuinely love to hear what’s working for your family — drop a comment or send me a message. We’re all figuring this out together.

How to Teach Kids About Birds the Charlotte Mason Way: A Nature Study Guide

There’s something magical about the moment your kid spots a bird and actually wants to know what it is. Not because there’s a test, not because you assigned it, but because genuine curiosity took over. That’s the heart of Charlotte Mason nature study — and birds are one of the absolute best places to start.

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If you’ve been wanting to incorporate more bird study into your homeschool but aren’t sure how to make it feel natural (and not like another curriculum to check off), I’ve got you. We’ve been doing this for a few years now, and I’ll share what’s actually worked for our family here in Northwest Florida — where the birds are plentiful and the weather lets us get outside almost year-round.

Why Birds Are Perfect for Charlotte Mason Nature Study

Charlotte Mason believed children should form relationships with the natural world through their own observations — not through textbooks or lectures. Birds fit this beautifully because they’re everywhere. You don’t need a nature preserve or special equipment. You just need to step outside.

Here in Pensacola, we see cardinals, blue jays, mockingbirds, and herons on any given Tuesday. In winter, we get warblers passing through. Our backyard chickens have even sparked conversations about bird anatomy, behavior, and how wild birds differ from domesticated ones. (Spoiler: wild birds are much better at flying away from the dog.)

The point isn’t to create tiny ornithologists — though that’s fine if it happens. The point is to help your kids notice. To look up from the path and see what’s singing. To care about the natural world because they’ve spent real time in it.

Getting Started: Keep It Simple

If you’re new to nature study, here’s my honest advice: don’t overcomplicate it. Charlotte Mason’s approach is supposed to be restful, not another source of homeschool stress.

Start With What’s Already There

Before you buy anything or plan anything, just start noticing birds together. Point them out during your morning coffee. Ask your kids what they see when you’re walking to the car. Make it conversational, not instructional.

We started by keeping our back door open more (screened, because Florida mosquitoes are no joke) and just watching what showed up at our feeder. The kids started recognizing regulars before we ever cracked open a field guide.

Add a Field Guide When They’re Ready

Once the curiosity is there, a good field guide becomes a treasure. We keep the Sibley Guide to Birds on our bookshelf, and the kids flip through it constantly. It’s comprehensive without being overwhelming, and the illustrations are beautiful — which matters when you’re trying to match what you saw to what’s on the page.

For younger kids, you might start with a simpler regional guide or just use the Sibley for reference while you describe the bird together.

The Nature Journal: Your Secret Weapon

If there’s one Charlotte Mason practice I’d recommend above all others for bird study, it’s nature journaling. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to be Pinterest-worthy. It just has to be theirs.

We use simple nature journals — nothing expensive, just something with blank pages that can handle colored pencils and the occasional watercolor attempt. The kids draw what they see, write the date, and maybe add a note about where we were or what the bird was doing.

Don’t Worry About Perfection

Charlotte Mason was clear that the goal of nature journaling isn’t artistic perfection — it’s careful observation. A wobbly drawing of a mockingbird that your seven-year-old made while actually looking at a mockingbird is worth more than a traced image from a workbook.

We keep a set of Faber-Castell watercolor pencils in our nature bag because they’re forgiving and the colors are lovely. But honestly? Regular crayons work fine too. The medium matters way less than the looking.

Making Bird Study a Habit (Not a Chore)

The key to Charlotte Mason nature study is consistency without rigidity. Here’s what that looks like for us:

Weekly Nature Time

We aim for one dedicated nature study time per week — usually a morning at a local park or trail. But some of our best bird observations have happened in the backyard while the kids were supposed to be doing something else entirely. Florida’s mild winters mean we can do this year-round, which is one of the genuine perks of homeschooling here.

Bird Walks Don’t Have to Be Long

A 20-minute walk where you stop and listen is more valuable than a two-hour hike where everyone’s tired and cranky. Bring binoculars if you have them (we have a cheap pair that’s survived three years of kid handling), and just… walk slowly. Stop when someone sees something.

Connect It to What You’re Already Doing

Bird study doesn’t have to be a separate subject. It can weave into your existing routine:

• Morning time: Listen to a bird call from a free app and try to identify it
• Read-alouds: Add books about birds or naturalists who studied them
• Art: Use bird photos or your own sketches as drawing subjects
• Science: Talk about migration, adaptation, or how birds fit into the food chain

Resources That Have Actually Helped Us

I’m not one for buying curriculum we don’t use, so here’s what’s earned its spot on our shelf:

The Sibley Guide to Birds is our go-to for identification. It’s thorough and beautiful, and my oldest has started browsing it for fun.

For hands-on learning, we’ve loved using a pocket microscope to look at feathers we find. The kids are always collecting things, and being able to examine them closely adds another layer of wonder.

If you’re looking for a good homeschool supplier that carries nature study resources, both Rainbow Resource and Timberdoodle have solid selections. I’ve ordered from both over the years.

Connecting Birds to the Bigger Picture

One thing I love about bird study is how naturally it connects to everything else. Our backyard chickens have been an unexpected gateway — the kids understand bird anatomy and behavior on a deeper level because they interact with birds daily. They’ve watched eggs develop, observed pecking order dynamics, and learned that chickens definitely have personalities.

Wild birds become more interesting when you already know a little about how birds work. And vice versa — watching a hawk circle overhead hits different when you’ve got hens to protect.

A Final Encouragement

If you’re feeling behind or like you’re not doing enough nature study, take a breath. Charlotte Mason’s vision wasn’t about cramming more content into your days. It was about slowing down enough to actually see the world with your children.

You don’t need a perfect setup. You don’t need to identify every bird correctly on the first try. You just need to go outside, look up, and wonder together.

That’s it. That’s the whole method.

We’ll be out back this afternoon, probably watching the mockingbird who’s claimed our fence as his personal stage. The kids might draw him. They might not. Either way, we’ll have spent time noticing — and that’s enough.

Happy bird watching, friend.

Florida Sandhill Crane Facts for Kids: A Nature Study Your Family Will Love

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If you’ve spent any time driving through Florida neighborhoods or walking near wetlands, you’ve probably had to stop your car for a family of sandhill cranes casually strolling across the road like they own the place. And honestly? They kind of do. These prehistoric-looking birds have been here a lot longer than we have, and they make the most incredible subject for a Charlotte Mason-style nature study.

Our family has been observing sandhill cranes for years now—they’re practically neighbors. We see them in the field behind our house, hear their distinctive rattling calls in the early morning, and my kids have spent hours sketching them in their nature journals. If you’re looking for a Florida-specific nature study that will captivate your elementary-age kids, sandhill cranes are absolutely perfect.

Why Sandhill Cranes Make an Amazing Nature Study Subject

Charlotte Mason believed that children should form relationships with nature through careful observation, and sandhill cranes practically beg to be observed. They’re large enough to see clearly from a respectful distance, they move slowly and deliberately, and their behavior is endlessly fascinating.

Unlike some birds that flit away the moment you notice them, sandhill cranes are wonderfully unbothered by human presence. This makes them ideal for younger children who are still learning to be still and watch. You don’t need binoculars or special equipment—just patient eyes and maybe a good nature journal to record what you see.

Florida Sandhill Crane Facts Your Kids Will Love

They’re Living Dinosaurs

Here’s the fact that will make your kids’ eyes go wide: sandhill cranes are one of the oldest living bird species on Earth. Fossil records show they’ve been around for about 2.5 million years. When we watch them walking through our Florida fields, we’re essentially watching dinosaurs. The same basic bird was here when mammoths roamed North America. My kids never get tired of this fact.

Florida Has Its Own Special Subspecies

While many sandhill cranes migrate through Florida in winter, we have our own year-round residents—the Florida sandhill crane. This non-migratory subspecies lives here all year long, which means your family can observe them in every season. They’re slightly smaller than their migrating cousins and are actually listed as threatened in our state, making our observations and protection of them even more meaningful.

Those Red Caps Aren’t Feathers

The bright red patch on a sandhill crane’s head isn’t made of feathers at all—it’s bare skin! The red color comes from blood vessels close to the surface. When cranes get excited or upset, the red can become even brighter. This is a wonderful detail for kids to try to capture in their nature journal drawings using watercolor pencils.

They Dance!

Sandhill cranes are famous for their elaborate dancing displays. They bow, jump, stretch their wings, and toss sticks or grass into the air. While dancing is most common during mating season, cranes dance year-round—young cranes practice, and even adult pairs seem to dance just for the joy of it. If you’re lucky enough to witness crane dancing, it’s pure magic.

Their Calls Can Be Heard a Mile Away

That rattling, trumpeting call is unmistakable once you’ve heard it. Sandhill cranes have an unusually long windpipe—it actually coils into their breastbone like a French horn—which gives their call incredible volume and resonance. We can hear “our” cranes from inside the house with the windows closed. Learning to identify bird calls is such a valuable skill, and cranes make it easy because their sound is so unique.

How to Create a Sandhill Crane Nature Study

Finding Cranes in Florida

The good news is that sandhill cranes aren’t hard to find in Florida. Look for them in open fields, pastures, wetland edges, golf courses, and even suburban lawns. They prefer areas where they can see predators approaching, so they tend to avoid heavily wooded spots. Early morning and late afternoon are often the best times for observation.

Having a good field guide helps your kids understand what they’re seeing. The Sibley Guide to Birds has excellent illustrations showing cranes in different poses and life stages, which is perfect for comparison during your observations.

What to Observe and Record

Here are some prompts for your kids’ nature journals:

• How do the cranes move? Describe their walk.
• What are they eating? (Hint: cranes are omnivores who eat seeds, berries, insects, small reptiles, and more)
• How do the adults and juveniles look different?
• Can you sketch the crane’s head, showing the red cap and long beak?
• What sounds did you hear? Try to describe them in words.
• Were they alone, in pairs, or in a group?

Extend the Learning

If your kids get hooked on cranes—and they probably will—there are wonderful ways to go deeper. Research the International Crane Foundation’s work protecting crane species worldwide. Compare Florida sandhill cranes to the endangered whooping crane, which also winters in Florida. Explore migration patterns of the greater sandhill crane subspecies that visit our state in winter.

For kids who love getting up close with nature, a pocket microscope is perfect for examining crane feathers if you’re lucky enough to find one during your explorations.

Crane Etiquette: Teaching Kids Respectful Observation

This is important, friends. While sandhill cranes are remarkably tolerant of humans, they’re still wild animals who deserve our respect. Florida law actually protects them, and feeding sandhill cranes is illegal because it makes them associate humans with food and can lead to dangerous situations.

Teach your kids to:

• Keep a respectful distance (at least 50 feet)
• Never chase or approach cranes
• Stay especially far from nests or young colts (baby cranes)
• Observe quietly without yelling or sudden movements

This is all part of raising kids who understand that nature isn’t here for our entertainment—we’re privileged guests in the cranes’ home.

Connecting Cranes to Your Backyard

One thing I love about nature study is how it helps kids see connections everywhere. We’ve had great conversations comparing how sandhill crane parents care for their young versus how our chickens raise chicks. Both are devoted parents, but their strategies are so different! If you keep backyard chickens, you might enjoy Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens for making these kinds of comparisons with your kids.

Cranes also remind us why protecting wild spaces matters—even the scrubby, “unimproved” fields that developers sometimes see as wasted land. Those spaces are crane habitat, and our kids are learning to see their value.

A Final Thought

There’s something deeply grounding about watching sandhill cranes with your children. These ancient birds, walking slowly through a Florida morning, connect us to something bigger than ourselves. They were here before us and, if we’re good stewards, they’ll be here long after.

This is the kind of childhood I want for my kids—not flashy, not expensive, just real. Standing in wet grass in our rain boots, watching cranes probe the ground for breakfast, learning to be still and pay attention. It’s the 1990s childhood I remember, updated for our Florida life.

So grab those nature journals, head outside, and see what the cranes are up to today. I promise you won’t regret it.

Happy observing, friends.

Best Outdoor Toys for Toddlers: Simple Backyard Ideas That Actually Get Used

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If you’ve ever stood in Target staring at a wall of plastic outdoor toys wondering which ones will actually get played with (and which will end up collecting spiders in the garage), you’re in good company. I’ve been there. Multiple times.

Here’s what I’ve learned after years of backyard play with little ones in the Florida heat: the best outdoor toys for toddlers aren’t the flashiest ones. They’re the simple, open-ended ones that let kids do what they naturally want to do — dig, pour, splash, run, and discover. The ones that don’t need batteries. The ones that grow with them.

Our backyard isn’t fancy. We’ve got a patch of grass, some trees, a chicken coop, and a lot of sandy dirt. But my kids have logged more happy hours out there than I can count, and most of it happened with pretty basic equipment.

Why Simple Outdoor Toys Work Best for Toddlers

Toddlers don’t need complicated. They need possible. They need toys that respond to their actions — water that pours, sand that molds, balls that roll. This is how they learn cause and effect, develop motor skills, and build the kind of focus that Charlotte Mason called “the habit of attention.”

When a toy does all the work (lights up, makes sounds, moves on its own), there’s nothing left for the child to do but watch. But when a toddler has a bucket, a shovel, and some dirt? That’s an hour of engineering, imagination, and sensory input all wrapped into one muddy package.

This is the 1990s childhood I’m trying to recreate for my kids — not because I’m nostalgic (okay, maybe a little), but because it worked. We played outside until the streetlights came on. We made mud pies. We caught bugs. And we didn’t need a lot of stuff to do it.

Our Favorite Backyard Toys for Toddlers

Water Play Essentials

In Florida, water play isn’t optional — it’s survival. From about March through October, we’re outside with water in some form almost every day.

A simple water table is worth its weight in gold. But honestly? A big plastic tub works just as well. Add some cups, funnels, and a few dollar store basters, and you’ve got endless entertainment.

We also keep a small splash pad that hooks up to the hose. On those brutal July afternoons, it’s the only way anyone wants to be outside. Just don’t forget the non-toxic sunscreen — we go through bottles of it during summer.

Sand and Dirt Play

If you have space for a sandbox, get one. If you don’t, a large plastic bin filled with play sand works beautifully on a patio. My toddler spent actual hours this week just transferring sand from one container to another. That’s it. That was the whole game. And it was perfect.

Good quality sand toys matter more than quantity. We have a few sturdy metal shovels and buckets that have lasted years, while the cheap plastic ones cracked within weeks.

Bug Catching and Nature Discovery

Even tiny toddlers can start learning to observe the world around them. A simple bug catcher kit with a magnifying container is one of our most-used outdoor toys. We catch roly-polies, watch them for a bit, and let them go. It’s early nature study, and it builds such gentle curiosity.

As they get a little older (closer to 3), a pocket microscope becomes the coolest thing ever. Leaves, feathers, chicken feathers (we have plenty of those), flower petals — suddenly everything is worth examining up close.

Balls, Balls, and More Balls

I cannot overstate how much mileage we’ve gotten out of a simple collection of balls in various sizes. Toddlers will kick, throw, chase, and roll balls for ages. A few good rubber balls and a beach ball are backyard essentials.

Ride-On Toys

A low-to-the-ground ride-on toy or balance bike is wonderful for this age. We started with a simple plastic push car that my kids scooted around the patio for years. It built leg strength, coordination, and independence — and gave me a few minutes to drink my coffee while they zoomed around.

Classic Lawn Games

For families with mixed ages (or patient toddlers), some outdoor lawn games can work surprisingly well. We have a ring toss set that even my youngest can attempt. Is he good at it? No. Does he love trying? Absolutely.

Gear That Makes Outdoor Play Easier

Rain Boots Are Non-Negotiable

If you want toddlers outside more, remove the barriers. A good pair of kids’ rain boots means puddles become playgrounds instead of problems. We keep ours by the back door year-round. Florida afternoon storms mean mud puddles are basically a daily occurrence from June through September.

Bug Protection the Safer Way

Speaking of Florida — the mosquitoes here are aggressive. We use Wondercide on the kids and around the yard. It’s plant-based, smells good, and actually works. It’s also safe to use around our chickens and our labradoodle, which matters when everyone’s sharing the same backyard space.

What About the Chickens?

I have to mention — our backyard chickens are genuinely one of the best “toys” for our toddler. Obviously they’re not toys, but watching the hens, helping scatter scratch grains, and collecting eggs has been incredible for building responsibility and animal empathy from such a young age.

We don’t let the little one in the run unsupervised yet (toddlers and chicken poop don’t mix well), but even observing from outside the fence is a daily activity. There’s something magical about a two-year-old yelling “HI CHICKENS” every single morning like it’s brand new information.

A Note on Rotating Toys

One thing that’s helped us get more play out of fewer toys: rotation. I don’t put everything out at once. The bubble machine lives in the garage until it’s “new” again. The bug nets come out seasonally. This keeps things fresh without buying more stuff.

What We Skip

We’ve tried the battery-operated ride-on cars, the elaborate playsets, the toys that promise to “engage” kids with lights and sounds. They always end up being more interesting to adults than to the actual toddlers. My kids go back to the water table, the dirt pile, and the bucket of balls every single time.

I’m not saying never buy the fancy stuff — you know your kid best. But if you’re starting out or trying to simplify, know that the basics really do work.

The Real Goal

At the end of the day, the best outdoor toy is time. Time outside. Time in the dirt. Time watching ants and picking dandelions and splashing in puddles.

The toys are just tools to help that happen. And honestly? Half the time my toddler would rather play with sticks and acorns than anything we bought. Which feels exactly right.

So grab some sunscreen, fill up the water table, and let them get dirty. That’s the whole secret.

Happy playing, friends. 🌿

How to Build a Cheap Chicken Run That Works (What We Actually Did)

If you’re staring at your backyard right now, doing mental math on lumber prices and wondering if keeping backyard chickens is actually going to cost you more than a year’s worth of grocery store eggs — I’ve been there. When we first decided to add chickens to our little Florida homestead, I was determined to build a cheap chicken run that actually worked, not just something that looked Pinterest-perfect for about two weeks before falling apart in our humid, predator-heavy environment.

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Here’s the thing: you don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your flock safe and happy. But you do need to be smart about where you save and where you spend. After a few trial-and-error seasons — and one memorable night involving a possum and some very stressed hens — I’ve figured out what actually matters.

Why Your Chickens Need a Run (Not Just a Coop)

Let me back up for anyone who’s still in the dreaming phase. A chicken coop is where your birds sleep and lay eggs. A chicken run is the enclosed outdoor space where they spend their days scratching, dust bathing, and doing all the chicken-y things that make them healthy and entertaining to watch.

If you’re like us and can’t free-range all day (hello, hawks and neighborhood dogs), a good run is essential. It gives your flock fresh air, sunshine, and room to move without you worrying every time you step inside for five minutes.

And honestly? Watching the chickens from our kitchen window while the kids do their morning math has become one of my favorite parts of homeschool life. There’s something grounding about it.

Our Budget-Friendly Approach: What We Actually Spent

I’m not going to give you a number and pretend it’s universal, because lumber and hardware cloth prices change constantly. But I can tell you the principles that kept our costs low.

Start With What You Have

Before we bought anything, we scrounged. We had some leftover fence posts from a previous project, a roll of chicken wire from a neighbor who was moving, and a pile of wooden pallets from my husband’s work. Could we have built something prettier with all-new materials? Sure. But our chickens don’t care about aesthetics, and neither do I — not when that money could go toward curriculum or watercolor pencils for nature journaling.

Prioritize Predator Protection

Here’s where I’ll tell you NOT to go cheap: hardware cloth. Regular chicken wire keeps chickens in, but it won’t keep determined predators out. Raccoons, possums, and even neighborhood cats can tear through flimsy wire. In Florida, we also deal with snakes — and while a black racer isn’t going to eat your hens, a rat snake will absolutely go for eggs and chicks.

We used half-inch hardware cloth on the bottom three feet of our run and buried it about six inches into the ground with an L-shaped apron extending outward. This was our biggest expense, but it’s the reason we haven’t lost a single bird to predators since we upgraded.

Use T-Posts and Wood Strategically

We framed the corners and door with wood for stability, but used metal T-posts for the long stretches in between. T-posts are cheaper, easier to install (especially in our sandy Florida soil), and they don’t rot. We just zip-tied the hardware cloth to them. Not fancy, but rock solid.

The Simple Design That Works for Us

Our run is about 10×12 feet, attached directly to the coop. Here’s the basic structure:

Frame

• 4×4 wooden posts at each corner, sunk about 18 inches deep
• Metal T-posts every 4 feet along the sides
• 2×4 boards along the top to create a frame for the roof covering

Walls

• Hardware cloth on the bottom half
• Regular chicken wire on the top half (this saved us probably $100)
• Hardware cloth buried in an L-shape around the entire perimeter

Roof

• We did a partial roof using corrugated plastic panels over about a third of the run — enough for shade and rain shelter, but not so much that it turns into an oven in summer
• The rest is covered with bird netting to keep hawks out

Door

• Just a simple wooden frame with hardware cloth, hinges, and a latch that requires opposable thumbs (important!)

The whole thing took us two weekends and cost us around $200 in new materials, plus what we already had on hand.

Upgrades Worth Every Penny

Once your basic run is in place, there are a few additions that make chicken-keeping so much easier:

A good waterer. We switched to a nipple-style chicken waterer and it was a game-changer. No more algae, no more daily scrubbing, no more chickens standing in their water. If you’re in Florida, you know how fast water gets gross in this heat.

An automatic coop door. This one took us a while to invest in, but an automatic chicken coop door means we don’t have to rush home before dark or wake up at dawn every single day. Freedom, friends.

Diatomaceous earth. We sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in the run and dust bathing areas to help control mites and other pests naturally. It fits with our non-toxic approach to pretty much everything.

What I Wish I’d Known Before We Started

Make it bigger than you think you need. Chicken math is real, and you will want more birds eventually.

Plan for Florida weather. Shade is non-negotiable. Our girls pant like dogs in July if they don’t have somewhere cool to retreat.

Don’t skip the predator-proofing. I know it’s tempting to save money on hardware cloth. Don’t. Losing a bird to a raccoon is heartbreaking, and it’s also expensive when you factor in how much you’ve invested in raising her.

If you want to go deeper on chicken care — and especially if your kids are helping — Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens is the reference book we keep on our shelf. For the kids, A Kid’s Guide to Keeping Chickens has been wonderful for giving them ownership and understanding of their chores.

Chickens, Kids, and the Slower Life

I’ll be honest — our chicken run isn’t going to win any design awards. But every morning, my kids pull on their rain boots, head outside, and check on the flock before we start our school day. They collect eggs. They notice when someone’s acting off. They’re learning responsibility and animal husbandry in the most natural way possible — by doing it.

That’s what this whole backyard chicken thing is really about for us. Not perfect Instagram coops, but real life. Dirt under fingernails. Eggs that taste different because you know the hens who laid them.

If you’re on the fence about building your own run, just start. Use what you have. Make it safe. You can always improve it later — we certainly have. But getting those chickens into your backyard, into your kids’ daily rhythm? That’s the part that matters.

And if you’re in the Pensacola area and see a slightly chaotic run held together with zip ties and determination — wave. It’s probably us.

Non-Toxic Baby Formula Alternatives Research: What This Science-Minded Mama Learned

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If you’re up at 2 AM scrolling through ingredient lists and PubMed articles trying to figure out the safest way to feed your baby, I see you. I’ve been there — sitting in the glow of my phone screen while a baby slept on my chest, wondering why something as fundamental as infant nutrition had to feel so complicated.

Whether you’re supplementing, exclusively formula feeding, or just trying to have a backup plan, the research rabbit hole around non-toxic baby formula alternatives is deep. And honestly? A lot of what’s out there is either fear-mongering or oversimplified. So let me share what I actually learned when I put my science background to work on this question.

Why Parents Are Researching Formula Alternatives

Let’s be honest about why we’re even having this conversation. The formula shortages of recent years rattled a lot of us. But beyond availability, many parents are increasingly concerned about:

• Heavy metals found in some formulas
• Synthetic additives and preservatives
• Corn syrup solids as a primary carbohydrate
• Pesticide residues in conventional dairy-based formulas
• The sourcing and processing of ingredients

These aren’t fringe concerns. When you’re trying to raise kids with intention — the same way we approach everything from our non-toxic sunscreen choices to the cleaning products under our sink — it makes sense to ask questions about what goes into those tiny bodies.

What the Research Actually Shows

European Formulas: Are They Really Better?

You’ve probably heard whispers about European formulas being “cleaner” or “more regulated.” Here’s the nuanced truth: European Union standards do prohibit certain ingredients that are allowed in American formulas, like some synthetic preservatives and corn syrup solids in first-stage formulas.

However, importing formula comes with real risks. Temperature control during shipping, expiration date confusion, and the inability to verify authentic products are all legitimate concerns. The FDA doesn’t regulate these products, so you’re essentially on your own if something goes wrong.

That said, some American-made formulas now meet or exceed European standards. Brands like Bobbie, Kendamil (now available domestically), and ByHeart were developed specifically to address these parental concerns.

Goat Milk Formula: A Viable Option?

Goat milk-based formulas have gained popularity, and there’s some interesting research behind them. Goat milk proteins may be easier to digest for some babies, and the fat globule structure is closer to human milk than cow’s milk.

Kabrita and Holle both offer goat milk options. If your baby struggles with cow’s milk-based formula, this might be worth discussing with your pediatrician.

Homemade Formula: The Honest Truth

I know some of you came here wondering about the Weston A. Price Foundation recipes or other homemade alternatives. Here’s where I have to be straight with you, mama to mama: the research does not support homemade formula as safe for primary infant nutrition.

Infant nutritional needs are incredibly precise. Too much of certain minerals can damage kidneys. Too little of specific nutrients can cause developmental problems. Even with the best intentions and highest-quality ingredients, getting this balance right at home is extremely difficult.

I say this as someone who makes our bone broth from scratch, keeps backyard chickens for eggs, and questions pretty much everything conventional. Some things require the precision that home kitchens can’t reliably provide.

What You Can Control

Here’s where I like to focus my energy — the areas where we actually have good options:

Choose Cleaner Formulas When Possible

Look for formulas that:

• Use lactose as the primary carbohydrate (closest to breast milk)
• Avoid corn syrup solids and palm oil
• Source organic dairy when possible
• Skip artificial DHA/ARA extraction methods (look for water-extracted)

Prioritize Overall Home Environment

One thing I’ve learned in all my non-toxic research? We can drive ourselves crazy trying to control one variable while ignoring others. The formula is one input — but so is the water you mix it with, the bottles you use, and the overall environment your baby lives in.

This is actually why our family uses Grove Collaborative for cleaning supplies. When you’re already researching formula ingredients at the molecular level, it helps to have one less thing to worry about in the rest of your home.

Work With a Knowledgeable Provider

Find a pediatrician or family doctor who doesn’t dismiss your concerns. A good provider will help you weigh the actual risks versus perceived risks and make informed decisions for your specific baby.

The Bigger Picture

Here in Florida, I’m fortunate to have access to great farmers markets and local food sources. As my babies grew into the wild little people currently chasing our chickens around the backyard, I found that my anxiety about those early feeding decisions faded.

The truth is, however you feed your baby during that first year is just one chapter. What comes next — the outdoor play, the real foods, the dirt under their fingernails, the slower pace of childhood — that matters too.

We use resources like Rainbow Resource now for our homeschool curriculum, but I remember when my biggest research project was just figuring out what to feed a newborn. Both seasons required the same thing: doing the best we could with the information available.

A Word on Perspective

I want to gently say this: if you’re formula feeding — by choice or by necessity — you’re doing a good job. The fact that you’re researching non-toxic options means you care deeply. That care will carry through into every other decision you make for this child.

My kids are now old enough to help collect eggs, splash in mud puddles, and spend hours examining bugs with their pocket microscope. One was exclusively breastfed. One was supplemented with formula. Both are healthy, curious, and completely obsessed with our dog.

Formula — even the “cleanest” kind — is just one piece of the puzzle. Keep researching. Keep asking questions. But also? Give yourself permission to make a decision and move forward. Your baby needs you present more than they need you perfect.

Practical Next Steps

1. Make a short list of 2-3 formulas that meet your criteria

2. Talk to your pediatrician about your specific concerns and your baby’s needs

3. Check your water quality — consider a filter if you’re mixing with tap water

4. Choose glass or stainless bottles when possible

5. Let go of the guilt — seriously, this one’s the most important

You’re doing hard work, researching and questioning and trying to get it right. That’s exactly what good mamas do. Trust yourself. You’ve got this.

—

Have questions about non-toxic living with babies and little ones? I’m always happy to share what’s worked for our family here in Northwest Florida. Drop a comment or send me a message — we’re all figuring this out together.

Chicken Illnesses Symptoms and Natural Remedies: A Backyard Keeper’s Guide

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There’s nothing quite like that sinking feeling when you walk out to the coop and notice one of your hens isn’t acting right. She’s off by herself, feathers puffed up, eyes half-closed. Your stomach drops because you’ve grown attached to these funny little birds — and honestly, so have your kids.

We’ve been keeping backyard chickens here in Northwest Florida for a few years now, and I’ve learned that being a chicken keeper means becoming a bit of a detective. You have to notice the small things before they become big things. And while I’m all for calling in a vet when needed, I’ve also found that many common chicken ailments respond beautifully to simple, natural remedies — the kind our great-grandmothers would have used without a second thought.

Let me share what I’ve learned from experience, late-night research sessions, and yes, a few losses along the way.

Learning to Read Your Flock

Before we talk about specific illnesses, let’s talk about observation. This is honestly where my Charlotte Mason approach to homeschooling has shaped me as a chicken keeper too. We spend so much time teaching our kids to notice — the way a bird tilts its head, how leaves change color, the patterns in spider webs. That same habit of attention serves us well with our backyard flock.

Healthy chickens are active, curious, and have bright eyes. They scratch around, dust bathe, and come running when they hear you. When something’s off, you’ll often notice behavioral changes before physical symptoms appear.

I keep a simple nature journal in our mudroom where I jot down anything unusual — not just for school nature study, but for chicken notes too. It’s helped me catch patterns I would have missed otherwise.

Common Chicken Illness Symptoms to Watch For

Respiratory Issues

Florida’s humidity can be tough on chickens, especially in summer. If you notice sneezing, wheezing, nasal discharge, or bubbly eyes, you’re likely dealing with a respiratory issue. These can range from mild irritation (dusty coop, poor ventilation) to more serious infections.

Natural approach: First, check your coop ventilation. Then try adding a few drops of oregano oil to their water — it has natural antibacterial properties. Apple cider vinegar (raw, with the mother) added to their water a few times a week also supports respiratory health. I use about a tablespoon per gallon.

Lethargy and Isolation

A hen sitting alone with fluffed feathers is almost always telling you something. This could indicate anything from egg-binding to internal parasites to infection.

Natural approach: Bring her inside to a quiet spot where you can observe closely. Check her vent area for signs of egg-binding or prolapse. Offer electrolytes in her water (you can make your own with water, salt, baking soda, and honey). Sometimes a warm Epsom salt bath helps with egg-binding.

Pale Comb and Wattles

A healthy chicken has a bright red comb. Pale, shriveled, or discolored combs often indicate parasites (internal or external), anemia, or general poor health.

Natural approach: Check thoroughly for mites and lice — they love to hide under wings and around the vent. Food-grade diatomaceous earth sprinkled in their dust bathing areas and coop bedding helps control external parasites naturally. For internal parasites, raw pumpkin seeds and garlic added to feed can help.

Digestive Issues

Diarrhea, crop issues, or changes in droppings are common concerns. An impacted or sour crop (feels hard or squishy and smells bad) needs attention quickly.

Natural approach: For sour crop, withhold food for 12-24 hours, offer plain water with apple cider vinegar, and massage the crop gently. Probiotics — either chicken-specific or plain yogurt — help restore gut balance. For general digestive support, I ferment our flock’s feed a few days a week.

Our Favorite Natural Remedies for Chicken Health

Apple Cider Vinegar

This is my go-to. Raw ACV with the mother supports digestive health, helps prevent algae in waterers, and creates an environment less hospitable to harmful bacteria. I add it to their water a couple times a week, especially during our hot, humid Florida summers.

Herbs in the Coop

I tuck fresh or dried herbs into nesting boxes regularly — lavender, mint, oregano, thyme. They smell wonderful, deter pests, and have natural antibacterial properties. The kids love helping harvest them from our little herb garden, which honestly makes it a whole homeschool moment.

Garlic

Crushed garlic in their water a few times a month supports immune health and helps with internal parasites. Some folks worry about garlic affecting egg flavor, but we’ve never noticed a difference.

Diatomaceous Earth

I mentioned this above, but it deserves its own callout. Food-grade DE is a must-have for natural parasite control. I mix it into their dust bathing area and sprinkle it in bedding. Just be careful not to breathe it in yourself — wear a mask when applying.

Electrolytes

During Florida’s brutal summers, heat stress is real. I keep homemade electrolyte solution on hand (or store-bought in a pinch) for especially hot days or any time a hen seems under the weather.

Prevention: The Best Medicine

Honestly, most chicken illness comes back to management. Clean water daily (we love using a nipple waterer system to keep it cleaner), good ventilation in the coop, quality feed, and regular observation go a long way.

I also invested in an automatic coop door last year, and it’s been wonderful for keeping the flock on a consistent schedule and protected from predators — which reduces stress-related illness too.

If you’re newer to chicken keeping and want a solid reference, Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens is excellent for the science-minded keeper. And for getting your kids involved, A Kid’s Guide to Keeping Chickens has been a hit in our homeschool — it’s practical and written at a level elementary kids can really understand.

When to Call a Vet

I want to be clear: natural remedies have their place, but they have limits. If your chicken has severe symptoms, isn’t improving within a day or two, or you suspect something like Marek’s disease or avian flu, please consult a veterinarian. Here in Florida, the UF/IFAS extension office can be a great resource for poultry questions too.

Trust your gut. You know your birds.

It’s All Part of the Journey

Keeping chickens has taught our family so much — about responsibility, about the rhythm of life and death, about paying attention. My kids have helped nurse hens back to health and, harder still, have said goodbye to ones we couldn’t save. It’s not always easy, but it’s real. And I’d rather raise kids who understand where their food comes from and have held a warm egg in their hands than ones who think chickens are just something at the grocery store.

If you’re out there tonight, checking on a sick hen and feeling a little worried — I’ve been there, friend. Keep observing. Keep learning. Keep trying. That’s all any of us can do.

Here’s to healthy flocks and muddy boots.