Baby steps to Waldorf


When I discovered Waldorf I wanted to jump in feet first! The approach was so enticing and felt so right. And some of the things we already did as a family fit, but many I suddenly desired to change.


Instead of taking one big leap we have taken a baby steps or work in progress approach, with some bigger jumps in between. Shifting our mindsets, habits and ways as we go. After all, parenting is a journey! This approach allows us to make adjustments as we learn more, but also as we appreciate and understand why and how things work for our family. It is a gentle and gradual approach, sensitive to the needs of the whole family.

Taking this continual journey of baby steps is also thankfully budget conscious. Because it would be very easy to spend a great deal on making a Waldorf home! The beautiful natural toys, the Waldorf dolls, play kitchens and other trappings of Waldorf… but really this isn’t necessary, although if you do want to bring these elements into your home it can be a gradual process and include many homemade elements.


Waldorf, to my mind, is about our intentions. It is about bringing a purposefulness to our home, and providing a safe and nurturing environment for our children. This means bringing a rhythm to our days and weeks. As well as trying to conduct myself with warmth, love, calmness and purpose. Taking time in whatever it is we are doing and trying to make myself worthy of imitation. These are fairly lofty ideals and aims, and I am human! So I also try to spend time on inner work.

Our journey into Waldorf is a continuing one, and along the way I remind myself that Waldorf kindergartens model themselves on the home and the warmth they provide.

Here are some of the initial baby steps to Waldorf we made…

  1. establish a rhythm
  2. reduce screen time
  3. chose to do less
  4. get crafty and creative
  5. reduce the plastic toys
  6. incorporate the seasons
  7. use gentle parenting
  8. engage in inner work



On our journey I think often about our aim to cherish childhood, focus on beauty, foster a connection with nature and to help our children grow into the people they will be. This journey into Waldorf has also helped me to gain a greater connection, purposefulness and mindfulness in parenting.

What baby steps have you taken to bring Waldorf into your home?

Warmly, Kelly

This post was part of the series
How to bring Waldorf into your home…’
by Kelly of Happy Whimsical Hearts

You can see more from this series here.

Previous Post Next Post

You Might Also Like

7 Comments

  • Reply Kim February 16, 2015 at 10:32 pm

    I think baby steps is the only way to go. It can be a big shift for some, and very overwhelming. When I started to understand more about Waldorf, like you many of the things fit already with how we lived, and I think that is why we felt such a connection to Waldorf, and have continued to learn, and bring more elements to our home and life.

  • Reply Erin D February 17, 2015 at 8:07 am

    We’ve been baby-stepping our way into Waldorf this year with my 7 year old. I love that it has all the elements of homeschool education that mesh with our lifestyle, plus the bonus of reminding me how much I enjoy the act of handcrafting as I introduce my own children! Great post.

  • Reply Janet Maddox February 17, 2015 at 10:37 am

    I enjoy reading and learning about Waldorf from you. Thank you for all the information and posts.

  • Reply Bekka Joy February 24, 2015 at 2:54 pm

    Beautiful! I love the analogy of baby steps. I love following along and learning from your experiences. We are not even close to being a Waldorf home but love so many of the principles that you share and have initiated some of them here too! Thanks for sharing and I love your Waldorf series so will have to recap!

  • Reply Sara @ Happiness is here February 25, 2015 at 2:59 pm

    Love this. Your home looks so beautiful.

  • Reply Suzie's Home Education Ideas February 26, 2015 at 10:07 am

    What a beautiful living and learning space!! I loved reading this and feel very inspired. Looking forward to reading what else you share in your Waldorf series.

  • Reply kate @ livinglovinglaughing September 6, 2015 at 10:23 pm

    Beautiful! I am definitely a babysteps kinda gal, and agree that slow change is often more effective and sustainable over time. Love your waldorf home, so inviting!

  • Leave a Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.