The Dreamers - Eden Hunt

5 days ago

·

Written by

5 days ago

·

Written by

Welcome to the Dreamers series, where we celebrate the beauty, chaos, and magic of real family life. This month, meet Eden Hunt—mumma of two, slow-living creative, and the heart behind @_cowboykids.

Photography byAmanda Stevens @otherweddingstories

Can you introduce your family to us, names, ages, and a glimpse into what makes each family member shine in their own way?

Brycen ,34. Brycen is the framework of our family. He is always the voice of reason and always shows love and wisdom while he cares for his family. Eden, 30, Maybe I would say the dreamer. I had this ideal of how I wanted my babies to be raised and to be in the middle of that vision is so special. Yolanda, 5. Yoli is our calm nurturing soul. She has a big heart and and always quietly observing the world around her. Heidi, 3 is our little whirlwind. Full of life and fun and always looking for a reaction, the quintessential second born.

Do you have any special family rituals or traditions that mean a lot to you all?

We steer clear of a lot of the traditional festivities which has allowed us to create our own family tradition. “Huntmas” (festival of the hunts) we celebrate on our anniversary and we make a special effort on this day to reflect on how we are all growing year by year. We get to create our own customs and rituals and build our own family culture which deepens every year.

Do you have any special family rituals or traditions that mean a lot to you all?

We steer clear of a lot of the traditional festivities which has allowed us to create our own family tradition. “Huntmas” (festival of the hunts) we celebrate on our anniversary and we make a special effort on this day to reflect on how we are all growing year by year. We get to create our own customs and rituals and build our own family culture which deepens every year.

Your page radiates such a peaceful, grounded energy. What inspired you to pursue a slower lifestyle for your family?

Thank you , that means a lot. Slowing down really came from wanting our days to feel more connected and intentional. I wanted our children to grow up close to nature and animals, learning through real experiences rather than rushing from one thing to the next. Having animals in our daily rhythm has been such a gift , they teach gentleness, empathy, and responsibility through simple chores and care. Those little moments of feeding, tending, and nurturing build resilience and confidence in a way no structured lesson ever could. Living slowly has helped us all appreciate the beauty in small, steady moments together.

Homeschooling can look so different for every family. How would you describe your approach, and what values guide the way you teach your kids?

We work our homeschooling through interest based project learning. I have a set program I use for our reading and maths and then we explore projects to cover science, geography, history etc. This format allows us the freedom to dig deep and explore what’s relevant in our season or simply what my daughter wants to know more about. Sometimes that project will last just a week or sometimes we dive in for a month, it all depends on if my daughter is still engaged. She is a very type A child and is naturally studious. I’m sure my second born will humble me in years to come!!

Many parents worry about balancing structure and freedom. How do you decide when to guide your kids and when to just let them follow their curiosity?

It’s definitely a balance we’re always feeling out. I try to see structure as something that supports curiosity, not something that limits it. We have gentle rhythms to our days - caring for animals, spending time outside, reading together - but within that, there’s a lot of space for the girls to explore what interests them. When I see their curiosity spark, I step back a little and let it lead the way. Other times, when they need a bit of direction or grounding, that’s where the rhythm gently holds us. I’ve found that a slower lifestyle naturally creates that balance - enough structure to feel secure, and enough freedom to grow with confidence.

Connection to nature seems central to your family’s rhythm. What role does the outdoors play in your children’s education and in your own sense of peace?

Nature is really at the heart of everything we do. It’s where the girls learn the most, through seasons, weather, caring for animals, planting, and observing life unfold. The outdoors teaches patience, responsibility, and wonder in such a natural way. It gives them space to move, create, and problem-solve without it ever feeling forced. For me, being outside brings a deep sense of peace, it slows my thoughts and reminds me of what truly matters. Our days feel more balanced and connected when we start and end them in nature, it’s become both our classroom and our calm.

In a world that often glorifies busy-ness, what does “unhurried” mean to you personally? How do you protect that mindset from outside pressures?

I feel the world is now understanding the detriment of a busy lifestyle, chronic stress is wild and it’s massive around where we live. I am a productive person and can struggle to be “still” but I make sure that I’m not able to miss all the little moments and appreciate the chaos of young kids. It takes a lot to protect that intention- saying no more often, creating gentle rhythms and letting the laundry pile up. I also make sure I have time to engage in activities that centre me. Lately that has been playing piano and suduko.

What advice would you give to parents who feel drawn to slow living or homeschooling but don’t know where to start?

I’d say start small and start where you are. You don’t need a big plan or perfect setup to begin living a slower, more intentional life or exploring homeschooling. It can be as simple as spending more time outdoors, sharing meals without rushing, or following your child’s curiosity for a day. Let connection be the focus, not perfection. Over time, those small choices naturally shape a rhythm that feels right for your family. It’s less about recreating someone else’s version of “slow living” and more about finding what brings you peace and joy together. And just know your family will probably have lots of opinions along the way (they always do!). Smile, take the bits of advice that feel true for you, and let the rest drift by.

What’s on the horizon for your family — what are you dreaming of or hoping for in this next season?

As the girls grow and start understanding the larger world I would love to travel with them and show how the lifestyle I am creating for us is done in different parts of the world. And also to deepen all our skills in animal care and permaculture. To see my children grow spiritually, with love and compassion for the world is my greatest joy