“You’re so lucky you could raise your kids on the farm. What a blessing. They got to learn how to work and be responsible.”
“Is there anything my kids can do on the farm for you? I want them to become responsible and have good work ethics.”
“Can my kids live with you this summer? I think it would be good for them to see how to live and have to work.”
Seriously, all three have been spoken to me. While I appreciate people associate farming with hard work – which is an understatement, I just don’t get the disconnect with working and home life.
“If my kid is hanging around with whichever son they were referring to, then I know they will make good choices and be responsible.”
Heard that one a few times too. I consider it a complement and a blessing but my sons shouldn’t have to be the “good choice” meter.
Since I am running a dairy farm and not a responsibility training camp, I thought I might share a few ideas to help the “non-farm” population grow their kids into responsible, hard working, appreciative adults.
Do you eat?
Kids can shop with you – carry in the groceries, put them away, set the table, clean the table, do the dishes, load the dishwasher, carry out the trash.
Do you wear clothing?
Kids can do the laundry which includes sorting, folding and putting away.
Does your house self-clean?
Kids can dust, vacuum, wash windows, re-arrange furniture, clean out the garage, clean out the basement.
Do you live on land?
Kids can weed, plant flowers, mow lawn, plant, weed and harvest a garden. They can clean the driveway, front porch, etc.
Wigglie #2 helping his dad - Son#2.
Do you own pets?
Kids can feed them, water them, brush them, check them for ticks, treat them for fleas, go to the vet with them, clean out their pens, litter boxes or cages.
Do you own a vehicle?
Kids can wash it, and vacuum it. They can help change the oil, check the tires, etc.
I could continue. Everything listed here can be done in their own home. Bonus – they can do this for other people and make a little money or just be kind and bless others.
Grandkids and friends picking rocks with Farmer.
Farm kids do work hard. They are responsible – they must finish the job. There’s no quitting at 5:00. Holiday weekends aren’t on the farm calendar. Bad weather doesn’t stop the job for some things. There’s no time or space to lay the blame for something – just get the job done, do it well and move on to the next one.
I’m proud of my sons and their ability to work efficiently, honorably, responsibly and do a great job.
Also, we love having outside kids come work for us. Some have been with us for years, became full time and some have moved on to great opportunities.
We enjoy sharing our work with others when possible but I personally have a hard time knowing there are neighborhoods filled with kids sitting on couches injuring their neck muscles because of phones, and other devices.
I also see too many kids that need “intervention” from someone when things go wrong. They haven’t had enough real-world reality to deal with things. Learning that as a breathing member of this earth comes responsibilities, hard work, some hard times and there will be things that make you uncomfortable but you will survive.
None of my kids liked hauling poop, missing an outing or smelling like spoiled silage. We didn’t take the hard or uncomfortable things away – which probably had a little to do with them becoming good, responsible adults. That and a lot of prayer.
