Talk with my children....

wildhorse · #1 08/18/08, 11:30 PM

I was talking to my children according to them we are the only farm family/homesteaders around I didn't realize that we are odd. They say that there aren't any other farm kids at school. My daughter brought up the fact that...nobody else had to milk before going to prom and no body else has to clean out stalls or work in the garden. It may mean hard work but my children are grateful for growing up like they have and for knowing what they do.Just maybe Ive done something right.....

nathan104 · #2 08/18/08, 11:41 PM

My 10 yo daughter complains about a few of her chores, mainly doing the dishes. They dont have a problem feeding the cows or pigs but do have to be pushed to do those. I had her ask all the kids in her class what chores they have to do and she says they all said they have no chores except for feeding a pet. Not sure I believe that. If its true though, I really dont care, its good for them to have chores. Especially hard ones. Its good for them. Ill have both my girls 10 and 7 out there as soon as it dries up some shoveling the poop out of the pig pen and taking it to the compost pile. Builds character, lol.

Ravenlost · #3 08/19/08, 01:44 AM

I can remember telling my parents stuff like that. I also remember telling my mom I'd never touch a hoe again when I left home. Well, I left home at 17 and was planting tomatoes in my yard by the time I was 19. Had a full garden by the time I was 20 and haven't stopped since.

Don't sweat the complaints. Some day they will appreciate all that you have taught them.

simplefarmgirl · #4 08/19/08, 05:36 AM

I hear the same from my kids. My oldest 3 are on their own,(lol) and can remember complaining about the chores and work they would do before school on summer vacation it was haying and gardening. My youngest adult son (28) told me this weekend he wishes he lived in aplace where his children could learn how to tend to animals and have a garden. WOW I thought I would fall off the rock I was on. My oldest daughter wants to move back up here and rent from us(LOL again) so her 6 children can learn whats its like to live on a farm and garden and when all else fails they can provide for them selfs.. And i thought growing up with me was so hard.. Ok my 19yrdd hasnt gotten to that point she still think its hang out time with friend(NOT) its adult time grown up..She is learning the hard way,.. She should of went to the barn a few more time I think. Most kids may not like it now but will thank you at somepoint down the road.

deaconjim · #5 08/19/08, 06:00 AM

Why be normal?

chickenista · #6 08/19/08, 08:30 AM

We are the freaks 'round here too.
We are one of a few with gardens. We are the only ones with chickens and are the only, only ones that eat them.
DS knows that we are different and he likes it! He needs to stop telling the other little kids that their lunches are "bad for their bodies" though. I pack good stuff and the other kids eat McD's and Lunchables. yuck
He had a friend over at the end of the last school year and the kid had no idea what to do since DS has no video games!
I know DS is the only with chores and the only one that plays <<gasp>> outside!
I would be a bad parent if I raised without teaching about work and success and pride.. the list goes on! But I know that soon the complaining and whining will start...

wildhorse · #7 08/19/08, 08:59 AM

I guess I just assumed more people live like we do but according to my children all of the children they know are latch key kids that play alot of video games ect..My children are amazed at the (normal things they know) that most of the children they know have no clue...We just have a small farm with chickens,dairy goats,a jersey cow,a rabbit and a pony and small garden.
It shocked me that my children really seem to value our way of life.