Chores. The Struggle is Real.
Farmstead the definition is simply put: a farm and its buildings
My definition: a place with plants and animals that helps the humans learn and grow.
Oldest child problems. When its the coldest, its the oldest.
When we were starting our farmstead we had to plan and consider lots of things . What animals do you want to care for? Are they companions or are they going to be harvested? How much time and resources do you have available to nurture your farmstead? It was daunting walking into the unknown especially upon realizing my husband and I knew as much about this new lifestyle as our kids. My 5 year old and I knew what sounds the animals made and that’s it. We looked at this as an immersive learning experience. And part of that is everyone is going to help… right? Hello… where did everybody go?? The farm fairytale just got real. More poop then we ever imagined was in our near future.
Chores, even before we moved to Idaho, were a struggle. Here are some tips that (sometimes) work for us. Its not always easy, we are constantly met with resistance. When its mid-winter and its your turn for night time chores the excuses the kids conjure up are hilarious.
Try these chore strategies:
Come up with a schedule together. Make it flexible switch it up often so they are exposed to different jobs. Enjoy the routine but don’t get stuck in it, allow jobs to rotate
Let them pick one and assign the rest. By giving them a list and having them decided what fancies them, gives them the opportunity to feel like they had a choice in the matter.
Constantly remind them that for the farm to work everyone has to do their part. This empowers the kids, and makes their small task feel very important.
One-on-one time : In our busy daily life one-on-one time with mom or dad is valuable. Making it one-on-one creates a special moment out of a necessary event.
When you add a chore have them shadow you. It allows them to start helping with you and they’ll feel more confident when they have to do it on their own.
Lastly, Let it go. (this one Is hard for me) It may not get done exactly ( or not even close) like I would do it, but I try to remind my self to let that go and just be thankful for their contribution .
Good Luck ! - M