Sometimes we get so intertwined in our own lives that we forget how other people live different, far more complicated lifestyles. Living in the city, for instance, is far different than living on a farm! These two radically different ways of living have practically nothing in common, other than the typical getup, get ready, go to work, repeat. While people living in the city are very comfortable talking about their jobs and the difficulties included, few have any idea the extent of work required to keep a farm running.
Most people’s definition of work includes a day at the office where we commonly might find ourselves putting in hours of overtime in the evenings and weekends. However, farm life is different. There is no “overtime” since the work on a farm in constant. There is always something that needs to be done! People whose job it is to care for and run a farm are usually up far before dawn and work well into the setting of the sun, all in an effort to keep animals fed, crops cared for, and everything running as it should. (1)
Adorable Kid Helping On Family Farm
Now think about it: if it’s your responsibility to take care of a farm and also be the mother of several children, then you’re hands are more than likely to be brimming with chores! Consider this mother of three whose children are all happy to pitch in, but whose youngest daughter, Aubrey, is the most willing of all. (1)
At just 21 months old, Aubrey is eager to go the extra mile, getting your hands dirty as she carries multiple buckets at a time, all of them nearly bigger than herself! While most children her age spend the majority of their time playing with their favorite toys inside, little Aubrey has gained a sense of independence by helping out with the farm duties, learning skills most other children never gain. By feeding animals, holding chicks, and caring for their home, Aubrey is able to learn a lot of techniques and life lessons that will help her remain strong and capable as she gets older. (1).
Now, 3-years-old, Aubrey is able to feed the calves and horses, and she’s even determined enough to get up at dawn in order to assist her parents with the duties around the farm. According to Aubrey’s parents, it’s important to instill life lessons in their children at an early age, such as lessons of helping out, learning new things, gaining independence, and becoming self-reliant. These are things that will stay with children as they grow up into stable, hard-working adults, branching off into their own lives and accomplishments. (1)
While some of us certainly enjoy our city life and city jobs, farm life is quite unique, possibly trumping days spent inside playing video games or watching TV. Aubrey and her siblings thoroughly enjoy their life, their farm, and learning new things every day. What things do you think are important to teach your child at an early age? What are your favorite life lessons?
