We welcome the snow each winter even though it means feeding the animals instead of letting them graze.
First my oldest drives the wheelbarrow down to the haystack.
Then she loads it until it is heaping full,
and heads to the pasture
where Canyon has been waiting since she saw the children grab the wheelbarrow.
I watch all this and hope there are other families out there where children have chores and responsibilities. Because who wants to go to college and find out you can outwork all the boys? Or that the girls think they should be pampered and taken care of? I see the confidence having and fulfilling responsibilities gives my children and I wouldn’t trade it for a Wii–ever.
Oh, why, why couldn’t you have posted this before my husband did his Christmas shopping?! Yep, you can guess what he bought. I was so overwhelmed that month, that I could barely articulate my objection.
Oh for the simple life. We had chores growing up and my Dad would always say, “It will give you character.” Twenty years later I believe him.
I see this post expanded and made into an awesome children’s book, only with photos rather than illustrations, 30 pp is the norm. The children, the farm, the horse, the cow, etc, and the chores.
My husband was raised on a farm and his work ethic is amazing. I grew up with regular chores and responsibilities as well, but how many times has my husband told the kids, “I’m going to put you on a farm, then you’ll know what work is.” Thanks for the reminder… I need to update the chore chart.
Jenni–My husband and daughter both thought you got a horse for Christmas after reading your comment. Nate couldn’t figure out where you were keeping it!
Jane–Character building ,,, I might have to use that angle.
Karen–That is a really fun idea.
Krista–You just described my husband. Few people are equal to his work ethic.
Oh, the guilt! I need to do so much better about giving my kids chores and the ensuring they do them!
I have talked to dad numerous times about the lack of work ethic nowdays. One interesting thing came about through our discussions. When he was interveiwing people for jobs at the university. He would ask where they had worked before. If they said they had worked on a farm the interveiw was over. He would give them the job. He said he was never disappointed with his decision of hiring a kid from the country. All those chores growing up and the work in garden at Grandpa’s sure paid off for me. Taught me alot about how to work and who I was. Kinda miss those days.