Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - Why We Raise So Many Animals, Part 4 |
It’s probably no surprise to you, but raising livestock is work. We knew that when we started out, and now we really
know it. The good thing about this work is that it is a family work. There
are chores involved with raising livestock that even small children can
do. When my children give Daisy fresh “hand-picked” clover to eat while
I’m milking her, they are participating in the production of the actual
milk they drink. This is a family work that is very worthwhile for both
children and parents. We have not fully utilized this benefit yet (but
do I ever have plans!), but
it is worth thinking about and deliberately contriving a place where
children and parents can work alongside one another and receive such
tangible "fruits of your labor". There is a bonding that takes place in
a setting like that which you can’t get in any other way, I think.
Here’s
another benefit to children who grow up in a family that raises
livestock: homeschool science. Whether you homeschool or not, biology
takes on a whole new meaning when you are eviscerating home-grown
chickens and your children watch your every move, asking “What’s that,
Mommy? Oooooo….what’s that?”, every time you pull something out of the
bird. You get the lesson and the “experiment” all in one. And dinner
too. Haha. Seriously, though, learning about animals in books and
learning about them in real life is just not the same. Raising animals
is a great learning experience (for all of us).
One last benefit
for children in raising livestock is so that they’ll have good stories
to tell when they grow up. They can tell their children how they had to
get up early in the morning every day to milk the goats (and cow?) and
do their chores. Since we are
homeschooling, they won’t have the option of telling their kids that
they walked 10 miles to school every day uphill, in the snow, and
barefoot. But this will be a good substitute. No doubt there will be
many more stories my kids will be able to tell to their children
someday. There’s a lot of story material around here. Some more violent
than others. Like watching the dog chase the ducks around the pond and
actually catching one. You know, stuff like that. I can’t wait to hear
what they come up with.
No doubt there are more benefits that having animals is blessing my children with. I just can’t think of more right now.
Next time: self-sufficiency.
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| • Post A Comment! |
Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - That is so great! |
| Posted by melissa |
| I can't wait to get my kiddos working, lol. Where we live now they have very few chores and they need a lot more (work out some of that energy). What animals did you start out with? I am a true city girl and did not grow up with any animals, not even a dog or cat. So, I'm wanting to learn now about taking care of livestock. Thanks. |
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Thursday, July 13, 2006 - I Love This Series of Posts! |
| Posted by oldpathsfamilyfarm |
Amey,
This is such good stuff that non-homesteader folks just don't *get*. One reason (I believe) that the average person looks at us as bizzarre, is simply because they haven't done their homework. I imagine that you will be educating many in this series of posts. Keep up the good work!
This phrase by you: <<deliberately contriving a place where children and parents can work alongside one another and receive such tangible "fruits of your labor">> is what my family is all about. There is a beauty and richness in the life you are describing that so builds relationships and trust, and through that, honors our Lord.
How simply and perfectly you and your fam are doing just that! And about the "plans" for the children's level of help...just you wait, Girlie. I have been pleasantly suprised (I secretly never believed the ladies who would tell me how much easier it would get) just in this last year at how much my children have been able to grow into. It has been as much a blessing to them as it has to myself!
Blessings,
Julie |
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About Me
I'm a midwestern gal, living my dream life on 7 acres in the country. I love Jesus, my husband, three children, Daisy the Wonder Goat, and our chickens. I'd still love to someday have a miniature jersey milk cow.
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