One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the ability to work hard and take responsibility for what’s in front of them. Living on our homestead makes those lessons a part of everyday life. Out here, the chores aren’t just chores—they’re real jobs that matter. Feeding animals, gathering eggs, pulling weeds, building equipment, and helping with the garden all teach our kids that their effort makes a difference.

Farm life doesn’t wait for the perfect moment, and it doesn’t run on excuses. When the animals are hungry, they need to be fed. When the garden is overgrown, someone has to tend it. These daily responsibilities instill a sense of ownership and pride in our children. They see firsthand that hard work produces results, no matter how small.

In the last five years, my children have seen and experienced so many amazing opportunities. Three of my children remember what it was like to live in a suburban neighborhood and have barely enough grass to throw a ball. My youngest 2 (the twins) don’t know anything else than being barefoot farm kids. They have helped Dad build chicken barns, put together hay rings, driven the tractor, watched baby chicks hatch, fed the cows, watched a calf be born, experienced heartache when one of the animals doesn’t make it, planted a garden and watched it grow full, and so much more!

My hope is that by raising my little arrows with the knowledge that you can try and learn anything, don’t give up when it gets hard, don’t get lazy, and realize the results of all the hard work and determination, they will leave the homestead and make the world a better place.

🚜What chores and activities are your kids a part of?

🚜 Can you tell a difference in their attitude or ways of approaching challenges?