Some kids start their mornings with cereal and cartoons, but my daughters start theirs with rubber boots and feed pails.
In 2010, I moved to a cattle and grain farm in east-central Alberta, Canada, to be with my now-husband. Fifteen years later, our two daughters — who are 13 and 12 — have never known another home.
Life here is unconventional, especially compared to my previous lifestyle in the city, because there’s always work to do.
There are acres of grass to cut in summer and meals to haul to the field during harvest. In winter, when the fresh grass is covered in snow, the cows must be fed. During “calving season” in the spring, our cows have their calves.
Our routine is sometimes chaotic, but I believe that hidden in these chilly mornings are lessons my kids could never learn in a classroom.
And, despite the incessant chores, my girls seem happy being raised on a farm.
Our kids have bonded with animals and learned practical life skills
My daughters’ primary job is helping care for calves. Cows that are first-time mothers can’t always care for their calves, for a variety of reasons — which is where we come in.
Before they get on the bus to school, my daughters bottle-feed the calves. Occasionally, we’ll even bring a calf inside if it’s too cold outdoors.
I’ve watched our kids form special relationships with our animals, and they genuinely look forward to seeing them every morning. One of my daughters particularly loves the springtime, when we get to watch adorable baby calves run through the pasture by our house.
Feeding aside, our daughters have learned other skills, too. They watch the safe operation of machinery on the property, learn to use tools, and help their dad change oil in vehicles.
They’ve also gotten pretty skilled at managing their time. We run on a clock just like every other family: Buses don’t wait, and schools don’t excuse tardiness because a cow got out.
By doing chores before the school day, my daughters are learning how to work efficiently and hustle, even when they’d rather take their time.
They’ve also seen their parents balance these priorities, too. On Christmas morning, gift opening always has to wait until Dad returns from feeding cows.
It’s part of the tradition, and that’s just how it goes around here. I believe this has taught them how to put another’s needs ahead of their own comfort, and how to follow through on a commitment.
My kids are like any others in that they may groan when I remind them that chores need to be done, but I know it’s building their work ethic for the future.
Besides, we all appreciate relaxing with a family movie much more after the work is done.
We’ve encountered challenges, but I’m so glad our children have this life
There are times of the year when I wonder if our lifestyle is too much. Sometimes, our schedule feels non-stop with morning chores before school, sports after school, supper, and then homework late into the night.
Then, I see the way my kids shoulder responsibility without hesitation, or how naturally they take on tasks many adults wouldn’t know how to do — and I know our life on the farm is shaping them into strong, capable, and compassionate people.
So, even though some households start the day with the glow of a television screen (or even a little more time in bed), ours begins with the sound of cows in the field and the scrape of boots on gravel.
It may not be conventional, but it’s ours — and I’m so proud of the values my daughters are developing as a result.
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