Tips on How to Homestead with Kids
Inside: Discover the joys of homesteading with kids! Empower your family through traditional skills. Embrace a rewarding journey of growth and togetherness.
We wanted to homestead with kids in a rural setting instead of town, or city living with them. Homesteading with them alongside us instead of just being there. This way they are learning life skills, and how to be self-reliant.
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Tips on How to Homestead with Kids
Homesteading with kids might seem like a daunting task, but, hear me out! By introducing your kids to traditional skills early on, you'll be amazed at how much they can bring to the table as they grow up and become key members of the family.
We have been gardening for years, even living in a small town. We have been homeschooling for longer. We have been leading up to our homestead life without really realizing it.
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Embrace the Chaos when you Homestead with Kids
I start my day by making a pot of coffee because nothing starts the day like coffee. That first cup of coffee doesn't get poured until after taking the dogs out, opening the chicken coop, and making sure that chickens, quail, and turkeys have food and water for the morning.
Then I drink the coffee.
Once my kids are up, it's breakfast time. During the school year, schoolwork comes after breakfast. We have been homeschooling long enough that school is the route for us. We sit down and get it done so that we can move on.
Give Your Kids A Job
Just chores around the house and chores and jobs around the yard are important. We started small here, before we moved to our half-acre, with them taking part in the care of our cats and dogs.
Collecting eggs is a great chore for any age. Yes an egg might get broken here and there but that's really not a big deal, your kids are going to be gaining confidence and skills.
They are learning skills. They are keeping busy. They are contributing to the family homestead.
Set Priorities when Homesteading with Kids
Prioritizing. It sounds so simple -and it is really- but so many people struggle to “crack the code.” After all, how do you decide what’s most important when everything seems important?
Prioritizing has been a constant challenge for me, but I'm making progress! Believe it or not, on some days, taking care of my kids is all I manage to do. But you know what? That's okay! Because when I think about it, they are my top priority.
And when I put their needs first, even if everything else falls by the wayside, I feel at ease knowing that I'm taking care of what truly matters.
Priorities change depending on the day and the season, and so will yours. The important thing is that you narrow down your list to a manageable and realistic number of “must-do” tasks. Yesterday, I had to make pickles to get the produce out of my garden, off my counters, and put away for winter.
Time Management & Routine
I still struggle with time management every day. It is easy to get sucked into Facebook, or Pinterest and forget something else that needs your attention. One thing I do well is routine. I actually thrive on routine.
This is easier once your kids start to get older and learn to be more independent. Now, I can deal with animals or work instead of worrying about getting my kids breakfast. This is only because they can get their own breakfast now. A few years ago, this wouldn't be possible.
First – animals
Second – coffee and blog-related tasks
Kids – they are after the others because I get up before my kids. I rarely get up when they do, I enjoy my quiet mornings too much. I need that time to wake up without anyone talking to me. This includes homeschooling, going to the library, or beach, etc.
One load of laundry a day. I hang most of my laundry either inside on a drying rack or outside on the clothesline. I do not fold or put away my children's laundry, they are more than old enough for that. The rest I do.
Quiet evening time. The evenings are for relaxing. Whether it is a family movie night, or the kids watching TV, us sitting around reading, etc. A quiet, slow evening time is best for a restful night's sleep.
Let your kids help out as much as they are able. It might take longer for them to complete the task but think about the sense of pride they'll feel and the skills they'll learn.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I live like a homesteader? Plant a garden or grow herbs, and cook your food from scratch. Learn to sew or crochet, and make bread. Every small step is a step towards a homesteading life.
What religion is homesteading family? You do not have to be religious to homestead. You can be of any faith, there are no limits or requirements.
Want More?
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