Are you considering starting a homestead, but you aren’t sure how to make it work logistically with kids? I’ve got you covered. I’m sharing all of the details about how to homestead with kids in this post!
Whether or not you have kids, starting a homestead requires a lot of prep work. Purchasing animals, setting up housing, installing appropriate fencing, and researching specific nutritional needs are just a few factors that need to be considered. When we decided to start a homestead, I completely underestimated the challenges associated with homesteading with kids. Homesteading is a bit more complicated when you have little ones running around, but it’s so worth it. If you’re a mama (or soon-to-be mama!) and you’re planning to homestead, then check out my tips for how to homestead with kids below.
Photo Cred: Red Maple Photography
Make it fun
We live in a semi-rural area, and I always find it so interesting when people say they used to live on a farm or have backyard chickens, but they don’t anymore. Homesteading has become such a lifestyle change for us, and I honestly can’t imagine life any other way. Although starting a homesteading isn’t a good fit for every family (and that’s okay!), there are ways to make homesteading with kids a bit easier.
When planning the logistics of how to homestead with kids, be sure to involve your little ones from day 1. Running a homestead shouldn’t be just the parents’ job – it’s the entire family’s job. By setting the expectation that all family members (including little ones) are involved in homesteading, you’re promoting a sense of pride and ownership over your family farm.
Does that mean that our little ones are actually working on the farm? Of course not! The only job we give our kids is to have fun. I love watching our toddler run around with muddy boots and overalls while picking up chickens, giving goat hugs, and collecting eggs. Ben and I are hopeful that our kids will love homesteading just as much as we do, so we’re making it as fun as possible for them.
Photo Cred: Red Maple Photography
Set up “docking stations”
What exactly do I mean by “docking stations”? Well, sometimes kids need a safe spot to take a break. During the warmer months, we have toddler-sized patio furniture set up throughout the farm to function as “docking stations.”We’re also planning to set up an outdoor swing for Beckham in the next few weeks. I have a feeling that he’s going to absolutely love it.
When the kids needs a break, they’ll kick up their boots and relax in the wagon. Having nearby docking stations allows Ben and I to finish up chores with our little ones safe and close-by. We’re also planning to set up an outdoor play area for the kiddos in the next few weeks. This picnic table , water table, trampoline, hide & seek climber, and tractor are just a few of our favorite items!
Photo Cred: Red Maple Photography
Babywear
If you’re planning to homestead with kids, then I strongly suggest babywearing! When Ben and I go outside with the kids for evening farm chores, I usually wear Beckham in a ring sling. Although I love letting the kids get dirty, crawling around in mud and chicken poop is where I cross the line. Babywearing keeps our little guy happy while providing him with an opportunity to interact with our animals in a safer way.
Side note – my favorite ring slings are Hope & Plum and Vienna Springs!
Photo Cred: Red Maple Photography
Age appropriate tools
During the Spring and Summer months, I love to have mini gardening tools available for the kids. I put this gardening set in Finley’s Easter basket this year, but this one is absolutely darling too! Seeing as we’re planning to expand our garden this year, we’re going to have a small section for the kids to plant a few veggies. I have a feeling that Finley will take her gardening job very seriously, while Beckham will probably destroy literally everything! I’m *hopeful* that this will keep the kids happy and busy for a bit while Ben and I work in the garden. Fingers crossed!
Photo Cred: Red Maple Photography
Schedule and take turns
If you’re homesteading with kids, then don’t forget to make a schedule for farm chores. Although we try to include the kids as much as possible, sometimes it’s just not practical. During the colder winter months, the kids rarely join Ben and I for chores. Babywearing while walking on an icy ground sounds like a recipe for disaster, so the kids stay inside.
Ben and I devised a schedule where we split it up farm chores. He gets ready for work in the morning and watches the kids, while I run outside for morning chores. During the evening, I start getting the kids ready for dinner and bed while he finishes evening chores. If you’re planning to homestead with kids, then I can’t recommend this type of schedule enough!
Do you have any other tips for how to homestead with kids? Let me know in the comments below!
Cover Photo Cred: Red Maple Photography
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