How To Teach Your Kids Responsibility On The Farm

Sevelx | January 4, 2016 | General

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Farm chores can be rewarding work. For children, helping out around the farm is a great way to learn responsibility and practical life skills. In an age where schools have cut back on time devoted to physical education and recess, it can also be an important part of keeping youngsters active and healthy. Here are five farm chores suitable for children of varying ages.

1. Poultry Care
A strong poultry flock is a vital part of any diverse farm or homestead, and the perfect opportunity to integrate children into the day-to-day management of farm livestock.

Ages 2-4: As soon as they can walk, toddlers can help collect eggs and will delight in finding these hidden treasures. Give them their own special egg-collection container to add to the sense of adventure. Be cautious about hens or roosters that might become aggressive with little ones around because of their small stature.

Ages 4-7: As children get older, they can begin helping feed and water the family poultry flock. You might have to demonstrate the proper procedure several times, so don’t get discouraged if children don’t do a perfect job the first few times. Work alongside them, as necessary, always aiming toward equipping your children to be independent.

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3. Livestock Care
Some children will naturally take to caring for animals, while others may shy away from them. Exposing them to animals at a young age will go a long way toward helping them develop interest in and comfort around farm livestock.

Ages 3-6: Young children should be exposed frequently to farm animals under close adult supervision. Teaching them basic skills, like how to approach a cow or horse, is important even at a young age. Give them plenty of opportunities to pet and grow accustomed to friendly livestock while also teaching them healthy boundaries for their own safety. Animals like rabbits or smaller goats and sheep might be the most manageable way to start teaching youngsters livestock care.

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5. Business Help

Age 12+: If your farming is also a source of income for your family, don’t forget to include older children and teenagers in the business side of things. Paperwork, filing, bills and record-keeping may not be the first kid-friendly farm chore that comes to mind, but it’s a pivotal part of any successful farming venture. If your teenager has an interest in math or technology and a keen eye for detail, let them into the farm office and see what happens. If you are direct-marketing to customers, you might find that your teenager is better at managing the farm website or Facebook page than you are!

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