I do not remember a time when I was not responsible for chores on the farm when I was growing up. My first recollection was gathering eggs every night and morning. We sold them to the “egg man” and I received the change each week. If my mom got $6.36, I got 36 cents.
Children doing chores on the farm is a tradition rooted in agricultural communities worldwide. The sense of responsibility I have today came from doing chores. This “opportunity” not only instilled in me a work ethic but also a strong connection to the land and the animals. The life lessons extended beyond the farm.
I loved feeding the animals. I learned quickly they required feeding on a regular schedule. Failure to do so was not acceptable from the standpoint of the animals or for my dad! If I could not do my daily chores, I would have to negotiate with my parents or my sisters to make sure those chores got done. There was no not showing up to take care of the animals.
These chores helped to develop a sense of empathy and compassion for living beings. I learned about the cycles of birth and death as well as an understanding of the relationship between fragility and resiliency. Feeding orphaned lambs was a joy but so was the sadness when an animal died. I learned problem solving and adaptability.
My parents were profound teachers of the work ethic. Doing chores requires hard work, dedication, and responsibility. These principles enabled me to be successful in my career and underlined how to be an appreciated volunteer in my roles today.
Today I have a regular routine of chores in the morning and evening that take about 10 minutes within the confines of my house—feeding the kitties, cleaning the litter box, and giving out kitty meds. Watering plants is needed one day a week. It is nothing like farm chores but reminds me of my obligations to living beings.
Although I was sometimes resentful of the responsibility of doing chores every day on the farm, I look back with appreciation. Young people gain these skills in a variety of ways regardless of where they live, but I am glad that the farm enabled me to gain confidence in myself and my ability to persist in making a positive difference every day.
PS I will not post a blog next week as I am going on an adventure.
Bon Voyage
I so totally relate to this blog! I grew up the same way- the animals always came first- in fact, we didn’t eat until the animals had eaten! I’m glad my folks gave us chore responsibilities… I may not have fully appreciated everything at that point, but I sure do today. It made our family a team!