One of the reasons I loved having dairy goats is that every morning and evening I had to go out to the barn, feed and water the goats, milk them, sit with them while they finished eating, tidy up a bit, etc. I had to go over and feed and water the hens, and tend to any other livestock I had at the time. My kids were sometimes interested in joining me, but these were often solitary activities. I had to get up early to do them and work late. I had time when I did not have people demanding my time. My mind could wander freely. I had people at the farm tell me I was nuts to do all that, work at a farm all day, tend to school aged children and do all the critter chores when I got home, but the critter chores were a thing that saved me. And my family. I needed that alone time with no human demands.
So cool, Sheryl! It’s so great that you had an outlet and something that felt meaningful and supportive to you in more than one way. I do appreciate the tasks that force us to slow down or take time instead of just rushing on to the next thing.
To me you definitely sound like a wonderful mother! I’m sure the children are glad you do all that you’re doing for them, whether that’s done lovingly or grumbling or just dutifully. And they’ll REALLY appreciate it when they’re adults and have to do it all themselves!
This one warms my heart. 💜
😊
One of the reasons I loved having dairy goats is that every morning and evening I had to go out to the barn, feed and water the goats, milk them, sit with them while they finished eating, tidy up a bit, etc. I had to go over and feed and water the hens, and tend to any other livestock I had at the time. My kids were sometimes interested in joining me, but these were often solitary activities. I had to get up early to do them and work late. I had time when I did not have people demanding my time. My mind could wander freely. I had people at the farm tell me I was nuts to do all that, work at a farm all day, tend to school aged children and do all the critter chores when I got home, but the critter chores were a thing that saved me. And my family. I needed that alone time with no human demands.
So cool, Sheryl! It’s so great that you had an outlet and something that felt meaningful and supportive to you in more than one way. I do appreciate the tasks that force us to slow down or take time instead of just rushing on to the next thing.
To me you definitely sound like a wonderful mother! I’m sure the children are glad you do all that you’re doing for them, whether that’s done lovingly or grumbling or just dutifully. And they’ll REALLY appreciate it when they’re adults and have to do it all themselves!
Thank you!