How to Get Kids Involved in Chores Around the Farm

Running a homestead isn’t easy, especially if you’re raising a few animals in addition to your sustainable garden. The more help you have, the easier your tasks become, but who can afford to pay another salary? Fortunately, you have all the help you need. Your kids would love a chance to spend some time with you while also getting their hands dirty. Here are some chores you can pass right along to the little ones.

For the Toddlers

The littlest in your family may seem helpless, but that’s not the case. Your toddlers can fill up feeders and water bowls, gather eggs, and even brush some of the smaller animals. With your help in the garden, two-year-olds can pull up carrots, pick peas, and water the plants.

For Kindergartners

When your toddlers get a little older, they’ll be able to handle harder chores. A kindergartner or first grader shouldn’t have trouble planting in the garden, feeding the animals, adding to the compost pile, and even helping with the laundry or housework.

For Elementary School Kids

As your children get bigger and stronger, they’ll be able to join you for even more chores around your little farm. If you have dairy cows, they can help you gather the milk. They can also help with yard work like raking leaves and weeding the garden. Sweeping any of the buildings on your land shouldn’t be too hard, either.

For Middle School Kids

Twelve-year-old children are like tiny adults. They want to be grown up enough to help you with everything, but you’ll still need to limit their activities for safety reasons. At this age, they may be able to trim hooves, bathe animals, give medications, till the garden, and perhaps even help you balance the financial books.

For High School Kids

At this age, your kids should be able to help pretty much anywhere. From driving the tractor to building additional structures on your land, these kids can do it all. They’ll be ready to mow the lawn, operate the tillers, move animals around the little farm, and help with medical care for any of the livestock. If they’re great with math, consider handing over the finances completely and just keep an eye on the numbers once in a while.

Obviously you’ll want to move at a pace your kids can handle. If you think they’re ready for more at a younger age, then that’s entirely up to you. Conversely, if you don’t think they’re old enough to handle some of the suggested chores, then you’re always better off keeping them safe than pushing their growth.

The important thing, of course, is that you’re keeping your kids nearby and engaged. Sure, you save yourself some of the work while also giving your children skills they can use later in life. But you’re also spending time together, and in today’s hustle and bustle, that’s priceless.