Fellow farm kid parents,
As I write this, four out of our four little ones are tucked into bed still. The rain and wind are howling outside the windows, the coffee is poured, and yet they remain still – at least for the moment.
In reality, farm kids don’t stay still for too long. They are too many rocks to dig up, creatures to investigate, and people to meet. This past summer we took them to Whidbey Island, off the coast of Washington, and discovered something beautiful about our children. Our farm, our lifestyle, runs deep in their blood.
For starters, they endured travel-food induced stomach aches for the length of our trip. They confessed this made them appreciate our “normal” food all the more. I smiled slightly at their compliments, but inside, I was beaming. Good food had given them such a foundation of health to live on!
Secondly, while many other children on vacation sought out arcades, ice cream shops, and toy stores, our kids filled their time discovering seashells, crabs, sand fleas, jellyfish, seaweed, and every manner of discovery and mischief and exploration in between.
They have a love of nature, of quiet, of conversation, of feeling well, and of adventure that surpasses popular cultural attractions and norms.
Some adults find it weird when the six-year-old will run up, firmly shake their hand, ask to pet their dog, and then spend five minutes telling them about his farm and animals. I find it beautiful.
This issue is in celebration of the virtue, health, and sturdiness we’re cultivating in our children. I hope you enjoy.
Cheers,
Shaye
