Raising Farm Kids: The Benefits of Country Living

Oh, there are so many wonderful benefits of raising farm kids and country living! But I didn’t always dream of this life. Or even knew just how beneficial it really is.

If you haven’t followed along with my posts on this blog for some time, I’ll let you in on a little secret. I did not grow up on a farm.

I was born and raised in Los Angeles and long story short. It wasn’t until I met and married my husband that I got a real sense of what country living was all about.

You see, my husband is a real life cowboy and grew up miles down the road from where we live now. He was raised as a good ole country boy on his family’s ranch in rural Nebraska.

This post has been updated from its original publish date of July 18, 2017.

What are the Benefits of Raising Farm Kids & Country Living?

Over the past several years of true country living, I’ve gained some awesome experience and a true love of this lifestyle. I’m so thankful that I have the opportunity to raise my little farm kids here.

And for the record there’s nothing wrong with city living! That’s exactly where I was raised. But I have a love of the simplicity that is found in country living.

Country living offers a variety of benefits that appeal to different individuals based on their preferences and lifestyle. Some of the advantages of country living include:

1. Peace and Quiet: Country areas are typically quieter than urban or suburban settings. This tranquility can contribute to a more relaxed and peaceful lifestyle.
2. Cleaner Air: Rural areas often have cleaner air with fewer pollutants, contributing to better respiratory health and overall well-being.
3. Natural Beauty: Country living is often associated with picturesque landscapes, green fields, and open spaces. This can provide a visually appealing and calming environment.
4. Community Connection: Small towns and rural communities often foster strong social connections. People in rural areas tend to know their neighbors and participate in local events and activities.
5. Lower Cost of Living: In many cases, the cost of living in rural areas is lower than in urban or suburban settings. This includes housing costs, property taxes, and general expenses.
6. Outdoor Recreation: Country living often provides easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, gardening, and other nature-related pursuits.
7. Less Traffic and Congestion: Rural areas typically have less traffic and congestion, leading to shorter commutes and a reduced risk of stress associated with traffic jams.
8. Space and Privacy: Country living often means larger properties and more space between homes, providing residents with a greater sense of privacy.
9. Healthier Lifestyle: With more opportunities for outdoor activities, fresh air, and potentially locally sourced produce, people in rural areas may adopt healthier lifestyles.
10. Closer to Nature: Living in the country allows for a closer connection to nature, with wildlife, flora, and fauna being integral parts of the environment.
11. Cultural Heritage: Many rural areas have a rich cultural history and traditions that residents may actively participate in, contributing to a sense of community identity and pride.
12. Self-Sufficiency: Some individuals value the opportunity to be more self-sufficient in rural areas, whether through gardening, raising livestock, or other sustainable practices.

It’s important to note that while these benefits may appeal to many, individual preferences vary, and some people may find that urban or suburban living better suits their lifestyle and needs.

Creating Strong Family Bonds

Growing up on a family farm and especially living a rural life, children gain a special friendship and bonds. We live pretty far from town and our children are each other’s best friend.

This is where the entire family works together, plays together, and makes a life together.

Our entire home life is centered around God first and family immediately following. We gather together for family meals, work, and play together.

Teaching Respect & Manners

Children growing up on a family farm learn a respect for God’s creations. As our children grow in age, they are learning how to care and respect our animals. And to appreciate the gifts the Good Lord provides.

They learn to respect their elders. This is something incredibly important to me. Our children are being taught to address their elders by Mr. and Mrs.

This might be lost art, but it is a big part of our family farm culture.

Fostering Creativity

I think I’ve mentioned this in four blog posts now, it’s that important! And without sounding too repetitive, I’ll keep it summarized.

Children need boredom in order to foster a sense of creativity and allow for proper development. What better opportunity for independent and free play, than on the family farm?

Farm kids have some of the best imaginations I’ve ever seen.

Life Skills are Developed

I believe that children need to be taught basic life skills in order to survive in the world. And raising farm kids gives them the perfect opportunity to learn how to cook & bake from scratch.

They’re learning where their food comes from and the hard work that is put into every day life. Our farm kids are learning how to grow and raise their own food.

And there’s a sense of accomplishment and awe in learning this skill.

Building Strong Work Ethics

On a family farm, children learn to put the needs of farm animals ahead of their own needs. They realize that these animals are dependent on us to keep them happy and healthy.

Every single day there are chores that have to be done. Unlike normal jobs, there are no days off or days when we can skip chores.

Sundays are a day to slow down and relax, but there are still regular chores to be done. Even in the heat and humidity of a Midwest summer or the piercing cold of winter. Animals have to be fed and there are eggs that need to be gathered.

This is where farm kids learn responsibility by doing, not by having someone telling them it is important.

Learning from the Circle of Life

On our homestead, our kids learn about raising a variety of farm animals. And with raising animals, they are learning about the breeding process of our goats & cattle.

They learn about hatching ducks & chickens and the delicate care necessary for their early life.

And then unfortunately, they learn that death is inevitable. Despite however many times we have been introduced to it, it really doesn’t get easier for us to handle. But understanding it as a normal part of life is helpful for our children.

Health Benefits of Living on a Farm

Raising farm kids. Sigh. They get incredibly dirty. But children need dirt to stay healthy because there are organisms are microorganisms found in soil which is super beneficial to overall health. This article explains more.

And farm children have fewer allergies or asthma.

Living a simple, rural life is also beneficial to overall health benefits and helps to reduce stress.

Truth be told, our kids very rarely get sick. And I believe it’s from living a healthy farm life. Total win in my opinion!