Does planting season change anyone else’s family dynamic? It is such an exciting time, but it is also difficult on our kids. A whole winter of Dad being home for suppers turns into meals on wheels or no sight of Dad except for the early mornings. We start to hold onto those short breakfasts together and look for extra snuggles where we can get them.
Our four year old daughter seems to have the hardest time transitioning, we ran into the same issue during harvest last fall. More issues at daycare with not using words to express our frustrations. This stresses me out but I also know that it is a time for me to slow down and spend extra time with the kids. I can let the dishes sit in the sink until they are in bed and if they ask for just one more book at bedtime I’ll do it. Here are my tips and reminders to myself for surviving the widow season of planting:
The list could go on and I would love to hear your survival tips. Also a special shout-out to all parents who find themselves a one person parenting show as the other spouse is busy providing for their families. Farming isn’t the only sector that has widow seasons, so embrace it and provide a helping hand or a listening ear for others who face some of the same challenges. -Lisa
3 Comments
Sonya
4/20/2017 07:04:30 pm
Yes! Yes! Yes! Dreading this season and all that comes with it but also knowing the sooner we start the sooner we're done. My assumption was that as kids get older it would be easier for them when Dad is gone. Ugh, I was so wrong! It seems to affect my 10 year old the most. He doesn't want to ride in the tractor. He wants his Dad to be home so they can do stuff together. Last year he would sometimes bring his pellet gun to the field when we brought supper out. Then they would have a few minutes to scout out gophers and other critters. I know he craves that attention from his Dad so we do what we can.
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Welcome!I'm Lisa, a farm wife turned city slicker. A child of God, wife and mother. I'm a dreamer relying on God's grace to get me through. Archives
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