We Bought a Farm: How My Family's Move to the Country Has Improved Our Health & Happiness Fatherhood
The fall of 2018 brought big changes for our family. After a decade on our .13-acre lot in the village, we moved into our new (old) farmhouse – on 51 acres! It was hastily envisioned, I admit, but a decision that has, in many ways, bettered our lives. Not only as a family, but also as individuals.
I was initially concerned with how the kids would handle the total spectrum change, but those worries quickly faded away. Everyone enjoys and eagerly helps with chores. We have barns and outbuildings. Orchards and berry patches. Lots of deer and turkey (not to mention a few signs of black bear). And let’s not forget the farm animals we’ve accumulated! We have cows, sheep, guineas and chickens. Many of which we incubated and hatched ourselves! What an amazing experience that was for the boys. We have spent more time together as a family, outside and off the couch, than ever before.
Our new life is hard work, but beyond rewarding. The physical and emotional health of our family is visibly improving, and to see the uptake in my children’s happiness makes all the hard work well worth it. They are spending less time concerned with material things and more time appreciating what they have and what they have to work for.
Do I recommend this change for anyone and everyone? Absolutely not. Operating a farm of any scale takes determination, careful planning and patience (luckily my wife and I have both had past experience). But when it comes to my family, I will do whatever I can to ensure that their health, happiness and safety is always met.
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