The Challenges and Joys of Raising Kids, Rearing Animals, and Other Misadventures on Our Family Farm

The Beginning of Our Journey

Living on a farm is a dream that many people have, but only a few truly experience. Our family, however, is one of the lucky ones who decided to embark on this adventure. We wanted to provide our children with a unique upbringing, surrounded by nature and the wonders of farm life. Little did we know that along with the beauty, it would also come with a fair share of challenges and misadventures.

The Chaos of Balancing Parenthood and Animal Care

Raising children is already a rollercoaster ride filled with sleepless nights and endless surprises. Add to that the responsibility of caring for a range of animals, and you've got yourself a recipe for chaos. From feeding time frenzy to unexpected veterinary visits, our hands were constantly full.

What the Flock! : Raising kids, rearing animals and other misadventures on our family farm

by Chris Impey (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1319 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Lessons Learned the Hard Way

Raising animals taught us many valuable lessons, and often the hard way. We learned that goats are notorious escape artists, chickens need constant protection from predators, and cows have a mind of their own when it comes to fences. Each day came with a new adventure, and we quickly adapted to the unpredictable nature of farm life.

Patience and Responsibility

Raising kids on a farm not only demanded patience but also taught them responsibility from a young age. They had chores to do, such as feeding the animals and cleaning the stables. These tasks taught them about the importance of routine, hard work, and caring for others.

The Circle of Life

Life on a farm also exposed our children to the realities of life and death. Witnessing the birth of a calf or the joy of newborn chicks was coupled with the sadness of losing a beloved pet. These experiences taught them about the circle of life and helped them develop a deep appreciation for all living creatures.

The Unexpected Discoveries

Living in the countryside provided our family with countless opportunities for exploration. Our kids would spend hours picking wildflowers, collecting bugs, and observing the diverse wildlife that called our farm their home. These unplanned discoveries nurtured their curiosity and love for the natural world.

The Bonding and Togetherness

Caring for animals and working together on the farm fostered a strong sense of bonding within our family. Whether it was bottle-feeding a lamb or mending a chicken coop, these shared experiences created lasting memories. The farm became a place where we laughed, cried, and grew together as a family.

The Sustainable Lifestyle and Sense of Gratitude

Living sustainably was not just a choice for us, but a way of life dictated by our farm. We taught our kids about the importance of minimizing waste, conserving resources, and respecting nature. By growing our own food and understanding the hard work that goes into it, our children developed a deep sense of gratitude for the food on their plate and the environment they lived in.

The Never-Ending Adventure

Despite the challenges and misadventures that come with raising kids and rearing animals on a farm, we wouldn't trade our unique lifestyle for anything. Each day presents new challenges, but also new opportunities for growth and laughter. It's a journey that has shaped our family in ways we never could have imagined, and one that we are grateful for every single day.

The Legacy We Leave Behind

As our children grow older, we hope they carry the values and lessons learned from our farm into their adult lives. Whether they choose to pursue a career in agriculture or carry the love for animals in their hearts, we know that the experience of growing up on a farm has given them a solid foundation for success, resilience, and compassion.

What the Flock! : Raising kids, rearing animals and other misadventures on our family farm

by Chris Impey (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1319 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

From high heels to welly boots – one woman’s misadventures in becoming a farmer, raising a family and making a living from the land.

Twenty-five years ago, Sally Urwin was living in a tiny flat in the city with a high-pressure job. She was utterly miserable, suffering from depression and longing for a different life.

When she met and married farmer Steve, she imagined herself wafting around in floral dresses followed by a bevy of rosy-cheeked children.

The reality is quite different…

Sally is usually wearing a jumper covered in sheep poo and bellowing at Mavis the collie to stop chasing Gladys the grumpy pony and her kids are moaning about being dragged outside while she is caring for a ewe who has ingested a poisonous plant after wandering into the neighbour’s garden.

But despite the chaos of juggling motherhood with running a farm, financial hardship and dealing with poorly animals, the exhilarating freedom of rural life has helped Sally to heal her own body and mind. Lambing season might be backbreaking, but there’s no greater joy than cradling a new-born lamb.

With a mix of grit, humour and the love of family, Sally shows us that it’s never too late to live the life you’ve always dreamed of.

Fans of The Yorkshire Shepherdess will love this hilarious, heartfelt and honest account that will have you howling with laughter and sobbing into your tissues in equal measure.