I have looked at the kids in the suburbs and I feel that by studying them, my childhood was way more exciting. All because I grew up on a farm. I have gotten to experience living on a farm and living in the suburbs. Not many people my age have gotten to experience both. I have looked at the kids in the suburbs and I feel that by studying them, my childhood was way more exciting.
1. Family oriented
The family worked together and still do to keep the farm going, so they get to see each other quite often because they all live near for this common goal.
2. More reasons to be outside
Living on a farm gives the kids reasons to be outside when they are little. There is everything from tractor rides during harvest season, to riding the ATV around the cornfields and rides on the dirt bike with dad. There are also tons of natural areas to explore.
3. Having outdoor pets was normal
People in the city usually always keep their pets indoors, but on a farm you usually have a barn and you have more room for more pets. In the city you might only have one cat, but in the country, because of a barn, you might have ten cats running around.
4. Farm traditions and the seasons
Every season means something special on a farm that the whole family gets excited about. Sure, it's normal in the city to get excited about being able to wear sweatshirts and sweatpants, but on a farm it’s normal to get excited about harvest season (riding in the tractors, corn husking), and then planting season (getting the tractors out to plant corn and beans).
5. Learning the meaning of work
As a kid on a farm, you had more excuses to learn about machinery when you were younger, like riding in the tractors and even getting the chance to drive the tractors as a kid. As kids, you learned what it takes to run a farm because you are there with your elders every step of the way.
6. Corn on the cob from your own backyard
Growing up, you can walk into your own backyard and grab corn on the cob from the field to husk for dinner. You could also go mushroom hunting in the woods.
7. If you are in high school, the best place to have parties is at the old cabin
The cabin in the woods is party central. Of course, make sure it is your own family’s property. (This benefit was added for my brother.)
8. Farmers know how to cook and eat
Farm families cook the best homemade meals and pies; grandma cooks the best, mom does too. Meals are often cooked with homegrown green beans from grandma’s garden.
9. Bonding time with grandpa
Time with grandpa was and still is as an adult often spent riding with him in the tractor during harvest season. It was also the same way to bond with uncles and cousins.
