Did anybody else that adored the Little House books grow up to be a homesteader? While the books do romanticize many parts of traditional homesteading, there are many homesteading lessons from Little House that still apply today. The books might have been embellished, but the things learned in the little houses hold true.
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Just One More Chapter
I have loved books since I was a little girl. My mom read to me every night before bed, which always left me begging for just one more chapter. One of her childhood favorites was the Little Houses series, so she read it to me when I was very young. I fell in love with all things pioneer. Little House in the Big Woods was one of the first chapter books I remember reading by myself. I spent hours playing pioneers. We visited two of the homesites and I was even Laura for Halloween one year.
Sometimes I wonder how my love of Little House shaped my life. Like Laura, I became a teacher, but dream of staying home to raise a family. I’ve never been fond of wearing shoes and I often wear my hair in braids.. I learned to quilt, dip candles, and make sourdough bread. Just like Ma’s table, mine is covered in a red and white checked tablecloth. I think Laura and I could have been best friends if I had been born in the big woods of Wisconsin in the 1860’s.
Life on the Ingalls homestead and the Wilder farm seemed perfect! When I dream about someday, I imagine my own little homestead. I want a cow, some chickens, a Morgan horse, and a big garden. If somebody wanted to throw in a covered wagon or a log cabin, I’d be ok with that too!
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Homesteading Lessons from Little House
Homesteading Lessons from Little House: Give each day its own proper work.
Ma was an excellent homemaker.
“Wash on Monday,
Iron on Tuesday,
Mend on Wednesday,
Churn on Thursday,
Clean on Friday,
Bake on Saturday,
Rest on Sunday.”
-Little House in the Big Woods
Although you may not need a day to iron, you may need a day to clean the chicken coop or preserve the harvest from the week. Having a schedule will help you stay on top of the work. Plus it will help your family know what to expect from you that day. For example, my husband knows that on Wednesday we wash the towels, so he makes sure his towel is in the machine that morning.
Homesteading Lessons from Little House: Use every bit of what you have.
Modern homesteaders are resourceful, but those of long ago didn’t waste anything. Whether it was using watermelon rinds to make pickles or roasting the pig tail, nothing was wasted. Our society has moved away from that mindset into one of wastefulness. Use of the food in the fridge before it goes bad. Darn the sock. Save the jar. Cut off the jeans to make shorts. Use up what you have before buying something else.
Homesteading Lessons from Little House: Take a day of rest.
Busyness is a badge of honor. Rest is not the same as laziness. It gives your body and mind a chance to recover and prepare for the next round of work. Make sure you are taking a break once in a while. If you can’t take a day, take an hour. Find something you enjoy doing whether it’s napping in a hammock or reading a good book by the fire.
Homesteading Lessons from Little House: Children are capable and willing to help.
Children are capable and want to be needed. As a teacher, I see this all the time. Kids jump at the chance to help. I’ve had my shoes tied in the middle of teaching a lesson before I even realized they were undone. Children are capable of a lot more than we give them credit for. Take the time to teach them how to do a chore. Be patient as they learn through mistakes and messes.
Homesteading Lessons from Little House: Thank God for what you have.
The Ingalls and Wilder families always thanked God before eating a meal. Even if that meal was boiled potatoes.. Laura is quoted as saying, “Suffering passes, while love is eternal. That’s a gift that you have received from God…” Take time each day to thank the Lord for waking you up today.
Homesteading Lessons from Little House: It’s ok to buy pretty things.
Pa would always try to buy Ma something pretty when he went to the store. She always said, “Oh Charles, you shouldn’t have.” Often it was a pretty calico for her apron or dress. Pretty can be functional.
Homesteading Lessons from Little House: Find your community.
Every time the Ingalls family moved they found their community. In the big woods of Wisconsin it was the extended family. On the Kansas prairie it was Mr. Edwards. Whether it was coming together to thrash wheat or dig a well the Ingalls family were part of a community of people. Life is hard. You need to at least find somebody to complain too. Or house sit while you’re away or bring meals when somebody is sick.
Homesteading Lessons from Little House:A good dog is invaluable.
The brindle bulldog, Jack, protected the garden from deer. He guarded the house from strangers and wild animals. Not only is a dog man’s best friend, but can be a vital part of homesteading life. Livestock guardian dogs will protect the animals. Or maybe it’s a hunting dog you need. Maybe you just need a dog to bark at strangers that approach the door.
Homesteading Lessons from Little House: Make do for now.
The Ingalls family had very limited resources at times, but somehow Ma always made do. She repurposed clothing and ate what they had. Although it was not a glamorous life, she made sure her family was taken care of by making do with what she had on hand at the moment. Pa was resourceful too. When he didn’t have nails to build the house, he used pegs instead. Instead of running to the store to buy more groceries, try making do with what is in the pantry this week. The meals may not be something you’d see in a magazine, but they will fill your belly.
Homesteading Lessons from Little House: Seasons change.
The Ingalls family faced many seasons in their lives. Some were good and some were hard. The season in the big woods was one of plenty and of happiness. The season during the long winter was hard and sometimes scary. But just like summer turns to fall, the seasons of life are always changing. If you are a young mom with littles underfoot then maybe this isn’t your season to buy a dairy cow. But it could be the season of baking from scratch. Don’t worry about doing it all. Do what you can in this season of life and know that the season will change.
The site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As a Revive EO Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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