Are you curious about the general pros and cons of rural living? Or, the specific benefits and challenges if kids or family are part of the equation? In either case, here’s insight worth considering.
In this Backyard Life exclusive, Arms Family Homestead YouTuber Daniel Arms offers up a parental perspective of life on his family’s 100-acre Oklahoma farm (or homestead, as some call it). Of course, Daniel notes that his views of rural living may vary from folks who live on a different type of property, or area of the country.
Pros from a Parent’s Point of View
For starters, Daniel appreciates his family’s ability to hunt, fish, and raise gardens and livestock on their property. His kids get to learn, firsthand, how to grow and raise their own food—from planting and harvesting crops to feeding and caring for animals. But, it’s not just all work and no fun. His kids also enjoy the property by exploring it on foot swimming and fishing in the creek, building forts and bonfires, and having cookouts. As a family, the Arms are able to share their property—and all they harvest from it—with family and friends.
Cons from a Parent’s Point of View
On the flipside, Daniel admits that rural living isn’t always convenient where shopping, school commutes, or seeing family and friends are concerned. And, with 100 acres, property maintenance is ongoing. Daniel says he’s constantly cutting trees, clearing the creek of debris and controlling overgrown brush. It’s also difficult to find someone to tend to the animals and crops if they’re gone on vacation, at a ball game or visiting family.
Pros from a Kid’s Point of View
So, what do the Arms children have to say? Mainly, that they like living in the country as opposed to in town. And, that they enjoy fishing in the creek and caring for their animals and gardens. They think the food grown in the family garden tastes so much better than store-bought fruits and veggies—especially the strawberries. Oh, and that they love roaming the property on ATVs!
Cons from a Kid’s Point of View
But, Daniel’s kids admit there are a few drawbacks to rural living, too. Not having a pool because there are too many trees on the property tops their list. They also wish their family lived closer, and that they had more friends nearby to play with.
