Today is day 10 of our 30 days of homesteading Q&A on the podcast where I have reached out to some of the best bloggers and podcasters in the homesteading space to answer your questions about homesteading.

Today’s question is “What are some ways I could introduce my kids to homesteading and help them have a more self-sufficient mindset?”

Answering today’s question is Heather Mattingly from WhatchaDoinMom.

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How to Introduce Kids to Homesteading

Homesteading is more than just a lifestyle—it’s a way to teach valuable skills, responsibility, and a connection to nature. By involving children in homesteading, they can grow up with a self-sufficient mindset that will serve them well into adulthood. Here’s how to introduce kids to homesteading, with tips for all ages and stages.

Get Them Outside and Into Nature

One of the best first steps in homesteading is simply getting kids outside. Fresh air and time in nature help children appreciate the world around them. Go on hikes, build forts, or even make mud pies. While they’re out there, they’ll see firsthand the beauty of the natural world. Plus, when kids spend time outside, they often become more curious about how things grow and live.

For example, gardening is a perfect way to connect children to the food they eat. Even toddlers can help with watering plants or picking vegetables. Heather, a homesteader from Kentucky, mentions that her young boys love helping in the garden, and they’re more likely to try new veggies because they were part of the growing process.

Teach Them to Grow Their Own Food

Gardening is a simple and impactful way to teach self-sufficiency. Start small—children as young as toddlers can help with basic tasks like watering plants or harvesting vegetables. As they get older, they can help with planting seeds, weeding, and composting. Even if space is limited, container gardening is a great option for growing fruits and veggies in small areas.

As children learn to grow their own food, they’ll also gain an understanding of where their food comes from, making them more likely to appreciate it and waste less. The next step after growing is teaching them to cook and preserve their harvest.

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Get Them in the Kitchen

Once the garden is thriving, it’s time to teach kids how to turn those homegrown veggies into delicious meals. Even small children can help in the kitchen by stirring, pouring, and mixing. As they grow older, they can help with chopping, measuring, and preparing full meals. Cooking with kids not only teaches them a vital life skill, but also helps them understand the value of the food they’ve grown.

If your family grows an abundant harvest, consider teaching children to preserve food through methods like canning or freezing. The effort they put into growing and preparing their meals will give them a greater appreciation for their food and a sense of accomplishment.

Assign Chores to Build Responsibility

Another important part of homesteading is learning to care for the home. Giving kids chores from a young age helps them learn responsibility and become self-sufficient. Start with small tasks for younger children, like picking up toys or drying dishes. As they get older, they can take on bigger jobs, like vacuuming, mopping, or even doing laundry.

Heather points out that although children might not always enjoy chores, they’ll learn valuable skills that will serve them for life. Plus, knowing how to clean up after themselves is a key part of self-sufficiency.

Caring for Animals Teaches Compassion

Caring for animals is a wonderful way to teach kids about responsibility, compassion, and respect for living things. Whether it’s a goldfish or a flock of chickens, kids will learn what it takes to look after another being. They’ll experience the joys of raising animals, and sometimes, the sorrow of losing them.

Heather’s family, for example, raises a variety of animals, including chickens, goats, rabbits, and even an emu! Her children help with feeding and watering the animals daily, giving them hands-on experience in animal care. Raising animals also teaches kids about life cycles and the interconnectedness of all living things.

Teach Practical Skills and Trades

In addition to gardening and animal care, homesteading offers plenty of opportunities to teach practical skills. Kids can learn how to sew, do basic carpentry, fix things around the house, or even make soap. These skills are not only fun but also provide a sense of pride and accomplishment when a project is finished.

For example, helping with home improvement projects or learning how to repair broken toys teaches kids the value of fixing things instead of always buying something new. It’s a great way to help them appreciate what they have and build confidence in their abilities.

Making Learning Fun

The most important part of teaching kids about homesteading is to make it enjoyable. If kids see that their parents or guardians love homesteading, they’re more likely to follow along and develop an interest themselves. Even if they don’t pursue a homesteading lifestyle when they’re older, the skills they’ve learned—like gardening, cooking, and caring for animals—will stay with them for life.

In the end, homesteading with kids is about more than just growing food or doing chores. It’s about teaching them how to be responsible, appreciate nature, and take pride in their work. With these skills, kids can grow up to be more self-sufficient and prepared for whatever the future holds.

By getting children involved in homesteading, parents can raise the next generation of self-sufficient individuals. Whether through gardening, cooking, or learning trades, these experiences shape a mindset that will be valuable throughout their lives.

Find out more about Heather at her website and social media pages:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatchadoinmom
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/WhatchaDoinMom
• Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/hrm2005

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