In a world of convenience and technology, it’s easy to forget that the simplest skills are the ones that make life feel full. There’s something deeply rewarding about knowing how to work with your hands, care for the land, and provide for your family in ways that don’t require a screen or a Wi-Fi connection.
As we build our homestead and raise our son, I want to pass down skills that connect him to the land, to hard work, and to the joy of living simply. These are the things that, no matter how much the world changes, will always hold value.
Baking from Scratch
There’s a difference between opening a store-bought loaf of bread and pulling a fresh, golden loaf from the oven. I want my son to know the feeling of kneading dough, the smell of warm sourdough filling the kitchen, and the satisfaction of watching something rise from just a few simple ingredients. Baking isn’t just about food—it’s about patience, creativity, and providing nourishment with our own hands.
Growing & Preserving Food
There is nothing quite like planting a seed, tending to it, and watching it grow into something that can feed your family. I want him to know the joy of pulling potatoes from the soil, picking strawberries straight from the vine, and gathering herbs for medicine and meals.
But gardening isn’t just about growing—it’s also about knowing how to keep food. Learning to preserve tomatoes, dry herbs, and ferment vegetables ensures that nothing goes to waste. These skills aren’t just practical; they’re deeply grounding, teaching us to respect what we have and prepare for the seasons ahead.
Tending to Animals
Homestead life is full of responsibility, especially when animals depend on you. I want my son to understand the work and care it takes to raise chickens for eggs, to know the rhythm of feeding and watering animals, and to see firsthand how they provide for us in return.
There’s a tenderness that comes with caring for animals, a sense of stewardship that reminds us we are part of something bigger. Whether it’s gathering eggs in the morning or making sure the animals are settled before nightfall, these small tasks build character, patience, and a deep respect for life.
Handiwork & Self-Sufficiency
In a world where so much is disposable, I want to teach him how to make and fix things rather than just replace them. Whether it’s sewing a torn shirt, sharpening a knife, or building something with his own hands, these skills create a mindset of resilience.
Tysin built our apothecary and our chicken coop, and I want our son to grow up knowing the same sense of accomplishment. There’s pride in a well-built fence, a repaired tool, or a handcrafted project—things that last because they were made with care.
The Lost Art of Sitting Still
Not every skill is about doing. Some of the most important things I want to pass down are about being.
I want him to know the beauty of sitting on a porch and watching the sunset, the peace found in a quiet morning before the world wakes up, and the importance of active listening. In a fast-paced world, these moments of slowness are rare—but they are where the richest memories are made.
Why These Skills Matter
The world may change, but these skills will always have a place. They teach us patience, responsibility, and gratitude. They remind us that we are capable, that we don’t need to rely on technology to meet our needs.
Most importantly, they keep us connected—to the land, to our families, and to the generations who came before us. And that is something worth passing down.
