I keep finding new reasons to love the wood stove. It’s not just for heat—it’s a full-on snack factory. Got a craving? Toast marshmallows, make ’smores, or roast a hot dog anytime you want. No fancy gadgets, no buttons—just good old fire, smoke, and the smell of something that might give you a little singed eyebrow. Perfect. There’s something deeply satisfying about sitting beside that old stove, hearing the wood crackle, and pretending you’re camping—without the bugs, the leaky tent, or the midnight bathroom trek with a flashlight that barely works.
And here’s the kicker: wood stoves are the ultimate kid wranglers. Hand a kid a pile of firewood and suddenly they’re busier than a goat in a cornfield. It’s the kind of work that wears ’em out before they have a chance to turn the place upside down. Honestly, any farm chore will do the trick. I’m not shy about it—I believe in child labor. There, I said it. Not the kind that breaks spirits, mind you—the kind that builds character, muscles, and appreciation for a good night’s rest.
Yep, I was one of those “horrible” mothers who lay awake plotting ways to keep my kids busy. No nonsense, no whining—just sweat, dirt, and the occasional “Are we done yet?” Now that I’ve got a 16-year-old grandson living with me, I get to recycle those old tricks or dream up new ones. He’s learning quickly that “helping Grandma” usually means moving something heavy, shoveling something unpleasant, or hauling wood for that wonderful stove I mentioned earlier.
At 60 years old, I stick to my trusty motto: “Give ’em enough work to keep ’em out of trouble till they’re 30.” If that sounds harsh, well, welcome to farm life—where sugar coating is for cupcakes, not chores.
Well, it’s getting late, and I best hit the hay. Maybe before I drift off, I’ll cook up a fresh chore to keep the boy busy tomorrow. Giving him work annoys him just enough to keep me entertained. Two birds, one stone, and not a single fancy gadget in sight. Now that’s efficiency I can toast to—right over the wood stove, of course.
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©2009 Sandy Davis | American Way Farm
4 comments:
I love smores! Now you have me dreaming about them!
Also - firm believer is giving kids chores - I think it not only keeps them out of trouble - it teaches them responsibility and a sense of accomplishment. (Though I think I heard my stepson muttering underneath his breath when I had him shoveling yesterday. ha,ha!)
Mmmm - smores! Just wanted to stop and say hello, and mention that I share your love of woodstoves. We're just getting to the point where we're really moving on our country homestead - I ended up finding your blog through my good friend Peggy at Hidden Haven. I'm off to read some old posts and add myself to your follow list so I can come back often!
My daddy always said, that to keep youngins' out of trouble, you need to keep them too tired from working to think about anything else. I think he was on to something as neither my brother or myself have ever been in jail...yet. And my youngins', you bet I keep their fannies moving. Just following family tradition.
Yes! Someone else who believes in the honors of child labor! I mention it briefly in my most recent blog. What a coincidence! And it's about using children to help with fire wood too. :)
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