(FREE) December: The Sunny Side
Contributed by Liz Threlkeld / Owner, Sunny Creek Trading Post
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Multigenerational Homesteading
Hey, Friends!
As I’m sure you know, homesteading is a lot of work. There’s no shortage of tasks to be done and how many times have you wished you could clone yourself? There’s never really an “off-season” for us, but things do slow down outside when the cold comes. With the hush of winter overtaking the autumn season, it gives us time to pause and reflect. I’ve been doing some reflecting of my own…
Only a short century ago, it was common to live as a multigenerational unit. I like to ask hard questions of my reality so I wonder, is the general American idea of “kids move out when they’re an adult and the elderly go into nursing homes” really my opinion? I’m not so sure it is anymore ...
I know there are always exceptions to everything, and I certainly don’t judge anyone for making those choices. Besides, we raised our own kids with the mentality of moving out once they reached adulthood. I’m also thankful for facilities that can provide assistance to those elderly who have need of them. Still, I mull over …
What have we given up as a society by segregating our generations and how can we get the good things back?
According to the American Society on Aging, multigenerational living is on the rise. According to the same source, 72% of people living multigenerationally, have no plans to live otherwise. Here are some reasons to consider how this new old trend might be impactful to your homestead journey:
Outdoor tasks such as gardening and husbandry become a shared weight – more bodies to chase the loose animals and more minds to help solve those pesky gardening issues.
Indoor tasks such as cooking, household chores and childcare can be divided up.
The Golden Oldies can find companionship, purpose and care. The middle-aged can access timely advice and support. The kiddos can learn how to care for others.
Familial bonds tend to become close-knit when members live together. This can provide emotional support, stress-relief and can enhance overall mental health. It can also breed respect and understanding.
Skills can be taught up and down the generational line. Traditions, values, languages, cooking, home/auto repair and customs can be passed to the youngsters. Technology, trends, entertainment, scam awareness and an adaptive mindset can be shared with the elders.
Having a sense of safety in terms of emergencies and health monitoring.
Living collectively conserves resources. Appliances, lawn care equipment and vehicles, along with the financial burden of the house, land and utilities can be shared.
RLC Farm, located northeast of Ponca City, is a hyper-local example of a working multigenerational homestead. Because everyone contributes, they thrive in a supportive environment where they all benefit from the strengths and resources of each other. In their case, they live in separate homes on the same property but many meals are shared around the same table. My family and I have had the privilege of joining theirs on multiple butchering days and to see their family dynamic at work is such a treat! If you’d like more inspiration from their journey, scan the QR code to go to their Facebook page, or just search “RLC Farm”.
Action item: I encourage you to examine what you believe, talk with your family about it, gain their perspective. You may find yourself on a whole new path!
My advice: The way that would work for you, may look totally different from RLC Farm, and THAT’S OK! Go into it with realistic expectations and avoid romanticizing it.
Blazing new old trails!
Liz Threlkeld
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Welcome to “The Sunny Side” where we’ll chat about all things homesteading! My name is Liz Threlkeld and I have been homesteading with my family in small forms or large fashions for most of my life. From growing gardens to DIY projects, to cooking and preserving, to raising and processing our own meat animals, we’ve learned a thing or two along the way. I’m excited to get to share some of this life with you. Ready? Let’s grow!
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