When we bought our property we knew it would take a lot of grit, blood, sweat and tears to get it to the place we imagine it can be. We want it to be a safe space where we can dream, explore, play, rest, host — a true sanctuary for our little family. This means every choice we make has to work not just for the land, but for our two-year-old son, our dogs and cat, and the rhythm of our lives together.
Homesteading often conjures images of early mornings tending to the garden, caring for sweet farm animals, and long to-do lists. Those things can definitely be true. But trying to juggle those things on top of being parents with jobs and a small business, means we’ve had to approach things strategically. It's also really easy to romanticize homesteading life with rose-tinted glasses, but there are harsh realities in this area — like fire safety, dealing with dangerous critters, etc. — that are less talked about.
Here’s what we’re learning about creating a family-friendly homestead that balances work, play, and safety.