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Teaching the Next Generation to be Thrifty

A recipe book with a wooden spoon.We grew up in a country area, at least 15 miles from a small town. We were taught how to work hard at all things. There was no down time as some make sure they get today. Each season had its work; some were to be fast and others slow and regular.

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When we reached the age of seven, we were taken to be taught how things were done and shown how to do small parts of the work. Each year, we had more work added. By the time we came of age at 13, we could do most things in the home and yard as well as the money making areas. Some of the dangerous things were taught at 15 years old. Trading and work was half of our goods and supplies for the year. If people did not work hard, they did not have much.

The first thing we learnt was cooking and then baking. This was important because if we had what was needed to make foods we were not to waste. We had everything labeled but not with the fancy labeller you buy today. Some foods were put away for Christmas and other celebrations. There was a lot to remember. We did not go to the grocer to buy a smoked salmon or ham, we traded or made it ourselves. Life was simplified but cost more. These lessons were not easy to teach the next generations.

Part of cooking was cleanliness and each step was for a reason. That brings us to keeping all things clean and organized as the second area of importance to teach. Third was shopping. We did not go out every day or week. No, we went once a month, buying in bulk and sharing some with another part of the family. We had the things needed for this; a freezer and large pantry, a prep area, with the right bags, boxes and canisters.

The fourth area is furnishing the home. Not all things were new; our bed was new but the chest of drawers were second hand, our kitchen had half new. The things that could not be sanitized were bought new. Thrift stores and flea markets were a must. We also had a co-op for wool. It was a nice time to see all the women come together to stretch wool, wash it and card it. We divided it up and then at home, we dyed it then shinned it to the thickness we could work with. First we learn these things, then knitting came next. I broke so many strands because I held on to it as if it could still run like the sheep.

Fifth was sewing. We all, male and female, learnt to sew. Clothing lasted longer if you mend them. We would go to a thrift store to buy large or extra large clothing. These would be taken apart carefully and made into smaller clothing for the young. All these things can be taught and used today in different ways. An electronic area is important these days. We bought a surge protector plug for recharging phones tablets and toys. This helps so no one loses the cords and it is safe.

We had to camp to take vacations so our big family shared the trailer and tents, coolers, camp stoves and pots. As we taught the children how to do all these things and show them how the quality of life was better to work on all things. Work is free in the family and can be a great gift.

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May 10, 20151 found this helpful

So very impressed with your upbringing! Once the kids are grown and gone they can take care of themselves and have such good hard working values! Very impressive! Your entire family should be proud!

 
May 14, 20151 found this helpful

Your post is inspiring! I wish people would put as much time, effort, and thought into training their children as they put into their careers.

Not just training them to behave nicely in public, or training them how to keep their rooms clean,...etc... But training in life skills like your considerable long list above.

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All of that training builds self-respect, patience, tolerance, kindness, cooperation, consideration, and self-reliance. It discourages entitlement mentality, and all of the time spent together makes children and parents closer.

You were very blessed--Thank you for sharing!

 
May 25, 20151 found this helpful

Thank you for all the votes and comments. It feels good to know there are others reading thrifty and enjoying it as I do. Rain

 

Gold Post Medal for All Time! 523 Posts
July 19, 20151 found this helpful

I'm sure it was said 100 years ago.It still stands true today. Children have too much time on their hands. Time to do with as they please. My cousins lived on a farm. They had 425 acres they could play in. Run, climb, swim, fish, play ball and much more. They did it all and they did lots of it.

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They did it after doing their parts in the hot fields, every day except Sunday, all summer long. Hard work never hurt any of them. They all grew up healthy and well adjusted. No drugs, No encounters before a judge. Good people, all of them.

Thanks for a beautiful article.

 
August 5, 20190 found this helpful

I was raised on a farm in late thirties and forties. Each had our chores to do & help others. Raised our food & canned & preserved the meats. My husband and I had 7 children & they were raised the same way. All worked hard, played together making own games many times, prayed together and now each grown with families doing well. Very close knit. Pray together, stay together.

 
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