One Day to Take My Daughter to Work?

I heard on the radio this morning that today was “Take Your Daughter and Son to Work Day.” I think that’s a great idea and appreciate the companies and schools that allow it to happen. It teaches children about what mom and dad do all day and opens their eyes to a variety of careers.

But I believe that on the farm, every day can be “Take My Daughter to Work Day.”

Riding in the sprayer with Daddy at a few months old.

Since shortly after she was born, I was taking her with me when doing things outside. Sunny days found her napping in her bouncy seat in the shade while I weeded the garden. When she started walking, we went for strolls out to take care of the pigs. And now that she’s a little older, she loves nothing more than to help gather eggs (and try to pick up the chickens and give them “big hugs!”)

Her first experience driving a tractor – yes, she had control of the wheel! One nice thing about a harvested field – lots of space!

She loves to ride in the tractor with Daddy, PaPa, and Uncle J. More than once, she’s napped on my chest as we rode in the buddy seat. She loves to point out the difference in corn fields and bean fields in the summer, and knows tractors from combines.

Learning about the pigs last spring.

She loves to be outside and usually the only way to get her to come in is to promise some chocolate (a girl after my own heart!). I hope as she grows, she will continue to enjoy doing things on the farm and appreciate the work that goes into making our operation successful.

She loved holding the baby chicks this spring.

I also like to take her with me when I do things for my “day job” when it’s practical. I want her to know what I do all day as well. and show her that there are many careers out there she may want to pursue. I want her to know that she can do anything she sets her mind to do, and to never feel inferior because she’s a woman, or because she comes from a rural area, or for any other reason that doesn’t affect her abilty to learn how to do a job well.

And hopefully, someday, she’ll be able to share her work, on the farm or elsewhere, with her own son or daughter!