When I was about nine years old we had an oil burning cookstove in the kitchen. Twice a year mom and I scrubbed the entire room from the ceiling to the floor. Then we turned out all the cupboards and scrubbed them inside and out before washing and waxing the floor (on our hands and knees). These were good times for both of us. We sang together as we worked and mom taught me to sing harmony. My dad and brothers loved it too because the house was filled with joy and music. How lovely those memories are more than seventy years later.
How I enjoyed this! I remember being a young mother feeling resentment for having such daily, repetitive, menial tasks. Then it occurred to me that I was blessing my then small family every day when I did these activities with love. Supporting my husband's work and raising well rounded children was truly a noble mission when I changed my attitude.
If all the new homeschoolers across this nation would just read aloud this series and use it as a springboard to many other avenues of adventure, their school year would be a blessed success.
I grew up in a third world country... Have an immense appreciation for my mother! No indoor plumbing, no washer/dryer, and btw no diapers for babies and no feminine hygiene products as well. All was washed entirely by hand, daily after the children were in bed. There were 6 of us in the family.. All 1-2 yrs apart.
I loved this but my favourite tip was the last. I read a quote a few months ago that said “mom sets the tone” that really opened my eyes. I started noticing that if I was calm and relaxed, the children were the same. If I was irritable or frustrated it took no time at all for the kids to reflect that as well, mere moments! Ever since then I’ve tried to be much more mindful of the tone i was setting. If I really am struggling, stealing away for five minutes to another room to meditate and then think of things I’m grateful for - really helps. Mom sets the tone!
Yes, our emotions are transferable to others. Also how we respond to either good news or bad news also sets the tone of the house. Having a sense of peace about yourself translates to a sense of peace around others.
That is so true...I find if my 5 year old is emotional or crying about something, if I can be a little silly and stay calm it helps her to learn to relax!
Hi Jennifer, I am from the Philippines and had a very simple life growing up. I’ve never read the Little House on the Prairie books, but I grew up watching it on tv back in the 70’s. Melissa Gilbert who played Laura Ingalls and I are the same age, so you can just imagine how much inspiration I had drawn out of her character, plus of course my beloved mother’s wisdom that she had promulgated raising me up. I am now 57, married to a British man, mother of three children, and have lived in eight countries so far, and just loving life and being grateful for everything.🥰
I got home at 9:45 P.M hot, thirsty, hungry, tiered, so I decided to prepare something easy and quick for dinner, feta cheese with cucumbers tomatoes and hot peppers spread on flat bread and for drink, none alcoholic bear, And for entertainment I wanted to watch something on RU-vid so first thing your video comes up, enjoying my food and drink as a vegetarian, I was mostly listening than watching your video and it just downed on me that you are reading a story, Story of series that I grew up with and Laura was my favorite☺ as I was enjoying my food and listening to you, it reminded me of my child hood when my father read me stories and how much I loved his story telling time Drear Jeniffer you may not know this, even though you are a young lady, but you are mothering a lot of ladies that may never had good mothers who would spend time with their kids and teach them about life With Love From IRAN ❤
More book chats in general would be great. I was sorry the Lucia and Mapp book club didn’t continue. I love seeing how different communities lived through fiction.
We have "chore break" scheduled into our daily homeschool schedule. The children have 2-3 subjects, then we have a chore break where we play our favorite music and everyone breaks up to do their individual chores. Putting it on the schedule has worked tremendously! When it's on the schedule the children automatically do it without argument...it's part of the schedule! ;) Our house has shown the difference in our routine, and we are all enjoying it!
I REALLY want to read this series for myself and to my son. My husband grew up like this, his family grew up in the mountains where things were done the “old fashioned way”, water was boiled for showers and washing clothes, growing their own food and caring for their livestock. He knew what hunger was (sometimes frequently),when the crops didn’t give as planned or they couldn’t sell enough of their goods for food or supplies. My husband and mother in law have some of the absolute strongest work ethic I have ever witnessed;they have taught me so much. I am so very blessed and thankful they have come into my life and taught me all they know.
Fun fact. My family is from the town where LIW wrote the books, (where she lived as an adult). My grandparents are buried literally feet away from where Laura and Alanzo are. We live 45 min from their home and museum and go frequently. My Aunt remembers singing Christmas carols outside her home ❤️
My in laws dont live too far either. We toured the house last year and was surprised to find that our cute little 1938 Sears and Roebak house is the smaller version that was built for Laura. So fun since I also grew up reading the books!
I read these over and over as a child, and then as an adult with my children. Farmer Boy and The Long Winter are my favorites. They are probably the most different, one is about feast and one about famine. I admire the two mothers' hard work and devotion, even though their lives were so different. When I was 9 my family was snowed in with no electricity for two weeks while my father was away working. I remember looking *up* at our dog as I walked the path my mom had dug to our burn barrel and our dog ran on top of the snow. My sister, Mom and I played Little House for that two weeks. I had to be good and patient like Mary, and my younger sister had to be spunky and brave like Laura. We melted snow for water (the well pump ran on electricity) and thanked God the propane tank was full for the gas stove. It's funny, we all have good memories of that winter. Any time we might lose the power during a storm or get a big snowfall I feel mildly excited and I think that's why. (In Michigan it must be a coping mechanism!) I'm looking forward to Farmer Boy, thank you, Jennifer!
Wonderful video idea! Just needed to note that it would be negligent to not mention that they didn’t just have a positive attitude. They were people of faith. They were Bible educated and believed in the Word of God. Their attitudes and work ethic stemmed from their faith in God. Their genuine love for each other and their sense of purpose and joy is rooted in a biblical faith in Jesus and is the natural result of the Holy Spirit in them. The Bible calls these attitudes “fruits of the spirit”. They are the result of knowing the Lord in a deep sense not merely a choice of disposition.
I was listening to this while working on something and my 3 year old was whining at me and my 12 year old was complaining about cleaning something and I was getting so irritated and right on time you started talking about bad attitudes ruining the atmosphere. I took a break and gave them both some individual attention including hugs instead of yelling. It reset the whole household. Thank you for that. 😊
I gleaned so much from this, but also from the Little House Cookbook which has more than just recipes. It is chock full of wisdom and routine. I had heard that Rose Wilder Lane told her mother she should write books about her childhood because, "... children are so soft today." And that was in the WWII Era. We are much softer now.
And now I find myself listening to the audio of these books. I’m 60 and have read them countless times but this has put them back into the forefront of my heart so here I go again! Thank you for this
I was homeschooled and our schedule was very similar to the Ingalls’ family. We always did chores before school. My mom read aloud to us every day from chapter books. Such fond memories. ❤️
My favorite part of home-schooling is reading aloud. The kids learn so much through the books, and it's so home-y. I like to buy snacks and drawing tablets for the kids to use while listening. My youngest kids are high-schoolers now, but I found a way to enjoy the books again by reading to the children we babysit. :)
I was reared on a farm in lancaster county Pa. This is very close to how life is at my house today. Just add a lot of manners with a helping of class. ITS A GOOD LIFE😊😊😊 They lived a simple life. We are spoiled rotten. They had a great appreciation for life. I visited her home in Missouri. If anyone ever visits Missouri take the time and visit her home and take the tour.
Last night I left the dinner dishes in the sink. I had a difficult physical therapy, was exhausted and went to bed early. Right now, at noon the next day, the dishes are soaking in hot soapy water. I'm moving slowly, but I will catch up and get back on track in the next day or so. Sometimes you just have to shift routines to fit the circumstances.
Laura doesn't talk in detail about what life was like when they all took sick and Mary went blind. But she does mention that the house was untidy when her aunt showed up unexpectedly. Even the Ingalls family had to shift with life's troubles.
The original DAWN dish detergent (without bleach) very good for pre-soaking & soaking overnite for pots & pans. Life comes first but order makes all easier.
I really appreciate this video. Love this book series too. I have 3 young children who definitely could benefit from a happy cleaning momma. Tip for getting your kids to clean. 1. You have them watch you do a chore. 2. Then Have them join you in the chore. 3. Then watch them do the chore. 4. Lastly, leave them to it and check their work. Give plenty of praise. 💗
We live in northern Wisconsin so we get real winters. Every several years I reread The Long Winter. But my rule is, I must wait until we have a bad snow storm. It helps set a cozy atmosphere and then as the book progresses a feeling of gratitude.
I’m reminded of these quotes: “The only disability is a bad attitude.” “It’s not what you do, but how you do it.” And, “How you do one thing is how you do everything.”
Their daily and weekly routines remind me so much of the Fly Lady.. without routines, I honestly fall into a lazy trap and that’s a no win situation for me. Their food shortage is definitely something that we should all really look at seriously. Having a very well prepared pantry is so important, not just now, but going forward. Being smart about the staples you need in addition to a very well stocked freezer. Loved the lessons that you shared with us, so many takeaways.
This I enjoyed. Brought back memories. My third grade teacher would read a chapter of LIW books each day. We all loved that. Actually she taught all of us 3rd graders to knit and we would knit while she read!!! I purchased the books for my children and read to them. These stories were from a wonderful time. Life was different then and in some ways better. I home schooled my children and indeed we had schedules and routines. We also had fun. I am glad however, that I live today: indoor plumbing, central air, whole house heating, refrigerators, washers and driers, lots of windows and with screens, cars, grocery stores, telephones, computers, paved roads(mine needs help!!!), radios, music and lawn mowers etc. Thank you
We live in a converted cottage so we don't have a washer or dryer. I wash our clothes by hand in a galvanized tub with a wash board, I have a vintage wringer/mangle that I used to ring the clothes and I hang them out to dry. It's a lot of work but it's also peaceful and meditative.
I LOVE that you're promoting and encouraging homemaking... a nearly lost art. We're starting to see a return to this so important skill and it's so important to a comfortable, contented life. My mother was a lot like Mrs. Brewster, and it made for a very unhappy home. My goal was never to be like her. Thank you for creating these videos, Jennifer 😊
I love the part in the books where Laura realizes her mom doesn't actually like sewing. She just assumed that since her mom did it for as long as she remembered, she liked it😂
This is my second time listening to this video. Perfect timing because I don't feel well today. I got really sick at 3 in the morning. I'm feeling a little better so this video has helped me get myself somewhat presentable and dishes done.
I always thought I was slacking in that in didn’t start homeschooling directly after breakfast. 😄 We kind of fell into a natural routine of breakfast, morning chores, getting dressed for the day, music lessons, and then school. And I think I wear my apron most of the day-I do it to preserve my clothes, but I do try to take it off so that I feel like I’m not tied to the kitchen. 😆 I love how to show the BEAUTY in the tasks we must get done! ❤️ ....and YES - I’m so grateful for the technology of a laundry machine!!!!!
I loved this video! I would add #16: Everyone in the family took ownership in the household, and contributed to it. Jennifer, you are so ahead of where I was at your age, I am a little envious! Still, I have two wonderful, hard-working and responsible grown children, so I must’ve done something right! Every time I watch one of your videos, I spring into action in my home to get a chore accomplished with renewed vigor. Thanks for all you do. ❤️
This is how I raised my kids...I love Laura's life and how she admits that some chores were not their favorites, but they didn't give into their personal likes and dislikes. My little daughters wanted to live like that--they even called my husband "Pa" and named one of their baby dolls "Baby Carrie." I'm so glad you're sharing the wisdom of these marvelous books! XO
This makes me think about our former library director, Kathryn, a wonderful lady. When she was in hospice, she wanted this series read to her. These were the last words she wished to hear. I love this series, myself. My mother read it to me, and then I read it on my own. ❤
This was an uplifting video! I never read the books as a child, my younger sister did and loved them. I remember watching the TV series with my two sisters and we couldn't wait for a new episode! My Mom would not watch it (a meticulous homemaker, albeit an angry one....) and I remember mentioning something about an episode to a "neighborhood Mom" and she said, "Oh, that sap!!!" Sigh. Another angry homemaker.....it was the times. 1970's.....women were told they weren't valuable "staying at home". What a terrible lie and set the course for unrest and discord in our homes. Just my opinion, of course, but honestly.....look around. We're a mess. Thank you for sharing. You're a treasure!!! XO
I remember the 50's and how shiny the floors were and the smell of clean sheets off the line...the big breakfasts my mom made everyday. The fun of playing with friends and the home smell when we ate dinner everyday at the same time. Then I married in 70's. I heard that women were slaves to men and not to cook and clean, so I got a job. The house was always a mess. Men were no longer honored anymore. We both worked so we were both equal.I wanted to be a free woman, so I became one.Then came retirement. Suddenly, no husband, just an empty house. No laughter, no chores to do. just empty inside and out. No man was good enough for me. So I am all alone. My daughters love their Dad and his wife who cares for him and their home, so they spend time with him, rather than me. I was selfish and they aren't interested in me. They care for the clean house, sweet home smells, time with family, so they chose Dad. They rarely even talk to me.
Doing the housework first is like making your bed first. Once you finish school, then there's free time and the house will be presentable for unexpected guests. Besides, doing housework allows kids to burn some energy before having to sit a bit.
Yes! We have been still all night! Having something physical to do in the morning gets that energy flowing properly so it doesn't get "dammed" up and cause misbehaving later
What a lovely discussion, Jennifer! My 8 year old son zipped through this series as he really got a strong hold on reading. Now he reads them aloud to his younger siblings. My husband and I have learned quite a few things about homemaking and homesteading from the Wilders over the past few months!
The thing i remember from the books is the litle figurine on a corner shelve. They moved a lot but when mother put the figurine in place this was their home. What a lot of stuff we own!! Too much clutter especially when you only need one figurine of a little dancing girl to make a home! Never forgot this " lesson"
I often have thought of Ma’s woman figurine as a symbol of minimalism. The Ingalls had so few possessions, each item they owned was cherished , some only taken out at special occasions.
I read-and loved all of the "Little House" books, as a girl. I loved the relationship Ma and Pa had with their children. Loving, instructive; simple, and engaging. Caring discipline and love.
Just found your channel and I’m loving it! I even ordered an apron! I’ve been a working mom for 8 years, and just quit my job to become a full time homemaker and homeschooler. Excited to fully embrace my new role! God bless!
I read the Little House On the Prairie books as a child and have read or listened to them as an adult. The audio books narrated by Cherry Jones are so soothing to listen to and even have fiddle music. I've always been impressed by how grateful the Ingells children were with so little for Christmas. I'm amazed at the skills of Almanzo's mother in Farmer Boy .Another children's book series I love is In Grandma's Attic. I'm looking forward to your next video!! Thank you Jennifer.
My mom used to read In Grandma's Attic to my sister and I when we were young, I just found the very worn copy at her house the other day! What a trip down memory lane❤️
Loved this video especially the last tip about having a positive attitude. I’m not a homemaker yet in terms of taking care of a home with children/ husband (soon come!) but I am a small business owner of a store. Watching this video, I had a revelation that owning and taking care of a store is just like being a homemaker! There a lot of tasks and chores that might be unpleasant. Employees that are just as needy as children. Business partners whom my relationship with must be tended to like a marriage. All the while, I must have a positive outlook and set the pace for the store. This really inspired me to take a homemaking approach to my business. To be grateful, to find joy in the mundane, to ask for help when needed and to work arduously but with a pleasant and joyful attitude! At last, the Bible does say to “Roll your works upon the Lord!” Proverbs 16:3. This means to me that I should work while practicing the fruits of the spirit. Work while maintaining love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control!
As a woman who has been married for a few years, with little prior knowledge in homemaking, I am having to learn how to be the chief operating officer of our home. You are a joy to watch because of your pleasant and kind demeanor, and your savviness in running a home. Thank you for all of your helpful tips, your family is blessed to have you! God bless you
I am a hairstylist. I had heard moms complain about brushing long hair and how it gets all knotted up from sleeping. They have asked me to cut it short so they don’t have to have such a hard time every morning before school. I have recommended they brush hair before bed and braid it. Many time I have said to the girl’s mothers, “Haven’t you ever watched Little House in the Prairie!” Nowadays, the response is the sound of crickets. By the way, I recommend the same thing for American Girl Doll hair too!!!
My second comment but after watching the whole video I also wanted to compliment you, Jennifer, on such a well researched and presented idea. Almost enough material for another book?!
I still adore the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder at age 60! There is so much wisdom in these books. About once every decade or so, I re-read them (the Garth Williams illustrated versions) and get new things from them. They are also so calming after a stressful day.
I was hooked the moment I saw the thumbnail pic with the stack of Little House books. Great way to bring them into present day. Read them growing up, shared with my girls, now reading with my husband and look forward to sharing with my grandchildren (5 girls/1 boy).
As a ranch wife, keeping an orderly home is crucial. During the summer I am checking the cattle's water and in the winter we are feeding them. There is nothing worse that coming in to a crazy house with nothing to eat because I got lazy about planning it. Time management is essential and allows for random things to happen, which they ALWAYS do. I am an hour from town so making my town days count is necessary. Nothing worse than forgetting something and get home with out it.
They also had to do all of that because everything was done by hand. Clothes cooking. Cleaning. Can't fall behind on chores as it's not as easy as vacuuming in 20 mins. So much time spent taking care of basic. But I love how you took the books and how to apply to modern times. They are great books.
Jennifer, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched this video (& the Farmer Boy one) 😂❤️ I just find it so inspiring, and soothing at the same time. I’ve watched these several times while doing the dishes or picking up around the house. I love the reminders of how tough and disciplined they were & how they kept things simple. Their lifestyle always encourages me towards contentment ❤️
This is all new to me! I'm loving it!. This is the first day I heard of Laura Ingalls, as I am still trying to catch up with American Culture. My husband jokingly refers to me as "Little House on the Prairie" every so often if I read the weather by observing the sky or call out remedies for the common illnesses, peel an orange with a large sharp knife without breaking the peel, and other silly things. I was so stunned that my mother who only went to school for 3 years in the 1940 in Brazil had all the good knowledge from these books. Her routine was as described in the books and I'm sure she's never read them. Hearing about the stories is like reading her story and reliving part of my early childhood. So sweet! And when I was a kid, my dad would arrive from a long trip with a red apple as a gift. It would be wrapped in very soft purple tissue. I would hold and smell that apple for at least a week before having the courage to bite into it. How rich were our lives? It's unthinkable... So sweet and tender memories...
Growing up, my home was not always the safe, happy place one hopes for BUT the Little House books gave me hope that one day I might be able to find a better way. I dreamed of being Ma to to my own kids. I looked for and met and married a wonderful godly man, resilient, cheerful, hardworking, and devoted to our family. He's been a brilliant Pa for 23 years (even chopping and bringing home wood for our iron stove every year). We may not have quite lived up to the idealism of my nine-year-old self, but my husband and I have a strong marriage and our now grown kids have made us so proud. We homeschooled for 12 years, and you can bet the Little House series was a big influence. I still listen to the audiobooks when I knit or stitch, and I still glean wisdom and comfort from Ma, my hero. I love how you were inspired in your homemaking. I need to listen again with an ear for these tips myself! I never quite lived up to Ma's tireless, cheerful work ethic and self discipline, that's for sure.
Update: Watch the second installment on FARMER BOY here ➡️ ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Oa110VYg4X0.html Thank you for watching! Have you read this series? What are your thoughts? Time stamps are listed in the description box if you care to reference the video again. I can't recommend reading this series to your children enough. It will create memories that they (and you) will never forget! I hope this provides lots of homemaking motivation for you this week! Love, Jennifer
I read this series of books so many times as a youth. My 1st grandbaby was born a month ago and I purchased these book in preparation for her visiting grandma's house. I'm jumping the gun on her visits and reading but I hope to instill a love of reading and family and travel at a young age.
My favorite books to read over & over as a child and now my husband has read these to our children. My childhood was similar with daily & weekly chores and we do the same. In spite of their hard lives, this family was given to hospitality on a moments notice and this challenges me on many levels; Biblical hospitality is a command and I wish to work on this moving forward. Thanks for your poignant thoughts on this series, Jennifer! Julie 🌷
Thank you so much for this video. I have not read the entire series but Farmer Boy is my favorite. I think it is my favorite because I have three boys. I am so looking forward to that video. And yes, I think we will do our chores first from now on. Thank you again!💕
I have always loved this series and when I feel especially unstable and disoriented as a homemaker and mama, I tend to go back to this series and read them again more for myself than for my children. You’ve made a video that speaks to my heart. Thank you Jennifer!
Have you read “The Wilder Life” by Wendy McClure. Very interesting for a Laura Ingalls fan! And the book “Little House in the Ozarks” is a compilation of the newspaper columns she wrote after she and Almanzo moved to Mansfield, MO.
This has been one of my favorite posts. Thank you for compiling these virtues, Jennifer. Ma Ingalls has always been an example of a Proverbs 31 woman to me. I'm inspired to read through the books again - even though I'm in my 50's! Simple living and godly values = joyful life!
At age 10 these were the first books I read on my own. We moved from NJ to CA and I felt I had traveled just as Laura had across the country. It was a long 5 day car trip in 1957 and our dog came along too, just like Jack. I have been to see many of the Little House sights: Peppin, WI, her final house in Missouri and the museum and house in Walnut Grove, Minnesota.
For the personal hygiene and looks part, I always think of it as respecting yourself enough that you want others to see you how you see you. And if you're not seeing anyone, you respect yourself enough to make sure you're healthy and clean.
My fav is Farmer Boy, about her husband Almanzo's childhood. They ate like Thanksgiving everyday. They had a variety of vegetables and deserts everyday. They worked the farm and had a lot.
I grave to be a business woman, never a full time homemaker. I even want to have a housekeeper one day. Yet your channel makes me feel greatful for not yet being wealthy enough not to do most thing by myself, because there is so much room for learning and inner growth in the under appreciated, beautiful art of home making. Home is so much more than just a house or an appartment; it is our own little nest. ♥️🌷
I homeschooled my boys all the way through. When we first started with organized lessons, we would do chores first - but they took so long that we were always late with school. I then started school right after breakfast, and we did chores in the afternoon - worked much better for us. Honestly, whatever works for you is what you should do. Every family is different.
I can not imagine how difficult it would have been to do basic things like laundry. We take so much for granted. I have been playing the old Little House on the Prairie episodes for my 8 year old to watch. It is eye opening for her. Thank you for post. I am going to pick up the books to read with her also.
I love the “adjusting routines for special occasions” one. When I was homeschooling one winter in Houston, we woke up to SNOW! It only snows in Houston every 5 years or so. We did NOT school that day, we played outside! Another homeschool family we knew did school first, and by that afternoon when they were ready to play in the snow, it was all melted. I felt so sorry for those kids! 😞
Thank you, Jennifer, for gleaning out the relevant day to day issues of these stories and bringing them to us. Your synopsis provides evidence of the legacy and importance of Home keeping. I never read the Little House on The Prairie books myself but was fortunate to have a teacher who would read them to our class to calm us after lunch time recess. She was older and would occasionally pause during the story and tell us about a house keeping task she was assigned as a youngster and her recollection dovetailed somewhat with the Ingalls daily life. Thank you again for sharing this!
I have always loved the Little House Books. I believe I have read all of them 20-22 times each. They greatly influenced me as a child that I wanted to be able to do the things that Laura did. So I taught myself with the aid of a Betty Crocker cookbook to bake yeast bread and rolls and coffee cakes, I made cakes and cookie, learned to cook regular food as well so that by the last year of high school I had to make dinner completely every Thursday night for the family. I was also inspired to sew and started my first quilt in 8th and finished it the summer before I left for college. I learned to embroider, and make my own clothes so that when I left for college, most of my clothes were made myself or my mother. There is a lot to be learned and be inspired about in these books. They helped me to becomE THE WOMAN i AM TODAY.
Very inspiring video! I think that our joy in a job well done can be robbed when we buy into the lie that homemaking work has little intrinsic worth or value. It is a refreshing outlook to see our everyday tasks as the happiest of times. After making my bed one morning, my 3 year old boy said, "Now the room is so lovely Mommy!" Those little things matter.
I didn’t read the LHOTP series until I was a mother with my own little girl. We have now read through the series twice, she has read through it once, and now I’m reading through it with my son :) we also went to De Smet in 2021, and it was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever been able to share with my children! As a homeschooling mom, I find myself drawn to Ma Ingalls; I admire her so much! I love watching old shows like the Walton’s and watch the mothers and their roles. They inspire me :)
I love these books! I’m now reading the first or to my kids as my mother did to me. One thing I realized as i was watching this video is that Ma had three girls to help with all the work. I, as a child, was very much a help for my mother, like Laura was for her mother. When Laura grows up and has all of the responsibilities on her own shoulders it becomes a very different task. I experienced a very discouraging time in my life when I first got married and all of the homemaking was on my shoulders. I felt overwhelmed all the time because I had no help. And when we adopted little kids things became so much more overwhelming. Now the kids are older and taking on more chores and dressing themselves, my burden has felt so much lighter! I feel like a better mom and homemaker. My attitude toward homemaking is also better. It’s a team-work atmosphere and not a run-myself-to-the-ragged-end-to-get-everything-done atmosphere. Sometimes having some help is all that a homemaker needs.
I love this video sooo much! Everything is so true and a great reminder for us from the past. My dad read these books to my sister and I when we were little. It was a favorite part of my childhood and something I'll never forget. My dad has been gone for 18 years now, but I'll always remember those times. Thank you so much for this. One of my favorite videos ever. 💗💗
Routines definitely frame our days. I think there is so many benefits to getting the housework done 1st. We love this series and gain so much wisdom from it. Thank you for taking the time to share these lessons🌹
My grandmother lived in West Texas in the early 1920s-30s, and said what drove her most batty was the wind, and the way the dust blowing over the plains could ruin the laundry while it was drying on the line. That said, she was incredibly self sufficient, and I wonder what she would think of my “home making life” here in the early 21st century! This is a fantastic video. I’m looking forward to your comments on Farmer Boy.
My daughter and I read the whole series each night before bed. We were sad when it ended. We lived on a ranch and were able to apply many lessons to our daily life. Ruth
I have personally never read it. I did enjoy the TV show which my own daughters enjoy with me. My oldest daughter is a reader she had. I hear growing up how important reading is. I was very ademen about my children enjoy books that, at 9 months, I purchased my first born 9 different book he could enjoy. Each of of my children have a different kind of books type they like but, they all enjoy reading. I remember how I enjoy reading, my mother would ruin the few books I ever got, she saw no value in reading. I am going to get the whole series an reading to my youngest. We can build meaningful memories. Maybe start her day with that. She has a hard time with morning, that might change because of "reading ". I will finally read the classic. Thank you for sharing this.
We homeschool and always do chores before schoolwork. It helps me focus on their schoolwork by not having dinner or laundry hanging over my head. Then we are free to play or hike in the afternoon.
I read that series as a child and loved how happy, solid the parents and family were. Not only did they monetise their home they provided support to new comers i bet they had much respect.
Reading the the LIW Series as a young girl is what cemented my deeply rooted goals of having a homestead. I now have a homestead and recently revisited the books to help me figure out what I had gotten myself into! And to motivate. It was indeed like revisiting with an old friend. Of course reading it with my "adult eyes and insight" I had to pause several times to consider the impact of settlers on indigenous peoples and some of the norms and beliefs of that time. I still am able to enjoy the stories though and they help me step into seasonal living and a sustainable lifestyle. Thanks for posting this and take care Jennifer ~Peace
Thank you so much for this video. It was an absolute breath of fresh air and inspiration. I am a mom of four and I work part time, many times I struggle to have a positive attitude especially when others are not helping as much as I would like. I always loved a clean and organized home, but as I am getting older I am realizing just how important homemaking is for our children and our families.
Thank you for making this video. You have really inspired me to buy and read the book to my 5 year old son. My son and I are on our own, but I really do enjoy trying to make a good, happy home-life, and he really does appreciate it. Your video made me realise that I could take so much more pleasure and pride in doing the mundane things in the home and garden, and to try and share that pleasure with my son would be a gift. During lockdown we have decided to try to grow our food and me more self sufficient. Your video reminded me so much of my own grandmother who had a beautiful attitude to life and really appreciated everything around her. Thank you, Ruth, from Cornwall, England.
Thank you for this lovely video. I adore the Little house books. I'm 51 years old and have been reading them since I was 10. I've re-read them dozens of times and they always give me comfort. I think part of this is the simple routine and order of their lives. The women worked so hard and although they lived in a very patriarcal society the women in the Little house books are strong and capable. Ma and Pa have a very affectionate relationship. There is a line that says something like Ma always went along with Pa's desire to go west but Pa never went anywhere the Ma wouldn't follow. I also always get the feeling that Laura wore the trousers in her marriage.
I thoroughly enjoyed that. Wonderfully presented. I am now going to change my attitude towards chores and become more positive and grateful. As you said, if you have to do them anyway why not be cheerful about it. This pioneer family are such an inspiration. I thought of my amazing grandmother who though she worked so hard all her life had a sweet smile for everyone. She never complained even when faced with incredible hardship. As a society I feel we have become ungrateful and soft. Maybe one positive result of this pandemic will be that we become more self sufficient and more appreciative of what we have. Thank you for this video. Subscribed.
I read these books to my kids over and over again during our homeschool years. My mom followed the same schedule as Mrs. Ingalls when I was growing up.
My favourite topic thank you for your review! In the evenings when my children were younger I read the series to them. Thankfully we had no television just a radio at the time.It started out with just my youngest, but by the time the first book was read the rest of them had joined the "party"! My family went primitive camping near the end of the series and to my great surprise my oldest two sons 15 and 14 had packed the books and asked me to continue our evening routine. You could have knocked me over with a feather, alas I did continue and read by firelight all week! This is one of my happiest memories of being a mum!
I so enjoyed this episode on Little House on the Prairie lessons. My 91 yr old mother lives in a senior home far from me still in lockdown since March. She's experiencing a number of health issues and is still in good spirits. She told me she wanted to read a good book again now that she has new glasses. I immediately suggested Little House on the Prairie. We used to watch on TV as a family. She is interested. The home is going to obtain for her. I want to get my own set. Perhaps I can read a chapter occasionally. Thank you Jennifer.
We're huge fans of Little House. There is so much to be learned from the stories- hard work, homemaking, pursuing dreams, loving others... Theyre classics for a good many reasons. Great vlog!
I love the Little House books. It makes me feel warm and cozy just thinking about them. 🙂 I loved how the family treated each other with love and respect, and the strong values that were part of their lives. They taught me that a family could accomplish and withstand anything together! ♥️
I'm currently reading these to my daughter too. My best homemaking inspiration from it is how the mother during their travel from the big woods to the prairie, first thing she does during a day where they stop their constant moving forward is to take out her iron and clean and iron their clothes. And how she is so careful with the smallest details of every day life. It seems the mother was the same MBTI personality type as myself (ISFJ). My favourite books when I grew up.
I’m halfway through On The Banks Of Plum Creek with my younger son. We are working through the whole series. Bringing back so many memories for me - I read these books over and over in 4th and 5th grade
My mother bought this series for me when I was eight. I loved them so much. That was fifty years ago and I have them in my closet still. They mean so much to me.
