I was a child laborer. It is impossible to grow up on a ranch, without being involved in the operation. On a ranch the livestock’s needs establish the rhythm of your day. Truly, ranching is more than a job, it is a life. With this life comes a connection to the natural world. The health and well-being of the animals, plants, and landscape is essential to an agricultural livelihood. A sense of accomplishment and belonging grows out of the necessity of ranch chores, cultivating work ethic and responsibility along the way.
I like many kids, didn’t appreciate the privileges that my idyllic ranch childhood entailed. Chores seemed more like torture, than an exquisitely useful way to be present. I didn’t fully appreciate my family’s lifestyle, until I was away at college, completely disconnected from my surroundings. In that time, I gained a fresh perspective and a deeper sense of love for my unique background.
I can’t begin to imagine raising my children outside of ranching. Which is why I am concerned by the upcoming Department of Labor regulations concerning child labor in agriculture. I’m not advocating complete disregard for safety. However, let’s take a moment and review our government’s view of safety and child rearing. The comment period is open until the end of November.
http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=WHD-2011-0001-0001
It is amazing just how far we have gotten from our roots. It makes me want to take everyone of the government folks and force them on a ranch or a farm for a month. As my mother likes to say, “they don’t know, that they don’t know.
Yes, this is so true. It is just unbelievable. Of all the things for the government to do… -kate