Farming, Parenting and Building Community with Author & Illustrator, Katie Kulla

Barnyard Language

Katie Kulla, a farmer and author, shares her experiences of balancing farming life with raising a family. She discusses the size of her farm, her transition from a large CSA to a smaller operation, and the challenges and rewards of farming. Katie also talks about her book, 'Farm Raised Kids,' which explores parenting strategies for farm families. The book features diverse voices and provides a realistic and authentic perspective on the joys and struggles of raising children on a farm. The conversation explores the challenges and joys of raising children on a farm. It discusses the misconception that newborns require the most support, when in reality, older children often need more assistance. The conversation also delves into the importance of finding balance and setting realistic expectations for both farm work and homeschooling. It emphasizes the need to assess children's capabilities and interests when assigning chores and responsibilities. Building a supportive community and allowing children the freedom to explore and play on the farm are highlighted as key aspects of raising kids in this environment. In this final part of the conversation, Katie discusses the empowerment and real-world skills her children gain from being involved in farm work. She also reflects on the challenges of parenting, particularly the process of letting go as her children become more independent. Katie shares her journey as an illustrator and author, highlighting her passion for drawing vegetables and her book 'Edible'. The hosts discuss the joys and challenges of parenting and share their own experiences. They also discuss the difficulties of moving furniture and the impact of wildfires on farming communities.

Connect with Katie Online

• https://www.katiekulla.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/katiekulla

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Takeaways

• Farming and parenting both have their challenges, but the work gets easier as kids get older and can contribute to the farm.
• The level of support a family has, whether from extended family or government programs, can greatly impact the stress of balancing farming and parenting.
• Farming allows for unique experiences and connections with children, such as shared meals and a deep understanding of the work involved.
• There is no one right way to balance farming and parenting, and it's important to find what works best for each individual family. Newborns may not require as much support as older children who are more active and have changing needs.
• Finding balance between farm work and parenting is crucial, and it may require making adjustments and seeking support.
• Assessing children's capabilities and interests when assigning chores and responsibilities can help set them up for success.
• Building a supportive community and allowing children the freedom to explore and play on the farm are important for their development and enjoyment of farm life. Involving children in real-world work, such as farm chores, can empower them and teach them valuable skills.
• Parenting involves the process of letting go and allowing children to become more independent.
• Katie's passion for illustration led her to create vegetable guides and work on a book about edible plants.
• Moving furniture can be challenging and stressful, but using creative solutions can help overcome obstacles.
• Wildfires can have a significant impact on farming communities, affecting air quality and adding to the challenges of farm work.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Farming Background
• 10:02 Katie's Book: 'Farm Raised Kids'
• 27:41 Common Themes in Farming and Parenting
• 31:19 The Misconception of Newborn Support
• 39:11 Finding Balance in Farming and Parenting
• 46:28 Assigning Chores and Responsibilities
• 56:46 Building a Supportive Community on the Farm
• 01:03:13 Empowering Children and Real-World Work
• 01:05:01 The Process of Letting Go as a Parent
• 01:06:54 From Farm Work to Illustration: Katie's Journey
• 01:08:15 The Challenges of Moving Furniture
• 01:22:19 The Impact of Wildfires on Farming Communities

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