Children Leaving the Family Farm: A Parent's Emotional Journey

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Wrestling with the paradox of wanting our farm kids to stay while knowing they need to leave to grow is an emotional journey every farming family understands. Together, we unpack our real conversations with our nearly-grown son about his impending departure from our operation.

• Farming families uniquely struggle with the tension between independence and legacy
• The fear that your children may never return to the farm creates constant inner turmoil
• Our son feels trapped between responsibility and his need for independence
• We've unintentionally perpetuated gender roles in how we involve our children in farm work
• Our daughters deserve the same opportunities to both leave and return to farming
• @FarmwithZoe is changing how our daughters see themselves on the farm
• Children need to experience life beyond the farm to truly choose it for themselves
• The phrase "you got to go to grow" applies to all our kids, regardless of gender
• We treat our teenage children like adults because of their capability and maturity
• Finding balance between preparing children for succession while letting them find their own path

Email us at [e-mail] with your own stories about navigating this challenging transition with your children. We'd love to hear how you've supported your kids' choices while managing your farming operation.

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