Grandson

[blueriver]

Some of you may remember that I took my 12 year old grandson in last October, he came from the city and absolutly new nothing about a farm and ranch ... if you recall one of our first projects was to split open a Long tractor.

Anyway, the wife and I have now gotten legal Guardianship of him and I am happy to report he is doing very well.

Some things to note, he has his own hogs and loves the money he gets from selling those. He has progressed to checking the oil before any tractor, lawn mower, pressure washer or piece of equipment is cranked ... he has daily chores that we no longer have to remind him to do.

He has his own hay cutter and really enjoys it when he and I hit the hayfield, he does all the raking, I do the baling and he stacks the round bales in the field ... he has learned to drive the roads from hay field to hay field and really thinks he's a man when he follows with the Dodge Ram Dually.

There is so much more I could talk about ... his grades have come up and he's back in school with a new attitude. He has joined ag and made the baseball team AND he has put on about 20 lbs and devolping some muscle. Last night after dinner he said Grandpa .... Life is good!!

 

[crusty 1]

Grand kids are the the biggest joy in life.Dave

 

[higgy]

that is a great story. It is all about having responsibility for self, family and community. Good guidance Grandpa and Grandma!

 

[sweettractors]

I am sure happy for you and the Grandson. I wish more kids had that type exposure to responsibility, respect and guidance. Ken Sweet

 

[radioman]

Awesome! Nothing like farm life to straighten out kids.:thumbsup:

 

[MikeD74T]

One of my coworker's favorite sayings "If I'd known grandchildern were so much fun I'd have had them first!" MikeD74T

 

[Bird]

Congratulations to him and to you and your wife.

 

[blueriver]

Thanks guys ... I recall how important my Grand Dad was to me ... Its challenging to try and remain patient.

I really get a kick out of one of his statements ... Grandpa we sure have done a lot together... and ya know for a boy who simply never did anything I can see how he thinks that way.

 

[jinman]

I think "Grandpa... Life is good," translates to "I'm lucky to have a great Grandpa."

My grandson loves to come spend time with me because I let him drive my tractor, the mowers, and do pretty much any job after a brief description and demonstration. He doesn't get that kind of opportunity in town. Too often, parents are overprotective and don't let kids learn. Kids are products of what we teach them. If we never let them make mistakes on their own and learn by doing, they often are handicapped to a life of inability. But I'm "preachin' to the choir." You obviously know and do all of that.

 

[blueriver]

I think "Grandpa... Life is good," translates to "I'm lucky to have a great Grandpa."

My grandson loves to come spend time with me because I let him drive my tractor, the mowers, and do pretty much any job after a brief description and demonstration. He doesn't get that kind of opportunity in town. Too often, parents are overprotective and don't let kids learn. Kids are products of what we teach them. If we never let them make mistakes on their own and learn by doing, they often are handicapped to a life of inability. But I'm "preachin' to the choir." You obviously know and do all of that.

I agree ... one of my favorite sayings to him is ... Go ahead how else are you supposed to learn!

 

[sweettractors]

I stayed on the farm with my Grandpa and Grandma during summer break and on weekends until I got my drivers license at 16. He was the kinda Grandpa that never fussed at me or raised his voice to anyone. He was the kinda Grandpa that you thought about just before you were about to do something bad. When I thought about how let down he would feel in me, when he found out I did something bad. It kept me on the straight and narrow. Ken Sweet

 

[brucew44guns]

Sounds like you may be looking for work soon as the lad takes on more of the life with you!! Swell story you tell, of a fine young kid with a new lease on life.

 

[mostly_gas]

Love the story, my grandson on west coast, wish he was closser. Gran daughter coming for dinner tonight

 

[higgy]

Kids were not meant to grow up in cities, want proof, look at what comes out of cities. Are there good kids there, absolutely, are there polite kids there, absolutely, that comes from engaged parents, thank god they are still around. The laws today make it harder to be an engages parent and guide your child.

Do all kids from the farm turn out good, heck no, is it hard yes, is it easier to control who they socialize with yes, to a point. Then we have to hope all we do has been heard and let them fly on their own. Sometimes the first flights are shaky and short. Grandpa and Grandma are giving this kid wings to fly, with the correct input he may soar.

Abuse of a child also comes from not setting goals, boundaries and holding their feet to the fire when need be. Some time this is a raised eyebrow, sometimes a stern look, sometimes a sharp word of scolding, and if appropriate a crack on the butt. If we fail to lead and fail to guide we will fail to give our love and concern.

Good going, and I really, really mean that.

 

[beenthere]

Grandkids are GREAT! Have 6 and can't get enough of them, and as well they are growing up too fast.

I also spent summers with my grandparents until 14. Uncle had a farm a mile up the road and I learned a great deal from him on his farm. He was the type that would tell you everything he knew about anything. One could say he was a bragger/boaster. I found that he was full of knowledge and it has helped me through a great life. I try to pass the same along to my kids and grandkids.

Keep up the good work, and pass it on.

 

[jimmyj]

What a nice story. It sounds like the child had some challenges (along with you and your family) and bless you for taking him on and showing him the way.

Awesome!

 

[blueriver]

Sounds like you may be looking for work soon as the lad takes on more of the life with you!! Swell story you tell, of a fine young kid with a new lease on life.

We decided to change out the blades on the disc mower... I asked him to get the tools out of the shed ... then I said " I forgot my glasses ... be right back" When I got back he already had the nuts loose on 3 of the disc!!! I asked if he wanted me to take over and he said I got it ... He kinda chuckled when I told him ... I like this, on those hot summer days I can sit in the cab while you change them ...