Pleasant Sense Farm
Sustainability. Therapy. Connect.
How Building Fences Can Build Character in Children
Short Stories from the Farm
Who would have thought that building fences on a farm could be such a valuable hands-on experience for children and offer several important life lessons?
My kids certainly didn’t! Like any job, if we don’t love doing it, it can quickly turn into a chore and all we can think about is the bad things about that job.
Does this sound familiar? It is in our household!
Since we moved to our farm in 2020, building new fences seems like it’s never going to end! There were no internal fences on our property which meant that if we want animals on our farm, we need fences to separate them!
Our three children were involved in our fencing projects from the beginning and still are to this day. It’s one job that produces so much whinging yet produces so much value at the same time!
By participating in fencing projects, children gain skills and lessons that apply to many areas of life, including work ethic, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Do you want to know how? Read on and by the end of it you may be pleasantly surprised!
Patience and Attention to Detail
Fencing requires careful planning, measurement, and attention to detail. Children learn that good results take time and precision, and cutting corners may lead to problems down the track. By spending time in the detail they develop the patience to see a project through to completion.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
When building a fence, children may encounter challenges, like uneven ground, striking a rock or a crooked post. They learn to think on their feet, find solutions, and adjust their approach to overcome obstacles.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Fencing often requires more than one person, especially when handling large posts or long sections. Children learn the importance of working together as a team, sharing responsibilities, and communicating effectively with others (without arguing!) to achieve a common goal.
Physical Strength and Endurance
Constructing a fence involves physical labor, such as digging holes, lifting posts, and hammering in wire or wood. Children build strength and learn the value of hard work and perseverance.
Goal Setting and Achievement
Building a fence is a project that requires setting specific goals (for example, how long the fence should be, the materials needed) and then working toward achieving those goals step by step. Children experience the satisfaction of completing a tangible project and the value of breaking tasks into manageable parts.
Planning and Organisation
Fencing requires good planning. Children learn to organise their tasks, gather the right tools and materials, and understand the steps involved before starting the work. They also learn how to manage resources efficiently.
Responsibility and Accountability
Building a fence requires following through on the job, and children quickly learn the importance of responsibility. They can see the consequences of their work. For example, if a post isn’t put in straight, then they risk having to dig it out and redo, which has happened many times on our farm! If the fence is not done properly, it might not be functional or secure. This is teaching them accountability.
Safety and Precaution
Using tools and handling heavy materials means that safety is a priority. Children learn the importance of taking precautions, following safety guidelines, and using tools correctly to avoid accidents.
Connection to Nature and the Land
While building a fence, children become more connected to the land they are working on. They may notice aspects of the farm they hadn’t before and develop a deeper respect for the natural environment.
Satisfaction of Hard Work
Once the fence is complete, children experience the tangible results of their effort. As a family we now get to see our animals safely in their paddock. This boosts self-esteem and teaches them the rewards of completing a job well done.
These valuable lessons can be applied to any farm chores and not necessarily just farm fencing. Contributing to farm chores and working as a family team are an excellent way for children to develop important skills and character traits that can serve them well in life.
I’m off now to show my kids these lessons, and fingers crossed for an attitude shift in their views on fencing!
Pleasant Sense Farm acknowledges the traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. Pleasant Sense Farm pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
