Lifestyle

Raising Children In Uncertain Times

Published

3 years ago

August 4, 2021

The scariest aspect of being a parent, by far, is uncertainty. Anybody with children will attest to this. When you are responsible for the health, happiness, safety, and security of a small child who cannot fend for themselves in any way, unknown outcomes become a constant thought and fear. But there’s a very simple way to dispel of the irrational fears, which far outweigh the rational ones.

The day I found out we were expecting our first child I bawled like a child myself. That moment will forever be chiseled into my heart. Everything I’d wanted finally came true. Immediately after those first few minutes of excitement though, the panic attack began and I couldn’t breathe. What if my wife were to miscarry? What if we got into a car accident while she was pregnant? What if I was unable to support my growing family? What if baby didn’t make it through the delivery? What if my wife didn’t? What if neither of them did? What if she got sick after being born? What if that shady looking guy at the grocery store pulled a weapon out and I didn’t make it? How would they grow up without their father? Every conceivable bad thing went through my head all at once, and those thoughts lingered for months.

Everything went well, both baby and Mama were safe and healthy after delivery. And the fears began to change as the world did. 10 months after the birth of our first daughter we found out we were expecting another baby girl. Once again, the full range of fears washed over me. Some previous fears weren’t there, and some new ones crept in, but it was still a lot. A couple of months later, in early 2020, those fears shifted entirely to ones I never imagined I’d ever have. What if my business didn’t succeed because everybody is out of work and struggling to even pay their bills? What if the hospital wouldn’t do my wife’s scheduled c-section if she refused a certain test? What if they wouldn’t let me be present for the birth of my child after refusing me admittance to every single appointment and ultrasound during the pregnancy? What if the riots in Portland moved 8 miles south to where we live? Are my children going to be okay with all of the smoke from half of Oregon burning? 2020 brought up a wave of possible scenarios which are absolutely terrifying to a parent, regardless of how strong that parent is or how unafraid they claim to be. We want nothing for our children but to provide a good, stable environment for them to learn and grow in. When the outside world starts shifting in a way that could potentially jeopardize that, our initial instinct is to worry.

But worrying is a reaction. It is a rocking chair. It gives us something to do, but it gets us nowhere. And as parents, sitting stagnant in the face of uncertainty is single handedly the biggest mistake we can make when it comes to keeping our children safe and secure. When the outside world becomes unstable, we parents need to work even harder to provide stability in the home for our children. This doesn’t mean we should simply work more hours to get more money. Money can easily disappear. You can’t eat money. Money only has value because people believe it does. What has true value are skills, tools, community, a healthy marriage and family, and high morality. With those things, you can navigate an ever changing world no problem.

As a testament to this, here’s a good personal story. With our first daughter, we spent a total of 5 days in the hospital. 2 days of labor, then 3 days of recovery. At the end, we were excited to go home but also nervous because we wanted to rely on the system in place. We were surrounded by professionals who knew what they were doing far better than we did. All my wife had to do was pick up the phone next to her bed and anything she wanted or needed was there in minutes. With our second daughter, my wife spent 2 days in the hospital and was counting the minutes until she could leave that place and come home. There was no desire whatsoever to stay. And the difference was, in the 17 months that had elapsed from the first birth to the second, we had built a stable home life for our family. We had chickens, had started a business so we weren’t dependent on others for a paycheck, had gotten into a routine of raising our daughter, and we had welcomed more love into our home than ever before. We had built a life we wanted with what we had, and after experiencing an unprecedented level of nonsense in 2020 we had no desire to rely on the system for anything any longer.

As parents, we so badly want to provide for our children. Our most important role is to give them a safe environment to learn in. Part of that learning is getting hurt, and there are rational fears that we all have that go hand in hand with that. We worry about our children running with scissors in their hands because we know how quickly and severely they could be injured if they fell, which children often do. We fear what would happen if our newborn were to suffocate in the middle of the night, which they easily can. In these instances though, we simply don’t let them run with scissors and we make sure there’s nothing in that newborn’s sleeping area that could obstruct their airway. We make the necessary adjustments to ensure their safety. And we should do this in the face of all uncertainty.

If you’re worrying about the future of your employment because of new rules and regulations, start building a business of your own and diversifying your income.

If you’re worrying about how you’re going to feed your children then get chickens, plant a garden, start canning food, and get to know your community.

Worried about what will happen if the lights were to ever go out? Learn skills so if that time comes you can not only survive but thrive.

It is literally our job to ensure our children crush. And we need to act like it. Fear is a lack of preparation. What we saw in 2020 was billions of people around the world who had not prepared in any capacity for disaster. We saw heatwaves, forest fires that blanketed the country with smoke, power outages in the middle of snowstorms which crippled cities, and an untold number of businesses who had to close their doors forever because they had saved no money for rainy days. And the one common denominator to the reaction we saw through all of this was fear.

Beat the fear with high morality. Learn skills so you can help not only yourself, but others. Grow your own food so you can help others. Help your community so when you need help they’re there.

The greatest gift we can ever give our children is the ability to watch us be strong in the face of uncertainty. When they see us out in that garden, or changing the bedding in the chicken coop, or working on our businesses, they’re watching people work hard to provide and help others. They’ll remember that.

And, finally, the most important thing to remember today, and in the future when things get crazy again is this: Our young children have no idea any of it is happening. While you’re worrying about whatever it is that’s got you down, all our children are worried about is why mommy or daddy is acting strange. Uphold the family above all else. Let their carefree laughter ignite a work ethic in you that will dissolve all fear, and crush harder than you ever have. The natural world and the world you see in the news are two entirely different realities. Make sure you’re investing your time and energy into the one that actually matters.

-Woodshop Bear

Related Topics:children Featured morality parenting uncertainty woodshop bear

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Prepare For The Future You Don’t Want…

… By building the future you do want.

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5 days ago

July 22, 2024

The Beartaria Times

Social media shows doomsayers, pessimists, and even truther-prepper types blasting out warnings of impending doom and gloom. You may feel the urge to fight if you can bear this without your emotions causing you to flee or freeze.

But what does fighting for your future mean? Unfortunately, much internet commentary directs your focus to what others are doing and how they affect you, calling for action to demand change. While this may have its place, it neglects the freedom we already possess and can inadvertently bypass our authority and control.

Here are a few simple things to think about that can help you fight against the future you don’t want, by building the future you do want.

Financial Future

Securing your financial stability is the cornerstone of building a successful future. This starts with becoming debt-free. Debt is a shackle that limits your freedom and ties you to a system you might not align with. Aim to clear your debts quickly and avoid taking on new ones.

Next, focus on land ownership. Owning land provides a place to call home and offers opportunities for self-sufficiency, such as gardening, raising livestock, or even setting up a small business. This autonomy can buffer against economic uncertainties and offer a sense of security.

Continually work towards a sustainable income. Whether through traditional employment, investments, freelancing, or entrepreneurial ventures, ensure your income sources are diversified and resilient to economic shifts. Build skills that are in demand and can be adapted to various roles. Financial independence is crucial in crafting a future you control rather than one external force dictates.

Education

Education is the foundation of personal and professional growth. Embrace self-study and continuous learning. The more skills and knowledge you acquire, the more adaptable you become in a rapidly changing world. Invest in personal improvement by setting aside time for reading, courses, and practical skill-building.

Homeschooling is another powerful tool. It allows you to tailor education to your family’s needs and values, ensuring your children learn what truly matters. Foster a love of learning in your household, emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills over rote memorization.

Family Protection

Protecting your family goes beyond physical safety; it involves being a guiding force and a source of stability. We must also protect our families from negative and misguided influences. Be a leader to your children by setting a positive example. Teach them resilience, self-reliance, and the importance of moral values. Strengthen bonds with your siblings through support and cooperation, creating a solid familial network.

Honoring your seniors is equally essential. They possess invaluable wisdom and experience. Encourage intergenerational communication and respect, ensuring your family’s heritage and lessons are passed down.

Mindset

Your mindset is the driving force behind every action. Take ownership of your life and decisions, understanding that responsibility and accountability are keys to freedom. Respect your time and finances, recognizing them as finite resources that require careful management.

Develop a mindset of resilience and adaptability. Life is unpredictable, and being mentally prepared for challenges ensures you can face them head-on. Cultivate a positive outlook, focusing on solutions rather than problems. This proactive attitude will guide you in building the life you want.

Community Building

No one succeeds alone. Connect with people who share your values and vision. Building a community of like-minded individuals offers support, shared resources, and collective wisdom. Engage in activities and friendships that bring joy and complement your life.

We would like to take it a step further by saying, we don’t build the future we want as a reaction to the future we don’t want. We build, because we love, its fun and fulfilling. Our fight is to thrive, not to survive. Survival is a consequence of thriving. So aim high! Take control of your life, embrace self-responsibility, and connect with others on the same path.

Those looking to connect with a broader network should consider joining our Community app. It’s a platform dedicated to bringing together individuals who strive for independence. Whether you’re looking for advice, collaboration, or simply companionship on your journey, our thriving community is a valuable resource.

The power to shape your future is in your hands.

Community App

Lifestyle

Making Pine Needle Soda: A Fantastic Foraged Beverage

Pine needle soda, a truly one-of-a-kind beverage, has been savored worldwide for its zesty taste and health benefits.

Published

1 month ago

June 18, 2024

The Beartaria Times

Pine needle soda, a truly one-of-a-kind beverage, has been savored worldwide for its zesty taste and health benefits. It’s not just a refreshing drink, but also a creative use of natural ingredients. Here’s a simple guide to crafting this unique soda at home.

Pine needles are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help boost the immune system. Different species of needles can offer different flavors, but it’s important to make sure the trees you harvest from are not toxic. Avoid using needles from yew, Norfolk Island pine, or Ponderosa pine. You should do additional research to insure you are staying safe.

The recipe I followed is easy and only requires a jar, strainer, and measuring cups. Start by identifying the pine tree you would like to harvest from; I used fir, tamarack, and white pine. Again, make sure you don’t use anything unsafe. You can choose to use new sprouted tips or even mature needles, which means you can also have fresh pine soda in the winter months!
You can scale up the recipe, but for reference, use the following:

2 Cups Pine needles
2 Cups Water
2-4 Tablespoons sugar (depending on sweetness you desire)

For the above measurements, I recommend using a quart jar. Begin by rinsing the needles, not too thoroughly, because the carbonation comes from natural yeast living on the pine needles. Add the sugar and water and seal the jar. Leave to ferment so it can become bubbly soda! Make sure to “burp” the jar every couple of days to release some of the gas so it does not build up and explode the jar! In 5-7 days, you will have soda, God willing.

Serve over ice and with some citrus if you’d like. Enjoy!

Lifestyle

Reconnect and Rejoice: Beartaria Times Weekly Challenge

Maintaining solid relationships with family and friends offers numerous benefits that enrich our lives in meaningful ways…

Published

2 months ago

May 19, 2024

The Beartaria Times

In our fast-paced world, losing touch with friends and family members who once played significant roles in our lives is easy. This week, the Beartaria Times invites you to participate in our heartwarming challenge: Reconnect with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Give them a call, ask how they’ve been, and rekindle that bond.

Maintaining solid relationships with family and friends offers numerous benefits that enrich our lives in meaningful ways:

1. Emotional Support: Close relationships provide a robust support system during tough times, offering comfort, advice, and a sense of belonging.

2. Improved Mental Health: Regular interactions with loved ones reduces feelings of loneliness and depression, contributing to mental well-being.

3. Increased Longevity: Studies have shown that strong social connections tend to help people live longer and enjoy better health.

4. Enhanced Happiness: Sharing moments, memories, and experiences with others brings joy and fulfillment, fostering a more positive outlook on life.

5. Personal Growth: Friends and family often challenge us to grow, learn, and become better versions of ourselves.

6. Creating Memories: Every interaction creates new memories, adding richness to our personal histories and offering stories to cherish for years to come.

We encourage you to take this challenge to heart and reach out to someone you miss. Whether it’s a friend from high school, a distant relative, or a former colleague, a simple phone call can reignite connections and brighten your day and theirs.

Once you’ve reconnected, share your stories and experiences on the Beartaria Times community app. Post about who you called, the memories you shared, and how the conversation went. Did you learn something new? Did you laugh about old times? These stories can inspire others to take similar steps in their lives.

Join us in this week’s challenge and celebrate the beauty of human connection. Let’s make an effort to nurture our relationships and remind those we care about that they are valued and remembered.

Happy connecting, Beartarians! We look forward to hearing your heartwarming stories.

Sincerly,

– The Beartaria Times Team