Page 10 | The Yorkshire shepherdess and the snowflake generation

SueSaid · 07/04/2021 09:07

'The TV may indeed have found her- I know that- but she's said yes to every media opportunity since'

Yes it just jars a bit. The image she peddles of no screens at home, yet she's constantly on social media and the television. Make your mind up you either approve of screens or you don't. Just seems fake imo this image she's pushing/selling.

It's lovely they've made money out of it no one would begrudge her that, but please fgs don't profess to be some kind of child rearing expert.

Veterinari · 07/04/2021 09:09

If you mean the Radford's - I think the grooming of Marie and the 22 children that resulted from that are slightly different to a strong independent woman with a successful career and family

Saucery · 07/04/2021 09:14

Can’t knock her for using sm as part of the diversification of farming that’s pretty much essential these days.
I prefer to hear about more low key farming women, personally, but I don’t follow people selling a lifestyle on sm anyway, so I’m not her target audience.
The number of children she has or how she chooses to raise them is neither here nor there.

Veterinari · 07/04/2021 09:15

@JaniieJones

'The TV may indeed have found her- I know that- but she's said yes to every media opportunity since'

Yes it just jars a bit. The image she peddles of no screens at home, yet she's constantly on social media and the television. Make your mind up you either approve of screens or you don't. Just seems fake imo this image she's pushing/selling.

It's lovely they've made money out of it no one would begrudge her that, but please fgs don't profess to be some kind of child rearing expert.

Umm they have a TV and the kids used iPads during lockdown for homework.

They just spend most of their time on non-screen activities. It is perfectly possible to do a job but not force your children to consume the product of that job - or do you think all fast food workers should never prepare nutritious home cooked meals?

Oldbeams · 07/04/2021 09:16

deemed not seemed!

And it's a very different thing an adult using a screen for work to having young toddlers and primary school DC growing up with screens. Surely people can distinguish between the two?

And yes op. I really like the way the parents speak to the DC and the way they just get one or two presents (that they really want) at Christmas. Also the non reliance on screens and the DC having lots of physical exercise in all weathers. I think all of those things are pretty much transferable wherever you live, although the lack of green space in towns means the last one is more challenging. The thing about having livestock is that you have to see to them every day, and that means being out of doors every day, whatever the weather.

Needahand42 · 07/04/2021 09:17

@Marcia1989

To redirect this slightly away from the personal attacks on Amanda...

Those who generally admire her attitude towards child-rearing, do you think the principles could be applied to families with more 'normal' lives and if so, how?

I think that's what's so jarring about her sharing her 'attitude', it only works in quite specific circumstances so doesn't really help anyone else much. Marrying someone older already established in a career, getting a huge farm, even if 'just' rented to use as work at a fairly young age, and then getting TV/social media on the back of it gives you choices and opportunities that not everyone can replicate. If everyone tried to be successful on social media in the same way it would be overloaded and she'd make no money from it.

This gives her a lot of security and opportunities to raise her children in this way that you can't get if say you have to work in an inner city, have a health condition and don't find a partner until 35.

IntermittentParps · 07/04/2021 09:20

Yes it just jars a bit. The image she peddles of no screens at home, yet she's constantly on social media and the television. Make your mind up you either approve of screens or you don't. Just seems fake imo this image she's pushing/selling.

It's not 'fake'; her family really don't go in for screens in their own lives. It is possible and OK, though, to do this and still use SM/TV, which a lot of people use and which is therefore a good way to keep/entertain/build your audience.

but she's said yes to every media opportunity since. a) how do you know that? Are you her agent? b) so what? How many, in your opinion, should she have said no to? And why?

It is in direct response to her assertions that 'this generation are snowflakes', suggesting hers aren't as they are hardy farm hands.
Some of it isn't in direct response to anything. It's just sniping.

Veterinari · 07/04/2021 09:20

@Marcia1989

I think I had a lot of this in my own childhood - even though it was fairly suburban. We were encouraged to be outside, encouraged in creative play, tree climbing, bike rides etc. Family day trips to country parks for exploration, given jobs to do in the house/garden, encouraged to 'help' with housework and DIY, and a clear expectation of everyone contributing and working together from a young age.

MillyMollyMandyish · 07/04/2021 09:22

@Veterinari

The TV may indeed have found her- I know that- but she's said yes to every media opportunity since.

So what?

And don't worry there are plenty of us choosing to be childfree. I'm bothered about the planet but I can't get worked up about two consenting adults raising healthy happy children in a pretty low carbon lifestyle.

There are plenty of other 'media families' I'd reserve my judgement for if I was keen to judge.

Not sure how you define a 'low carbon lifestyle' when the bus to school (diesel we assume) takes 2 hours? And they are miles from any supermarkets or other facilities? And they have a full camera crew and media presence there for a lot of the time, travelling into the countryside.

The idea that some people don't have children doesn't stop the planet being overcrowded. Can't believe you think that. Have you seen the increase in the UK population over the last 40 years?

SueSaid · 07/04/2021 09:22

'And it's a very different thing an adult using a screen for work to having young toddlers and primary school DC growing up with screens. Surely people can distinguish between the two?'

Yes I can distinguish thanks. It is the back to basics, non commercial lifestyle she is constantly promoting commercially that seems all a bit odd. As if she has created this brand that she is flogging. Which again, great stuff we all have to make ends meet but to set her way up as the right way because all her kids are farm hands is just bizarre.

Veterinari · 07/04/2021 09:22

it only works in quite specific circumstances so doesn't really help anyone else much.

I disagree.
I think some of those principles can be replicated. I think my own parents managed it and they were poor and suburban

IntermittentParps · 07/04/2021 09:23

I think that's what's so jarring about her sharing her 'attitude', it only works in quite specific circumstances so doesn't really help anyone else much.

Others have talked about this already, but the main principles, like less screen time and emphasising activity/being outdoors, are achievable by many. As are, I'd add, pitching in to help (whether with feeding a lamb or feeding the fish in the tank; any child can learn how to take their turn to e.g. set a table whether on a farm or in a flat, etc etc).

Veterinari · 07/04/2021 09:25

@JaniieJones

'And it's a very different thing an adult using a screen for work to having young toddlers and primary school DC growing up with screens. Surely people can distinguish between the two?'

Yes I can distinguish thanks. It is the back to basics, non commercial lifestyle she is constantly promoting commercially that seems all a bit odd. As if she has created this brand that she is flogging. Which again, great stuff we all have to make ends meet but to set her way up as the right way because all her kids are farm hands is just bizarre.

She very transparently runs a commercial farm, rents out holiday cottages and sells cream teas. Which bit specifically is she flogging as non-commercial ?

mustlovegin · 07/04/2021 09:28

I am here just to learn what jangling bangles says about a woman

I'm curious too

MillyMollyMandyish · 07/04/2021 09:28

If we are to focus on her opinions rather than her own lifestyle choices, I think she is wrong and by the very nature of her life she's not exposed to other families much.

My kids are much older than hers and are well balanced and capable. My DD does all her own DIY (handles a drill, decorates, lays flooring) and DS the same.

Just because hers can handle machinery or whatever a day on the farm throws at them is not really relevant.
Put them in a city and would they be streetwise?
Put them in an investment bank as a new grad and could they cope with 80 hour weeks?

Being able to muck in and muck out are not life's only challenges.

Northernsoullover · 07/04/2021 09:31

I like her. It pisses me off that she said that kids are raised to be snowflakes (or words to that effect) there is a difference when you have acres and acres of a playground to be raised in an urban environment but I admire their lifestyle.
Why shouldn't she wear fashionable clothing? Would people prefer her in blue overalls? I'm sick of women's clothing being policed.

Original poster

Marcia1989 · 07/04/2021 09:35

So there's stuff about screen time and outdoor activity. And there's giving kids the opportunity to help at home. Perhaps also giving them responsibility for tasks we would otherwise do ourselves? This is something I find difficult and I note that the Owens don't seem to always just give them a job and leave them to it: there's a lot of teaching/guiding which requires time and patience which many of us don't have!

OP posts:

mustlovegin · 07/04/2021 09:37

So you aren't aware of the dangers to the planet of over-population and the UK especially? Small island, overcrowded, infrastructure not coping now (look at the roads and lack of housing)

Farmers don't appear to be the source of the overpopulation issue in the UK. Also that neck of the woods seems pretty empty to me.

Alsohuman · 07/04/2021 09:39

Not sure how you define a 'low carbon lifestyle' when the bus to school (diesel we assume) takes 2 hours? And they are miles from any supermarkets or other facilities?

You seem to think they live somewhere incredibly remote. The older kids’ school is 27 miles away - that’s not two hours - and the primary is ten miles. They probably bulk shop once a month from the cash and carry.

It’s incredible that they attract so much criticism when they seem to be doing such a good job.

Needahand42 · 07/04/2021 09:39

@Veterinari

it only works in quite specific circumstances so doesn't really help anyone else much.

I disagree.
I think some of those principles can be replicated. I think my own parents managed it and they were poor and suburban

You say parents, so you had both parents, so the potential for 2 wages even if this was not always possible? 2 parents to help carry the load instead of one? Any major health issues either in parents or children? You say suburban and had a garden so easily accessible safe green space?

Can you appreciate even having the above while being poor are advantages many many people don't have so can't make use of the principles based on these? Teaching kids the whole family works together is fairly basic yes, but how would that have been underpinned if you'd had one parent with mental health issues, lived in a tower block in a less than safe neighborhood and they'd not been around much due to working long hours?

SueSaid · 07/04/2021 09:40

'She very transparently runs a commercial farm, rents out holiday cottages and sells cream teas. Which bit specifically is she flogging as non-commercial ?'

Their whole lifestyle is like a commercial 'The Good Life'. She is always popping up on tv, even does tours (in non covid times) selling books, articless etc etc all about 'this back to basic' lifestyle. She is making money on the back of the fact she has 9 kids and they all wear odd wellies and do farm work. If it works for her lovely! but her suggestion that a whole generation are snowflakes, unlike her own hardy kids is snooty and shit tbh.

Didn't she actually say she cba with home schooling in the pandemic? Who could! but educational needs of the dc do always trump the needs of parents. Usually. However she didn't want to be a 'helicopter parent'. What an excuse.

Oldbeams · 07/04/2021 09:40

@MillyMollyMandyish

If we are to focus on her opinions rather than her own lifestyle choices, I think she is wrong and by the very nature of her life she's not exposed to other families much.

My kids are much older than hers and are well balanced and capable. My DD does all her own DIY (handles a drill, decorates, lays flooring) and DS the same.

Just because hers can handle machinery or whatever a day on the farm throws at them is not really relevant.
Put them in a city and would they be streetwise?
Put them in an investment bank as a new grad and could they cope with 80 hour weeks?

Being able to muck in and muck out are not life's only challenges.

Well the fact that her eldest daughter is at uni studying a biological science (?) or similar would suggest that other options are open to them.

And people forget that a farm is a commercial venture. The DC will have inhaled all that goes with it (marketing, sales, accounts) not just mucking out!

And even if they "only" learn farming skills, and self reliance, and an ability to turn a hand to most practical things required, why is that so terrible? Why is the suburban life the only valid way to live? Can't people be different?

Live and let live!

Veterinari · 07/04/2021 09:41

Put them in a city and would they be streetwise?
Do you know how much rural crime occurs - for example in relation to quad bike thefts? It can be fairly significant.
And they live less than 90 minutes from Manchester with plenty of other towns nearby.

Put them in an investment bank as a new grad and could they cope with 80 hour weeks?

Is that how you measure success as a parent?
Odd metric to choose

eatsleepread · 07/04/2021 09:42

I think it's just as well the children are self-sufficient. They have older parents (dad is 66!), who won't be around forever.

MillyMollyMandyish · 07/04/2021 09:43

@Alsohuman

Not sure how you define a 'low carbon lifestyle' when the bus to school (diesel we assume) takes 2 hours? And they are miles from any supermarkets or other facilities?

You seem to think they live somewhere incredibly remote. The older kids’ school is 27 miles away - that’s not two hours - and the primary is ten miles. They probably bulk shop once a month from the cash and carry.

It’s incredible that they attract so much criticism when they seem to be doing such a good job.

Do you know the area? I do. It is remote. She is quoted as saying she was 69 miles from hospital which is why she had 1 child on the floor at home. Have you watched the programme? The bus takes 2 hours for the entire school run picking up children from various farms.

I replied to a comment about their carbon footprint. The miles they need to travel for anything is not irrelevant.

You have no idea if there is a cash and carry there!

The Yorkshire shepherdess and the snowflake generation

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