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Episode Summary:
Raising kids rurally comes with its own set of unique challenges—many of which I didn’t even think about before having kids! In this episode, I’m sharing the top three challenges I’ve faced as a rural mum and how I’ve managed to overcome them. From dealing with limited access to medical services, helping my kids navigate feelings of loneliness, to the never-ending battle with muddy boots and laundry, I know I’m not alone in these struggles.
As rural mums, we often have to get creative and find our own ways of making things work, whether that’s scheduling multiple appointments on one trip into town or setting rules (that don’t always get followed!) to keep the mess under control. By the end of the episode, I hope you’ll feel reassured that these challenges are normal, and that with a little preparation, we can all find ways to overcome them while raising happy, healthy kids in rural communities.
Key Points Covered in this episode:
Limited Access to Medical Services: One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced raising kids rurally is the limited access to medical services. Finding a GP you can consistently see is difficult, and wait times can be long—sometimes up to 10 weeks! I’ve learned the importance of booking appointments well in advance, especially when you have kids with ongoing health needs like asthma. In this episode, I talk about how I’ve built a strong relationship with our local GP and how I manage trips to the city for specialists by scheduling multiple appointments in one day. Telehealth has been a lifesaver for us, allowing us to avoid unnecessary travel for routine checkups. I also touch on the reality of long waitlists for pediatricians and other specialists and share tips on how to stay organized and prepared to make it all just a little easier.
Dealing with Feelings of Loneliness for Kids: Living rurally can be isolating for kids. With fewer nearby friends and limited opportunities for spontaneous playdates, it can be tough for them to feel connected. In this episode, I discuss how I’ve worked to combat those feelings of loneliness by creating strong family traditions at home, like pizza nights or game nights, to keep us all connected. I also make a big effort to get my boys involved in sports and social activities, even though that means spending a lot of time in the car driving to town. I talk about the reality of rural mums becoming part-time taxi drivers and how screen time, like Minecraft, has become a way for my kids to stay connected with their friends online, while balancing outdoor activities and family time.
Constant Muddy Boots and Dirty Clothes: If there’s one thing rural mums can all relate to, it’s the constant muddy boots and dirty clothes! Between outdoor play, farm chores, and the unpredictability of wet weather, it feels like the washing machine is always running. In this episode, I share the systems I’ve put in place to manage the chaos—like setting up a “no shoes past the front door” rule (even though it doesn’t always get followed!) and having separate ‘farm clothes’ and ‘town clothes.’ I also talk about how overclothes and waterproof coveralls have helped reduce outfit changes during messy days. But let’s be real—it always comes back to laundry, which I’m convinced is never-ending when you have boys! I give some tips on how I’ve tried to stay on top of it, including involving the kids in laundry routines, accepting that the washing will never truly be done, and finding a system that works for you.
Resources & Links:
Connect with Jessica:
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