Coming to the country life

Welcome! Thanks for logging on and finding out more about me and the "parallel universe" I tend to inhabit, agriculture. How did I get here? Telling you that seems the natural place to start.

I'm a communicator--a talker, connector and social educator. My story has all the elements of a good summer novel: misunderstood heroes, a rescue, passion, pride and love.

I started my career in design--the only thing other than talking that I was really good at. Who knew I wouldn't love it for the rest of my life?  :)

In 1998, I was rescued-- yes, I really do believe that's the right word--from a nightmare job by my good friend Mike Danna, director of public relations for the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. Didn't know what it was, didn't know what they did, and for damn sure didn't know anything about agriculture. But I made the jump and wound up falling in love. Hard.  No, not with Mike, bless his heart--but with farming, ranching and a lifestyle that is at best seen as anachronistic and misunderstood, and at worst is mocked and devalued.

My first trip out to a sugarcane field in south Louisiana, about a week into the job, the producer I was to interview looked at me about two minutes after I got out of the car and said, "Darlin', you don't know anything about farming, do you?"  Busted.  Then and there I realized: there's no getting over on a farmer. They're smart people, and they've got your number, Slick.

"No sir, I don't," I said. "But I know how to tell stories, and if you'll tell me about what you do, I'll tell your story the best I know how," and that seemed to satisfy him. 

Telling those stories satisfied me, too. For 10 years until I moved to Atlanta, I worked with the farmers and ranchers of Louisiana and their families. I learned enough about agriculture to be dangerous. I also learned a tremendous amount about the people of rural communities who are very different from the folks "in town." I learned about life, death, the extraordinary dangers that come with farming and that, if you come to a producer's house for an interview, you'd better expect to sit down to a huge home-cooked meal before you go or you'll insult his wife or mama. I gained about 15 pounds my first year at Farm Bureau.

I have become a passionate advocate for the rural communities and citizens of our nation. They are some of the finest, kindest, most honorable people in the world  who, every day, do a job every one of us depends on to live. These people feed and clothe us, and provide shelter to protect our bodies. yet even today the perception of farming is negative and, if you think of farmers at all, you likely imagine an old man in overalls on a small tractor. That couldn't be further from the truth, and that's the story I make my living telling. Keep coming back and you'll learn something every time (I hope), whether it's thought-provoking, funny or weird. You might also learn more about my family or work--for me, anything and everything is up for discussion. Glad you came to visit--stop on by again soon!


Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Teaching Children Manners and Values

I belong to a service called Help a Reporter Out (HARO). Reporters from all over the place ask for sources for their stories. It's pretty interesting what comes across as far as inquiries go...


So yesterday an inquiry came through asking: "For a story in a national parenting magazine, I'm seeking experts who can talk about teaching young kids (under 6) values -- how can kids better understand things like self-reliance, courage, respect? Are values still taught in today's high-paced world -- and why are they still important for kids to learn?" 

I was on that query like a duck on a junebug. Here was my response...your thoughts and comments are welcome!

"It is absolutely vital that parents teach their children values in this high-paced world. I know you asked for "experts" and I would say I am one -- I'm a mom of two boys, 7 and 2.5, and a communications consultant in Atlanta.

Already we are teaching our sons what used to be called "manners." Please, Thank you, No sir, Yes ma'am. Being kind, cleaning up after yourself, playing fair and more. My 2.5 year old clears his dishes, or at least brings them to me so I can put them on the counter because he can't reach. He already has responsibilities, such as picking up after himself and putting his shoes away. Why?

Because now is the time to train them in skills and behaviors that will serve them for a lifetime. Manners are vital when interacting with people of stature -- parents, sure, but also teachers and bosses. They also teach you how to demonstrate respect for others and resolve problems, such as sharing and playing "fair." Helping out around the house now with age-appropriate chores teaches them responsibility and job-sharing. It also diminishes their expectation that I am there to be the chief cook, bottle-washer, maid and laundress. i don't like doing those things any more than they do, and it helps them see that I'm a person, and together we all make up and work together as a family.

Some day, my boys will grow up. Their manners, from showing respect to using proper table and phone etiquette, will certainly help them in social and business settings. Being able to hold a conversation, use proper diction, shake hands and look someone in the eye while apologizing also will be valuable assets as they look for friends, jobs and mates. Judging from the apparent decline of manners and values in today's society, I hope my kids can set a good example by treating others as they hope to be treated.

Are we weird and rigid in our training? I don't think so -- it's really not very hard, either. It's repetition, repetition, repetition and little kids take that well. Eventually it becomes ingrained. My 7-year-old has beautiful manners (about 95% of the time--he IS only 7, after all!)"

It frankly surprised me that her question even included the idea of whether manners were necessary in today's world. To me, they're more vital than ever before. As news and views in America slip toward the more intolerant and judgmental, manners enable us to see another's point of view, and at least agree to disagree. Manners are about respect -- for others and ourselves. And what's more valuable than that?


at 8:30 AM

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