It’s always funny watching how my children behave in the city. There are several clues that will always give away their origins in the country, in spite of their best efforts to disguise themselves as city kids while we are in the big smoke.
1. Inside voice vs outside voice – The struggle is real. on the farm the children can yell, scream and call out on a whim. They squeal with delight during a game of chase, though sadly this does not translate well in a suburban backyard, or a family member’s house. Their childish calls may be misconstrued as those of someone in trouble. My children have no concept of neighbours living directly next door. They fight and play with equal gusto, and the city neighbourhood is invited to participate regardless of their desire to do so. My children tell me I turn into a cranky monster when we head away. Mostly I do so out of fear of upsetting everyone we encounter if I am not a controlling monster. It’s a lose-lose situation for us all.
2. People watching – Unless you are wearing a collared shirt and jeans, you are up for scrutiny with these kids. They aren’t rude, just fascinated. If you have facial piercings, tattoos, individual dress style, a unique mode of transport, an accent or coloured spiky hair, you will attract their interest. We’re working through the idea of not openly discussing your interest in other people until they are out of earshot, and making sure it is done in a respectful way.
3. Stranger danger – Everyone in the city is a stranger. Where we live, you know almost everyone. We discuss who to trust and who should never be trusted. Even at our local show, our children are free to wander around with friends with minimal supervision. Everyone helps with supervision out here, as we all know who everyone belongs to, and can recognise a stranger immediately. The city is different. My children are incredibly trusting. The long drive into the big smoke is peppered with reminders about not wandering off, and not talking to people we don’t know. The wandering off has been an interesting one over the years!
4. The country accent – My children are proficient in their ‘western Queensland twang’. Mr 7 can drag a one syllable word into three, and many of his words roll together when he speaks. His voice deepens and his brows furrow as he recounts his country adventures of chasing pigs and helping Dad work on sheep and fences. This is the source of enormous pleasure when he chats with my city friends and family.
What is it about your children that makes you smile when you take them to the city? Let me know on social media. Facebook: The Farmer’s Wife, Instagram: @jessthefarmerswife, Twitter: @jessfarmerswife
