Responsibility, common sense, and self-worth are all vital keys in determining the success of the future generation, but where are these values in children today? By denying young people the opportunity to perform manual labor, are we actually hindering them from becoming the individuals this society needs? In his book, Folks, This Ain’t Normal, Joel Salatin points out that refusing young people the chance to “bring values to their own lives and the community around them” ultimately produces a generation of immature and senseless adults. Salatin goes on to say that providing children with a way to contribute to the needs of their families through chores ultimately teaches them important life skills. For example, tending the garden can teach children that death ultimately leads to the growth of something new and full of life. Additionally, youngsters who nurture a garden will receive a great sense of self-worth knowing that their hard work has provided enjoyment…show more content… Salatin recounts a story in chapter two of his book in which two middle school boys take a field trip to a farm. Seeing the exciting and foreign terrain around them, the boys asked, “Where’s the salsa tree?” The ignorance of these two youngsters in believing that this popular dip is grown on trees is an example of the lack of common sense many children have today. Sadly, while these boys may have been enlightened as to the true origins of this condiment, they may advance into their adult years carrying that same general lack of common sense. This is another vital reason that children need to be subjected to time outdoors, discovering the mysteries and surprises that Nature has to offer. While raising chickens and plucking tomatoes out of a patch may seem like menial work to much of society, it is, in reality, teaching children the laws of nature…and that salsa does not grow on
