A few years ago someone commented how much practical wisdom there was in the Little House books.  While I enjoyed reading the books as a child, I completely missed most of the practical tips in these books.

While our world is in a state of unrest, we can take comfort in God’s Word and also in taking care of our homes and families.  Instead of focusing on what is going on across the ocean or even in the next city, we can put our energy into that which we can control with God’s help.  We can clean our homes, make sure every member of our home has clean clothes to wear, cook simple and delicious meals, and make our home a place where our loved ones can rest from the hurry and stress of the world.

Laura and her family faced the dangers of wolves, bears, and other wild animals in this book.  Today our dangers may be different, yet we can create a haven at home for ourselves and for our families.

1.  A homemaker plans ahead for the future. 

In chapter one, Pa had gone hunting, and the next day the family had fresh meat to eat.  While Laura wanted to indulge in the meat, she realized even as a young child that the meat would be preserved to eat in the winter when the animals were in hibernation.

With modern preservation methods of meat, along with the fact that we do not need to rely on hunting for our meat, we may not need to smoke and salt our meat to last all winter; however, it reduces stress and extra shopping trips to have some meat and frozen vegetables in your freezer.

2.  A homemaker is diligent.  

Later on in this same chapter, Pa went to Lake Pepin to catch many fish.  The fish that they did not eat that day was also preserved (salted) for the winter ahead.  This speaks of the diligence of Ma who did not allow the fish to spoil but made sure to prioritize processing it for the winter ahead.

While no one is perfect, and I have certainly allowed food to spoil, this is an excellent lesson to plan well enough so that when there is food to preserve, that we are rested well enough to do it and that we do the preserving in a timely manner.

3.  A homemaker grows some of her own food. 

Again, today we have farmer’s markets, health food stores, grocery delivery, and many other options of purchasing our own food.  However, nothing tastes as good as the food grown in your own backyard.

Learn about benefits of gardening, gardening essentials, and reasons to have a container garden.

It’s fascinating to notice what they grew – potatoes, carrots, beets, turnips, and cabbages to keep in the cellar.  None of these foods would spoil quickly and could be eaten all winter long (as longa as they lasted).

Onions and peppers were stored in the attic where they dried nicely, along with various herbs.

We may not have the space to grow the variety of foods we would like, but growing something gives such a sense of satisfaction!

4.  A homemaker is organized and methodical.  

This was Ma’s saying:

“Wash on Monday,
Iron on Tuesday,
Mend on Wednesday,
Churn on Thursday,
Clean on Friday,
Bake on Saturday,
Rest on Sunday.”

Each day had a task; this served more than one purpose  First, there was no guesswork or wondering what to do each day.  Second, on Monday Ma did not worry about the baking.  Third, it was purposeful. The clean clothes didn’t sit around for three days before they were ironed and put away.  Fourth, one did not feel as though all the work needed to be done in one day; it was all spread out.

It has been said that children need routines, and we adults need them just as much.  Routines give a sense of security, and they help us be more efficient.

In one book I read that washing was done on Monday because it was such a labor-intensive chore; Monday was when the women had the most energy for such a task since they rested on Sunday.

5.  A homemaker works in a clean, tidy home. 

Did you notice how Ma made sure the dishes were done and the beds were made before starting her task of the day?  This way, she was working in a pleasant environment.  In addition, the dishes were clean and ready for the next meal.

6.  A homemaker incorporates beauty into her home and work. 

During the winter, the cream from the cow was not as pretty; therefore, Ma used a carrot to make the color more cheerful.  Her mold for the butter also made a strawberry and leaves on top.

While some people would think that would be too much trouble, to make pretty butter, Ma did not think so.  I think that in today’s society we are all stressed out by trying to much of what does not need to be done that we do not have time for the most important things.

Some of my relatives are amazing at decorating; I am not.  However, I have learned that the practical things that I make or purchase can be beautiful as well.  For example, instead of having a plain notebook, I can have a pretty one.  If there will be a lamp in the room to help me read in the evenings, it can be one that adds beauty to the room as well.  The same concept can be applied to curtains, tablecloths, and more.

7.  A homemaker rests. 

Did you see that Ma planned to rest on Sunday?  We can argue that she had more to do than women these days do or that she had less to do.  The fact of the matter is that she finished all her work by Saturday evening and took a day of rest.

I have been frazzled and exhausted more than once in my life.  Each time I was ignoring a day of rest and thinking I could work, work, work.  You can read this blog post about having a successful day of rest.

If you found value in this article, please share it with a friend.  Thank you!

Have you read Little House on the Prairie series?  Which book was your favorite.  Soon I will share more homemaking tips from other Little House books.  Please be sure you are subscribed to my weekly newsletter to be the first to be notified of these new posts!  You can do so by entering your name and email address below.