Not too long ago, I borrowed the complete Season 1 DVD set of the beloved 1970s/80s series Little House on the Prairie from a friend. My goal? To snuggle up with my kids and introduce them to the quaint charm of prairie life in America—an existence that might not have been easy, but certainly felt slower and simpler. I figured it would be a refreshing break from the endless stream of sarcastic shows like Jessie and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. At least, that was my vision as we settled in to watch the series over a few weeks.
My partner, however, who had never seen the show before and only caught a few episodes, had a different perspective. He focused on the tough realities of frontier life—the physical labor and constant struggles of living off the land—which, let’s face it, kind of sucked the joy out of it for him. His remarks about the grueling work the men had to do were valid (I suppose the risks of childbirth were overlooked in his critique).
But putting aside those gender roles, Little House on the Prairie offers a fantastic history lesson for kids. My 9-year-old was curious about everything related to Laura Ingalls’ life. She had a million questions: How does Ma bake bread in a fireplace? Why is there a teenager in a class full of little kids? Wait, the doctor visits them?
These queries opened up a floodgate of nostalgia as I shared stories of my childhood—while we may not have faced blizzards, we survived with just a rotary phone and no internet (gasp!). I’m still optimistic about taking my kids on real nature adventures, but watching Little House on the Prairie took me back to simpler times, and I realized I needed that just as much as they did.
Here are some timeless lessons from the Ingalls family:
- Embrace Technology-Free Family Nights
Remember, kiddos, when we declare a “family night” or a day without screens (yes, that includes TVs), you won’t see your “Ma” cross-stitching by gaslight or “Pa” playing the fiddle while you and your sibling do a little jig. But rest assured, you won’t catch us scrolling through emails or gaming either. It’s a chance to talk, read, play, and then off to bed with your sleep bonnets on! - Family Responsibilities, Not Chores
Setting the table, walking the dog, and tidying your room aren’t ‘chores’; they’re family responsibilities. Chores are what you do after a long walk home from school, like scrubbing laundry with a washboard or milking a cow in the frosty morning. Trust me, it’s important to understand the difference! - Gratitude for Health and Medical Care
It can be easy to forget how fortunate we are to have access to medical care. Just watch Doc Baker prepare to yank out Laura’s tooth with only some chloroform and a pair of pliers—yikes! - Everyone Needs a Mr. Edwards
Everyone should have that friend who shows up in times of need, whether it’s for a piggyback ride or searching for your child who wandered off to “get closer to God.” That kind of support is priceless. - Food Comes from the Earth, Not the Shelf
Since time immemorial, food has come from the earth. Grow it, pick it, eat it! (Okay, or at least buy it fresh and whole). It might take more effort to prepare, but it’s worth it—thankfully, we have much better tools than the folks in Walnut Grove! - Cherish Your Teacher
Whether you have one teacher for your entire schooling or many, appreciate them! Your “Miss Beadle” is unique, and who knows, one day she might pass down the school bell to you. Make her proud! - Savor Alone Time and Sibling Bonds
Spending an afternoon at the creek, whether alone or with a sibling, can be a great way to unwind. It might not be as thrilling as a wagon ride to town, but sometimes simple pleasures are the best. - Expect a Nellie Oleson in Your Life
There will always be that one classmate who seems to have it all—fancy clothes, a plush home, and a never-ending supply of treats. Just remember, dear country kid, you have something much more valuable: a loving family and plenty of wild animal friends!
In our fast-paced world, the simple life of the prairie might be just what we all need to reconnect with what truly matters.
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Summary:
The charming tales from Little House on the Prairie teach us about family bonding, responsibility, gratitude for health, and the importance of appreciating the simple pleasures in life. While the realities of frontier living were challenging, the lessons remain timeless and relevant today.