In June, the kids exhibited their cattle at the county fair. Our kids have collectively been taking cattle for about 11 years. There have been heifers, cows, cows with calves, and steers among the projects over the years. Needless to say, we have been doing this for a while.

As the kids grow up, the preparations for the fair change. With our oldest, we were new to the parenting part of 4-H. We worked with him on all aspects of the project. When our next child started with cattle, he had the benefit of watching his older brother so it wasn’t exactly starting at ground zero for him or us. But, we were helping two young exhibitor now. So, the dynamic was different. As they grew older and more confident, they handled more on their own. A few years later, our youngest started showing. She had many years of observation and assisting under her belt. But, for us, it was starting all over again with record keeping, project books and interviews to prepare her for. I remember realizing how independent the boys had become when we started over again.

This year really hit a little different. Our oldest is out of 4-H, but still was very helpful on show day. Our younger son can now drive and our daughter has a few years of experience. These two are very independent. They were able to help a new member of the club with her first year with cattle. They enjoyed it very much as they had so much to share with her. I realized I was truly an observer in the barn. The kids were doing all the work. I basically did the mom walk of checking that gates were shut and fences were on.

When it was fair week, the kids could go in for morning chores alone. I offered to go. They said they could handle it. My husband went in sometimes and joined them for breakfast. When it was time for evening walks in the ring, I asked what I could do.

“You can watch.”

“You can help someone else who needs it.”

“You can come if you want.”

So, I walked behind them. We had one heifer who was a little squirrely the first couple days so walking behind made me feel like I was being supportive and could help if needed. But, they really didn’t NEED me.

So, I went from walking in the front and holding ropes, to walking beside and coaching to walking behind as moral support. I guess that is how it is supposed to go. I will walk behind and be supportive. I will be the sideline cheerleader. I will take the pictures. I will be the fair mom, just a little different version.