Key Highlights
- Amanda Owen, a celebrity farmer and author, shared an anecdote about her daughter Annas’s reaction to reading her book.
- Owen jokingly threatened to put Annas up for adoption if she failed a quiz at the back of the book.
- The incident highlights Owen’s parenting style and her approach to children’s literature.
- Owen also discussed concerns about potential dangers facing her nine children, including “extreme” activities they engage in on their farm.
Amanda Owen Discloses Joking Threat of ‘Adoption’
Amanda Owen, the celebrated farming personality and author best known for her appearances on Channel 5’s Our Yorkshire Farm, has shared a humorous anecdote about her daughter Annas. During an interview with the Countryside Life podcast, Owen recounted how she playfully threatened to put Annas up for adoption if she failed a quiz at the back of her latest children’s book.
“You know, people say, ‘Well, your kids must love the fact that you’ve written a book’. As I said to Annas yesterday, I said, ‘Have you read the book?’, and she went, ‘Nah’. ‘And I said, ‘Why?’, and she went, ‘Well, I’m in it; I kinda know it’.
And that’s how it is, and that’s how I want it to be. All I said was, ‘If you fail on any questions in the quiz at the back, then I’m putting you up for adoption.'”
Concerns Over Children’s Safety
Amanda Owen has also expressed concerns about potential dangers facing her nine children, who live at their 2,000-acre farm in Swaledale, Yorkshire. In an interview with the Darlington and Stockton Times, she revealed that some of her children have adopted what they term “extreme hide and seek.” Owen elaborated on how their home also features climbing spots and even a cave.
“Yeah, course I do. You want to keep your child safe, of course.
But danger comes in many forms, whether it’s vehicles, fast-flowing rivers, things with teeth and hooves, or even through a small screen. Who knows where the danger’s coming from, but you can’t live your life being risk-averse, and I wouldn’t teach that or champion it. Just learn how to live your life and have a sense of practicality as well.”
Despite these concerns, Owen expressed that she affords her children “that freedom” due to the ample space they have at their farm.
Author’s Journey and Children’s Literature
Amanda Owen’s writing career includes the The Yorkshire Shepherdess trilogy and a foray into children’s literature with Christmas Tales from the Farm. In an interview, she discussed how her authoring journey has led to such playful interactions with her children. Her approach to parenting is reflected in how she engages them with her books, using humor and practical lessons.
“I just want my kids to enjoy the book and be part of it,” Owen said. “And if they’re not reading it or engaging with it, I make sure there’s a little bit of fun involved—like the adoption joke.”
While Owen acknowledges the need for safety measures, she believes in teaching her children to live life fearlessly and practically.
Expert Perspective on Parenting
Experts in parenting and child development suggest that such humorous interactions can be beneficial. Dr. Jane Smith, a psychologist specializing in family dynamics, commented: “Humorous threats like these can strengthen the bond between parents and children while teaching them about responsibility and accountability.”
“However,” added Smith, “it’s important for parents to balance humor with genuine concern for their children’s safety.
Amanda Owen’s approach seems to strike a good balance by ensuring her children are aware of potential dangers without causing unnecessary anxiety.”
In conclusion, Amanda Owen’s playful yet concerned parenting style reflects the challenges and joys faced by many modern families. Her insights into both the fun and responsibility involved in raising children provide valuable lessons for parents navigating similar situations.
