"We play outdoors, but there is no pediatrician and we need a car for everything": this is raising children in rural environments
The article discusses the challenges and advantages of raising children in rural Spain, focusing on the experience of a single mother and farmer.
In the article, Eva Rodríguez, a single mother and farmer from Cesuras, A Coruña, shares her reflections on the experience of raising children in a rural setting. She believes that there are numerous advantages to raising children in the countryside compared to urban environments, highlighting the community support and flexible lifestyle allowed by her work as a livestock farmer. Rodríguez mentions how being away from immediate medical support, like pediatricians, adds challenges to her parenting, as well as the necessity of relying on a vehicle for various needs.
Rodríguez describes her reliance on extensive family help and friendships with neighbors, which are integral to her ability to balance work and parenting. The article illustrates how the rural lifestyle fosters a sense of community where families support one another, making it easier to navigate the difficulties of single-parenthood. Despite the logistical challenges inherent in rural life, such as limited access to healthcare facilities, Rodríguez's perspective offers insight into the unique benefits that her environment provides.
The ongoing discussion surrounding rural living versus urban life is important, especially considering demographic trends in Spain, where many people move to cities for better opportunities. This article serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptation found in rural communities, where despite their challenges, a supportive network exists that can offer advantages not always available in urban settings.