Table 5.

Quotes from open-ended questions and respondents’ characteristics.

Quote number	Quote	Respondents’ characteristics
Adaptation strategies to take care of the children during COVID-19
1	“Had to balance field work, cleaning, maintenance and other general farm work while having all four children at home rather than at school or daycare.”	Female, 4 children (2 in age-group 0 to 2 and 2 in age-group 6 to 18), Wisconsin
2	“There are some jobs that are dangerous. Prior to the pandemic, I would seek a sitter for my children during these jobs. Now, because of health concerns, I have decreased trips to the babysitter. So, when completing dangerous jobs, I take extra precautions, or ask a grandparent to help with supervision”.	Female, 2 children (1 in age-group 0 to 2 and 1 in age-group 6 to 18), Utah
3	“Kids being home means they get chores. They have done more weeding, more watering, and have taken care of livestock more.”	Female, 5 children (all in age-group 6 to 18). Utah
4	“Have to get them to help or won’t be able to work.”	Male, 2 children (1 in age-group 0 to 2 and 1 in age-group 3 to 5), Vermont
5	“Trying to give more small tasks and I’m tying these tasks with the curriculum.”	Female, 1 child (in age-group 6 to 18), Georgia
6	“Luckily, we have family that offer to assist with childcare. But, I am a very high risk patient so I am particular where our daughter stays.”	Female, 1 child (in age-group 6 to 18), North Carolina
7	“It would be easier if the farm side of the family believed COVID was an issue. Because of their lack of precautions, we are very limited in childcare options”.	Female, 1 child (in age-group 0 to 2), Wisconsin
8	“It’s ridiculous to keep masks on these children. There have been zero pediatrics deaths in Arkansas.”	Female, 2 children (1 in group 3 to 5 and 1 in age-group 6 to 18), Arkansas
Challenges taking care of the children before and during COVID-19
9	“I have to help my children with distance learning as they are too young to do it themselves and therefore do not have the time to get all of my farm chores done as I normally would. Therefore decreasing the amount of hours I sleep. Add a baby with a terrible sleep habits on top and you become very stressed.”	Female, 4 children (1 in age-group 0 to 2, 1 in age-group 3 to 5, 2 in age-group 6 to 18), Wisconsin
10	“How are you supposed to get jobs done with equipment with kids running around? Kid gets in blind spot can be killed.”	Male, 2 children (1 in age-group 3 to 5 and 1 in age-group 6 to 18), Colorado
11	“COVID-19 has been a blessing for our family. A slowdown from all of the off farm kids activities has been wonderful, and well-accepted. Our children are learning life skills on the farm that they can use for the rest of their lives.”	Female, 4 children (all in age-group 6 to 18), Wisconsin
12	“I think it is better that the school has closed down, because they aren’t actually teaching them anything and can corrupt in some of their ways. COVID has given my family the chance to spend time together and focus on more important things such as our CREATOR and the farm. It’s all the will of the FATHER why this is all happening so I am happy.”	Female, 6 children (2 in age-group 0 to 2 and 4 in age-group 6 to 18), California
13	“It is easier to be productive when the kids are happy and safe at vbs [vacation Bible School], sports, etc. Kids are resilient to change but this is ridiculous. Farm kids have the strongest immune systems and absolutely will not get COVID … Open up!”	Female, 3 children (1 in age-group 0 to 2, 1 in age-group 3 to 5, one in age-group 6 to 18), Virginia
14	“We also live in a technology poor area, we got internet last year. Internet should be provided and available to all families just like other utilities.”	Female, 1 child (in age-group 6 to 18), Utah
15	“We need cooperative programs that connect rural families to each other to help with childcare when centers and schools close. We need community.”	Female, 1 child (in age-group 0 to 2), Iowa