We hope you all have a wonderful Father’s Day this weekend. We appreciate the important role that fathers play in teaching and supporting us as we grow. This post celebrates the many wonderful life lessons that Pa Ingalls taught us in the “Little House on the Prairie” television series. Michael Landon brought his compassion and wisdom to the screen, striking a chord with viewers around the world. What was your favorite lesson he taught us?

Another amazing example of the type of father we all want to have (and strive to be) can be seen in Nels Oleson. He was level-headed, fair, patient, and a good friend. Although he didn’t struggle financially the way the Ingalls family did, he recognized that there was more to life than money when he called Pa “the richest man in Walnut Grove.” The actor behind the character of Nels Oleson, Richard Bull, also reflected on the patient and virtuous nature of the character he portrayed.

Some conversations are uncomfortable. They require us to look deep within ourselves and admit where our thinking has been faulty, where our beliefs betrayed us and perhaps the hardest part of all, where we have to change. It is especially important to teach children about the difficulties of the past and to do so in a way that they can understand. Literature and older television programs can be educational opportunities. “Little House on the Prairie” is a great example. Both the book series and the wildly popular television series can be used to discuss American history and teachable moments with children.

What have you been creating lately? We love hearing from fans. We know many are trying new crafts such as knitting, planting, canning, and baking as we spend more time at home and make the most of what we have in our surroundings. Please share your Little House inspired photos with us! Your submission and photos may be used in an upcoming featured fan post.  We hope to hear from you! Use hashtag #LittleHouseMoment or fill out the form on our site.

Lemonade is a timeless beverage that even little Laura Ingalls enjoyed during special occasions. She tasted it for the first time at Nellie Oleson’s party and marveled at how it was both sweet and sour. With spring and summer on the horizon, you can share fresh, homemade lemonade using this step-by-step recipe. Add a special twist with fresh strawberries to create a splash of color and some extra sweetness.

This month, we’re starting our summer reading series by spotlighting Little House on Rocky Ridge, written by Roger Lea MacBride and illustrated by David Gilleece. In this series, we meet Rose Wilder, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s daughter, and the last of the Little House girls. Rose and her parents, Laura and Almanzo, say goodbye to Ma and Pa Ingalls and Laura’s sisters. In a covered wagon containing all their possessions, they make their way across the drought-stricken Midwest to the lush green valleys of southern Missouri. The journey is long and not always easy, but at the end is the promise of a new home and a new life for the Wilders. Little House on Rocky Ridge is the first book in The Rose Years, an ongoing series about another spirited girl from America’s most beloved pioneer family.