What are ‘Trad Wives?’ And Why are Some, Like Hannah Neeleman, Stirring Up So Much Controversy?

Hannah Neeleman: A Leading Figure in the Trad Wife Movement

Hannah Neeleman has become one of the most popular figures in the Trad Wife movement, inspiring thousands of women through her lifestyle, social media presence, and public appearances. Neeleman, a former ballerina who studied at the Juilliard School in New York, made a dramatic shift from her highly ambitious dancing career path to embrace a life centered around her family and home.

Background and Personal Journey

Hannah Neeleman grew up Mormon and is still a devout member of the LDS church today. She was the eighth of nine children raised near Salt Lake City, Utah. Her parents ran a florist shop, and she and her siblings were homeschooled. Neeleman developed a passion for ballet early on, attending summer school at Juilliard when she was just 14 years old. She later returned to Juilliard for her undergraduate degree, which she paid for by participating in “scholarship pageants” — beauty pageants that provide academic scholarships or tuition money to the winners. However, after marrying her husband, Daniel, and immediately starting a family, Neeleman felt a calling to a different kind of life. Well, kind of.

 

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A post shared by Hannah @Ballerina Farm (@ballerinafarm)

Neeleman embraced her new role as a mother and homemaker, leaving her career and dedicating herself to raising her children and managing her household. This decision, while sacrificial, brought her a deep sense of fulfillment and joy. She now shares her journey and insights through her social media platforms, where she has garnered a large following, for her romanticized version of a farming and homestead lifestyle.

Life on the Farm

A significant aspect of Neeleman’s life as a Trad Wife is her family’s farm in Utah. The Neelemans live on a sprawling 328-acre farm where they raise animals, grow their own food, and engage in various homesteading activities. What appears to be a self-sufficient lifestyle is a central theme in Neeleman’s philosophy, emphasizing the importance of hard work, sustainability, and connection to the land.

Through her Instagram account and blog, Hannah Neeleman shares glimpses of her daily life on the farm. Her posts include everything from gardening tips and home-cooked recipes to homeschooling activities and insights into farm life. This transparency and authenticity have resonated with many women drawn to the idea of a simpler, more grounded way of living.

It’s also drawn droves of criticism as many are quick to point out that it’s likely not the Neeleman’s farm and production that’s paying their bills. The farm has three full-time employees on the farm, thirty at the warehouse, more than ten in the office, and a creative director who manages the website visuals. This is not a mom and pop operation, despite what followers are shown. In fact, Daniel’s father is a billionaire, who founded several companies, including five airlines.

 

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A post shared by Hannah @Ballerina Farm (@ballerinafarm)

Homeschooling Advocate

Education is another cornerstone of Neeleman’s approach to traditional homemaking. She is a passionate advocate for homeschooling, believing it allows for a more personalized and values-driven education for her children. Despite having a teacher on the farm for their five school-aged children, Neeleman often shares her homeschooling routines, Mormon-Christian curriculum choices, and teaching methods with her followers.

Homeschooling, for Neeleman, is not just about academics but also about instilling a love of learning and fostering close family relationships. She views education as a holistic endeavor that includes character development, practical skills, and spiritual growth.