Gardening with children.

I have memories of being “in bed” while my parents took advantage of the extended sunlight to go outside and work in the garden.  I can’t believe the energy they had to have put me to bed and then go out and garden (as I usually head right for my bed after putting my kids to bed), but I understand it.  Gardening with children is not for the weak of heart.

Once you’ve let go of the peace you once had while gardening, you also need to find your inner zen to answer the multitude of questions you’ll receive.  I’ve received a bunch.

Questions asked while gardening:

5. Can I help?  Love this one.  This is generally at the beginning when I’m still full of mom optimism and think there is a chance this might be an enjoyable experience.  I happily give them a task at the other side of the garden and get back to work with a self-satisfied plunk.

4. Why can’t I work where you are?  Some of the self-satisfaction starts to ebb away as reality sets in and I realize it won’t be the walk in the park I had hoped to experience.  In trying to make their efforts worthwhile while not hitting them with a various garden tool I’m currently using, I encourage them to get back to their task.  Mentally cross fingers that it might work out after all.

3. Why are you digging a hole?  *Sigh*  The frustrating part of that question is that this is not their first time planting something.  This is not their first time seeing me plant something.  We’ve spent multiple conversations discussing how seeds work, how roots need soil, etc.  They know we are here to plant plants.  Deep breath – time to explain again.

2. Why are you digging it that way?  Now that they understand the why of digging the hole, they are clearly experts.  Their short time on this earth clearly supersedes my years and I don’t know what I’m doing.  Already.  At six and four.  This is going to be a long childhood.

1. Can I pick it? For crying out loud, I’ve just put it in the ground.  Not today, not tomorrow, not next week.  It’s not time for de-heading, it’s not time for eating.  Oh,  you already ate some and it didn’t taste good and now you never want to eat said food again.  Great.  Glad I’ve planted 17 plants of it.  Hope it freezes well?