The challenge of gardening with toddlers is making sure they don’t take out the plants. I’m happy my little guy is showing some real interest in the seedlings we started, but he can be a bit over-zealous with his attentions.
It’s a good exercise in patience when gardening with the really little ones. They’re extremely curious but don’t know their own strength. That means either having to be quick to deflect damage or just roll with it. Plant extra seeds to account for crop loss. I try to remember that, in a way, right now he’s just as delicate as those little seedlings.
This is an opportunity to teach how to be gentle or careful. My little guy is just that … little. They’re enthusiastic and do everything with 110 percent energy. So it’s fun to see him interact with the plants, carefully brushing the beet seedlings with pudgy fingers or pressing his wrinkled up nose into the tiny thyme. I admit, I’m really proud when he gets it. And if he doesn’t, I divert his attention … usually at the cat’s expense. Sorry Milo.
