With the explosion of flowers in our cutting garden over the last week or so, dozens of moms have brought their kids to pick bouquets. The kids represent all ages and temperaments, from those ecstatic to pick flowers to the little ones who need naps, and most of them have a ball wandering around the maze of flower beds in search of the perfect color.
But we’ve been struck by the number of kids who, after spending quality time picking over thousands of flowers, announce “these are for my dad, and these are for my mom.”
We have limited pairs of scissors and baskets on hand for groups, (well, actually fewer and fewer scissors, as they seem to evaporate each season!), and we are seeing kids happily sharing theirs with their siblings and friends. No squabbles. No possession disputes.
We never imagined our flower garden could become the training laboratory for positive child behavior mechanisms. Sharing, generosity, giving, thoughtfulness. What powerful concepts to arise from a lovely day in the flower garden!
Feelin' tall after picking flowers
