Well, it seems like it. Those green beans... It could be a drought and they would still be popping out from every stem! It's a rather daunting task at times... especially in the heat. No sooner do I clear a small area, then I discover that they've magically re-populated the entire plant.
I also discovered a little surprise a few days ago.... after picking myriads of beans that were green, I reached under a leaf and pulled a bean out. When I laid eyes upon it, I was a little scared. It was purple. I've never seen those before... did God create those, or are they some sketchy cross-hybrid... And what do you call them? Purple beans or purple green beans? If I said that I'd picked "purple beans", I doubt many would understand.
It could just be me. Maybe purple green beans have been around longer than my 24 years. I know, I just revealed my age in public.... shhhh. :)
Now look at the above pictures. In photo A, we've got Eva in her "Country Girl" shirt. Very appropriate, I'd say. These miniature adults actually have their very own, kid-sized garden gloves! Straw hats and we're ready for work!
Eva is a little master at picking green beans, as I discovered. I ran back in to get the camera, and there she was, picking away. Kailey felt a little left-out, and meandered off to pick her own, Kailey-sized green peppers.
So there we were, slaving away in the sun. Well, mostly Eva and myself. Kailey contented herself (much to my dismay) with digging in the dirt and pouring it all over herself.
I reminded myself that I used to spend hours making mud cakes. Thrill of my childhood, those mud-cake days!
Kids love to help.
I feel that I need to emphasize that a bit more...
Kids love to help!
It doesn't matter what you're doing- pouring in chocolate chips, scrubbing the toilet bowl, pulling weeds, or talking out loud. (Eva loves to help finish my sentences) ;)
Problem is.... its more work when they help. I have found myself sneakily cleaning the house, hoping they won't find me and ask to help. It's hard to say no. They're so cute, for one. For another thing, I know it will benefit them to learn life skills.
If only it weren't so much more work.... Not only do I have to do it with them until they get the hang of it, I then have to re-do (in secret) whatever they do for me!
It's not easy! And I won't lie- I work very very quietly and hide in the closet if I hear footsteps coming my way. Well... maybe not that last part... but it's tempting;)
What is my problem?!?
Um..... selfishness.... perfectionisism.... laziness.... I could go on but I'd rather not. :p
I'm selfish because I'm depriving them of opportunities to learn skills for their life. (Hey, it will benefit me/others in the long run- if I teach them how to buckle their seatbelt, I don't have to crawl in the back of my 2-door sports car... if I teach them to take their dishes to the sink, I will create a life-long habit ... er... hopefully.)
I'm being a perfectionist because I think it all has to be done to perfection. Kids take pride in their work; who am I to insist that every wrinkle be out before I give them a passing pat on the head?? I need to get away from my perfectionism and work on praising them. Praise drives them to work harder and do their work better.
I am being lazy because I want the quick(er) and eas(ier) way out.
So it's tiring, constantly working alongside them, helping them to master some skill.
Is that really my excuse?
So there. Maybe this will increase my motivation to be better about letting the kids help.
After all. One day they will be making me chocolate chip cookies. Unless I refuse to ever teach them by letting them work alongside me.
One day they will be folding the clothes by themselves. Unless I refuse them every opportunity to learn with me.
My thoughts and goals.... I promise you that I'm not posting this to make any of you feel like a bad parent-- if I know you and you're a parent- I think you are wonderful and I've learned from all of you:) Thank you for being a good example!
Keep on keeping on!
No comments:
Post a Comment