This morning, as I walk our children’s garden, last week’s gathering of parents and children come to mind, and heart. A mother of twins, who has been sharing growing time, arrived with her little girls, in the stroller, happily transitioning from the front garden, down the hallway, to find their dressing baskets. In their dressing baskets, they find a choice of heavy or light rain pants and jackets. Mama and I ponder the weather and the little ones’ layers, and choose what’s best for this changeable weather. As I share this process, I remember when this journey and progression was less easy and relaxed. I give thanks for the progress, increasing trust, and the joy of process with this cherished trio, that today, doesn’t included their beloved grandmother. But! We speak of her, and of an early educator she respects so much (Bev Boz). We also speak of the Genius of Play webinar.
Then, our next friend arrives! In rolls the stroller, and out pops little one, who goes full speed towards the back garden door! He wants to start!!! With coaxing, he dresses in his garden gear before continuing his flow to the water tub!! Then, he returns to his self-assigned duty of removing the cloche coverings from the baby chard homes. I let that be. I reverently go to collect the cloche coverings and place them in a safe resting place, until after our growing time. Mama smiles and sighsJ I smile too.
I compliment the mothers on their graceful stamina and brilliant patience and skills. We all have a smile and a giggle. Now, the little ones are roaming off in their own directions. We note this is breathing out time. We let it be. We enjoy some light conversation about weekend special plans: the cake event at the Legend of Honor, the first mama away time with female friends and pampering. This mama mentions she has a backup plan, driving solo, in case she needs to return home to little one and his father. A friend, who has successfully accomplished this feat, while breast feeding, is named as a worthy contact. I am amazed at these mothers. I smile and wonder off to help little ones with their water and sand cooking.
In the sand kitchen, a child is picking up a dropped pot lids. I breathe in deep gratitude and happiness. I thank little one for helping the pot lid. I go on to say how glad the lid is to be on the resting place away from feet. I then say how relieve the lid is to no longer be in the way of our feet! A little lady, of twenty months, stands listening to us, in deep amazement. We look into each other’s eyes. We smile. She ponders. And the little gentlemen of seventeen months, who picked up the lid, stood with a quiet but ever-expanded glow, from belly to top of head. I feel a purr inside myself. I smile, and continue on my way.
Then, I notice a mama presented with the challenge of needing something to do. So, I ask if she might like to help me harvest some rosemary. She is glad I asked. She smiles. I smile. We head off together to fetch a harvest bucket and some scissors. Along the way, a discussion about how the rosemary that went home last week was used, and enjoyed, at home. Some went in the bath. Some went in the cooking, and some was experienced in little one’s kitchen. We all have a giggle as more is going home this day! The rosemary is tender with tiny purple flowers. We speak of the calendula flower: seeds and petals that can be enjoyed throughout its life cycle.
Soon after this conversation, a little lady lets us know it’s time to eat!!! We breathe in and acknowledge her messages. We hold to our rhythmic process, that she knows so well. Mama softly acknowledges her messages, and offers some sips of water. We are ten minutes from lunch time. Little lady passes on the water and is ready to sit at the table and put her harvest things in her little zip lock bag. We all smile and appreciate your ability to self-regulate, and to attend to this task, with just a little loving presence. Our little man was not ready to join us! He was busy with his water. Mama had checked in to say she would help his harvest things. Soon, he came to join the harvest time. Soon, the harvest was tucked away and the lunch began.
Handwashing is a delight for these little ones! It could go on and on. And, if interrupted, an upset is often felt. What to do? Well, how about giving a new aspect to that process? So, a paper towel is handed to the child needing to transition to hand drying and putting away the paper towel in the compost bucket. Great! Now, we are off to the familiar and loved experience of being presented with a water cup and water pitcher for self-pouring. As this new bliss is beginning, I sing our thank you song:
Thank you for the world so sweet
Thank you for the friends we meet
Thank you for the birds that sing
Thank you, earth, for, everything.
As we are bustling into the details of lunch settling in, the first tiny course, was followed by tiny second course, followed by third tiny course,…and tiny second helpings of whatever was gobbled up. We have a nice light talk about local markets and desired food items. We talk about shaping the pallet and microbiome of the young child. We talk about scientifically outlined eating developmental phases. We talk about intuitive eating and aspects of vegetarian diets.
Then, one by one, the children express “done” and move on to handwashing and the lunch things are put away. All observe. All participate. Self-directed play resumes. I smile.
Gosh! This is heaven on earth.