Toddlers and growing?
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- Jerry - Bit higher than newbie
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Toddlers and growing?
Looking for advice on how to get anything done on the veg patch with two toddlers in tow (well, one toddler - 2 in a few weeks - and one 10-month-old crawler, who I expect to move onto toddling by the summer!). It's an inherited patch from people without kids and there's nowhere safe for them to play within eye contact (not sure if they would anyway with mummy doing something else), and quite a lot of work to set something like that up - when there is already lots to do up there growing-related.
One of them can go in a sling, but I can't carry them both *and* do anything sensible! So the older one ends up following me around, falling over, trying to dig stuff up and then crying because she's bored/cold/confused/dirty...
Is she just too little? Am I missing some fabulous trick? Does it get easier if you have proper raised beds and that so it's clearer where she can and can't go? Or do I just have to nip up when I can while daddy's babysitting on the weekends? How do you manage it?
Katie xx
One of them can go in a sling, but I can't carry them both *and* do anything sensible! So the older one ends up following me around, falling over, trying to dig stuff up and then crying because she's bored/cold/confused/dirty...
Is she just too little? Am I missing some fabulous trick? Does it get easier if you have proper raised beds and that so it's clearer where she can and can't go? Or do I just have to nip up when I can while daddy's babysitting on the weekends? How do you manage it?
Katie xx
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- A selfsufficientish Regular
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if I ever find a solution I will write a book about it! I have a nearly 4yo and a 14 monther and the older one has vetoed the allotment because he is always being told he can't dig there and stay off that. The little one wouldn't be safe as there is still a lot of glass around. I have so much prep to do before planting, and it is very frustrating. I get the occasional hour here and there when I can beg childcare from my mum but I share your pain 

- Clara
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I do a bit of both....
Sometimes I do sneak off to do work by myself but I also tolerate some toddler chaos (mainly picking and eating) in the patch because I think the pay-off (i.e. her learning about where her food comes from and how it is grown) is more than worth it. At 18 months she is now at the age where she can be (sort-of) explained to, where she can and cannot step, and also a little reserved patch of weeds also comes in handy to keep her occupied!
As a child my dad grew most of our veggies in a lottie, but by and large we weren´t allowed to go because he couldn´t be bothered with the hassle....as a consequence I´ve had to teach myself all the stuff I could have just absorbed by being with my dad rather than inside watching the telly. I don´t want to make the same mistake, as quite likely the world in which she will be an adult will be one in which being able to provide for yourself will be the most valuable skill I could teach her.
Of course with two it is more difficult, do you have anything to back carry the little one? I would recommend an Ergo.
Sometimes I do sneak off to do work by myself but I also tolerate some toddler chaos (mainly picking and eating) in the patch because I think the pay-off (i.e. her learning about where her food comes from and how it is grown) is more than worth it. At 18 months she is now at the age where she can be (sort-of) explained to, where she can and cannot step, and also a little reserved patch of weeds also comes in handy to keep her occupied!
As a child my dad grew most of our veggies in a lottie, but by and large we weren´t allowed to go because he couldn´t be bothered with the hassle....as a consequence I´ve had to teach myself all the stuff I could have just absorbed by being with my dad rather than inside watching the telly. I don´t want to make the same mistake, as quite likely the world in which she will be an adult will be one in which being able to provide for yourself will be the most valuable skill I could teach her.
Of course with two it is more difficult, do you have anything to back carry the little one? I would recommend an Ergo.
baby-loving, earth-digging, bread-baking, jam-making, off-grid, off-road 21st century domestic goddess....
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- Stonehead
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Both our boys were in vegetable patches within weeks of being born, with the younger one in particular spending vast amounts of time outside with me once we bought the croft.
They've always had their own "gardening" tools (from little plastic rakes, trowels and buckets up to "proper" metal headed rakes, shovels and hoes with wooden handles and a wheelbarrow), they've had their own patches to dig and play in, and when we were given a sandpit it went into the centre of the vegetable patch.
Other than making sure there was nothing sharp in the grass or dirt (the latter achieved by sieving their digging spots), I never worried too much. Yes, they got the odd splinter, ate a bit of dirt, and fell over at least once a day but they appear to be thriving still!
They also graze on the fruit and vegetables whenever they feel hungry (so make sure there's nothing poisonous and educate them as they get older).
Having said that, we don't buy into the modern "worry" culture and, within reason, let the boys have fairly free reign outside. There are rules, but they are few and simple to give them maximum freedom to explore and learn for themselves. (And yes, we do spend time with them as well but they have a lot of space and time to themselves under loose and distant supervision.)
If you do buy into the "eliminate all risk" attitude, then I have to say that you will get very little work done as you'll spend most of the time "saving" the children.
They've always had their own "gardening" tools (from little plastic rakes, trowels and buckets up to "proper" metal headed rakes, shovels and hoes with wooden handles and a wheelbarrow), they've had their own patches to dig and play in, and when we were given a sandpit it went into the centre of the vegetable patch.
Other than making sure there was nothing sharp in the grass or dirt (the latter achieved by sieving their digging spots), I never worried too much. Yes, they got the odd splinter, ate a bit of dirt, and fell over at least once a day but they appear to be thriving still!
They also graze on the fruit and vegetables whenever they feel hungry (so make sure there's nothing poisonous and educate them as they get older).
Having said that, we don't buy into the modern "worry" culture and, within reason, let the boys have fairly free reign outside. There are rules, but they are few and simple to give them maximum freedom to explore and learn for themselves. (And yes, we do spend time with them as well but they have a lot of space and time to themselves under loose and distant supervision.)
If you do buy into the "eliminate all risk" attitude, then I have to say that you will get very little work done as you'll spend most of the time "saving" the children.
- Clara
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Couldn´t have said it better Stonehead, sounds like your boys have a lovely life! I´ve found that as I only say "that´s dangerous" or"that will hurt" when it REALLY is (rather than overusing the phrases) means that she listens to me, and other stuff she can find out the natural consequences and how to avoid them for herself (she is wise beyond her age with this stuff already).
Back to the OP - what is it that makes you worry about their safety exactly? That might be helpful to get more specific answers.
clara x
Back to the OP - what is it that makes you worry about their safety exactly? That might be helpful to get more specific answers.
clara x
baby-loving, earth-digging, bread-baking, jam-making, off-grid, off-road 21st century domestic goddess....
...and eco campsite owner
...and eco campsite owner
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- A selfsufficientish Regular
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never thought of a sandpit - what a great idea. Our little one loves playig with water even in this weather and the older one does enjoying digging (and eating) but as I said there is nothing much to do at the mo until the ground is suitable for planting. We have a split table affairt in the garden but I may look out for a big one on freecycle as that sounds like it could be a go-er (or even their very own raised bed???!)
Beth was like that too until recently (she was 2 in Dec) - the problem wasn't so much safe playing/freedom as our garden is enclosed, it was the rough ground that was causing the problems, she wanted to help me but couldn't as she kept falling over every couple of minutes and so wanted my hand to give her confidence which meant I couldn't get anything done. However a few mnths on and she is a great enthusiastic little helper and can now use her own tools and has a great time...so have patience and it will come
In the meantime a sandpit is a great idea.

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- Barbara Good
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We have a 5 year old who LOVES it all, as long as it doen't invole anything with too much effort! Weeding, watering, moving small stones etc!!!
The 3 year old again anything prticularly with her tools and bug box!!! she makes special gardens for slugs snails and worms!! Takes her hours and then once she's finnished the critter has disapeared!!!!!!! Also loves having her own rea to get messy in.
Our little 15mth old, we have more of a challenge with. Can't find any robust shoes small enough!!! She would love to get involved! Just it involves lots of falling over and muddy socks when the shoes are removed!
We always have snacks and drinks and small easily cleaned toys like plastic animals etc! THis seems to aid independance.
Also making scarecrows, flags, bunting, painting, windmills etc always helps!!!!
Oh and this year we have a special challeng running where we have teamed up and trying to grow the most!
That really did get a little long sorry!!
Complete brain dump competed!!!
Claire
The 3 year old again anything prticularly with her tools and bug box!!! she makes special gardens for slugs snails and worms!! Takes her hours and then once she's finnished the critter has disapeared!!!!!!! Also loves having her own rea to get messy in.
Our little 15mth old, we have more of a challenge with. Can't find any robust shoes small enough!!! She would love to get involved! Just it involves lots of falling over and muddy socks when the shoes are removed!
We always have snacks and drinks and small easily cleaned toys like plastic animals etc! THis seems to aid independance.
Also making scarecrows, flags, bunting, painting, windmills etc always helps!!!!
Oh and this year we have a special challeng running where we have teamed up and trying to grow the most!
That really did get a little long sorry!!
Complete brain dump competed!!!
Claire

Behind every sucessful man is an fantastic woman!
Not sure who first said it or exact words but so very true!!
Not sure who first said it or exact words but so very true!!
The problem we have is that E want's to investigate but we have concrete paths (3 inches lower than the lawn, just enough for her to fall flat on her face)
Some idiot knocked down a greenhouse with a sledge hammer and then put a huge set of swings on top... broken glass all around the swings
And our garden (about 1/3 acre) is long and narrow and slopes towards the house but the ground is very uneven... a toddler walk quickly becomes a run, a trip and a fall... smack into the aforementioned concrete path.
Today we built E a large penned in area, just under a weeping cherry tree and have loads of outdoor type toys thrown in a big bucket. At least that might keep her contained safely until we can remove the path and install some traffic calming fences and gates.
Some idiot knocked down a greenhouse with a sledge hammer and then put a huge set of swings on top... broken glass all around the swings

And our garden (about 1/3 acre) is long and narrow and slopes towards the house but the ground is very uneven... a toddler walk quickly becomes a run, a trip and a fall... smack into the aforementioned concrete path.

Today we built E a large penned in area, just under a weeping cherry tree and have loads of outdoor type toys thrown in a big bucket. At least that might keep her contained safely until we can remove the path and install some traffic calming fences and gates.
Ann Pan
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- Jerry - Bit higher than newbie
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circlecross - glad I'm not alone, I had visions of every other toddler happily chirping round helping with the planting and wondered what I was doing wrong!
We have a pretty robust attitude to danger too but it is really not great atm - broken glass from the greenhouse, barbed wire fences, sloping uneven muddy ground (not hugely dangerous but also not much fun), and an un-gated, very steep step/drop down to the unfenced narrow bridge over the stream to get back into the garden and the house - a bit nerve wracking when M gets fed up and decides to go home :) I have my eye on a vaguely flat patch between the main patch and the polytunnel as a long term play area but even that has an old polytunnel frame sticking out of it, and can't be seen from half the beds! Sounds like making somewhere safe needs to be a priority though rather than expecting her to join in *all* the time.
In the short-term I'm thinking of getting a couple of the plastic raised beds and filling one with sand and one with earth for her to dig/plant/water etc - and moving up her washing-up bowl and cups. R will just have to stay in the sling for a while! (yep, we have an Ergo, and a couple of mei-teis, although I'm waiting to get back my wrap which will of course be the perfect option...) Oh and praying for better weather!
Thanks all - any more tips, keep 'em coming...
Katie xx
We have a pretty robust attitude to danger too but it is really not great atm - broken glass from the greenhouse, barbed wire fences, sloping uneven muddy ground (not hugely dangerous but also not much fun), and an un-gated, very steep step/drop down to the unfenced narrow bridge over the stream to get back into the garden and the house - a bit nerve wracking when M gets fed up and decides to go home :) I have my eye on a vaguely flat patch between the main patch and the polytunnel as a long term play area but even that has an old polytunnel frame sticking out of it, and can't be seen from half the beds! Sounds like making somewhere safe needs to be a priority though rather than expecting her to join in *all* the time.
In the short-term I'm thinking of getting a couple of the plastic raised beds and filling one with sand and one with earth for her to dig/plant/water etc - and moving up her washing-up bowl and cups. R will just have to stay in the sling for a while! (yep, we have an Ergo, and a couple of mei-teis, although I'm waiting to get back my wrap which will of course be the perfect option...) Oh and praying for better weather!
Thanks all - any more tips, keep 'em coming...
Katie xx
- Green Rosie
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Can't day more than get a sandpit - kept my two occupied for ages - plus some gardening like toys - spades, cups, diggers (much loved by the girls on the next allotment!) etc. A small tent might be good as well - I had a kid's one you just threw and it opened. Nice for picnics on the plot as well as playing.
And if they get really crabby - deep breath, try and placate/play with them for a while and if all else fails go home and try again later. You want them to enjoy the allotment so don't force them to stay there at all costs.
Good luck - it does get easier
And if they get really crabby - deep breath, try and placate/play with them for a while and if all else fails go home and try again later. You want them to enjoy the allotment so don't force them to stay there at all costs.
Good luck - it does get easier

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- A selfsufficientish Regular
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I'm a bit jealous of all these kid stories. A couple Saturdays ago I was able to take my nephew out to my land for the first time. We were expecting to spend several hours out there letting him explore. We stayed maybe 30 minutes, 29 minutes longer than he would have liked.
He was afraid of the weeds.
No kidding. Its winter, and there are dead weedstalks everywhere because its too steep to mow (I'm thinking Rent-A-Goat this summer), and he was too afraid to go near them. He's 6.
We're just starting to uncover the damage done by his mother's neurosis. She is at this very moment defying a court order to submit to psychiatric treatment.
He was afraid of the weeds.
No kidding. Its winter, and there are dead weedstalks everywhere because its too steep to mow (I'm thinking Rent-A-Goat this summer), and he was too afraid to go near them. He's 6.
We're just starting to uncover the damage done by his mother's neurosis. She is at this very moment defying a court order to submit to psychiatric treatment.
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- Tom Good
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Katie mine are 2 & half & Weds this week was the FIRST! time
I was able to potter in the back garden with them,theres no back gate there at mo & they generally tear out the garden at speed onto a tiny lane with fast tractors
I have given up so many times & gone round the front with them so they could play there.Anyhow this was the first time they really really joined in,I was only repotting roses we brought here in tubs last year,we did a couple of trips up the field with them in the barrow to get some soil,they like helping to push it back
then they helped scrape all the old potted earth out the tubs etc,I said to my dad afterwards I was so chuffed we had all been out there for nearly 4 hours with no parlarvas
& I shut them in the chicken enclosure only once for 10mins
It will get better I promise
sometimes i have been so frustrated I could weep but it passes 





It will get better I promise


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- Jerry - Bit higher than newbie
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Thanks everyone, I am thinking this year is survival time and next year it will get easier
We had oooh 5 mins success yesterday when she played with her cups and water and then tried to help with the digging ("dig a garlic?") but then she got stuck in the polytunnel and it went downhill again
I think warmer weather would help too - no luck there, we've got half an inch of snow at the moment!

