The beauty of one’s actions lies in their intentions.
One often views dandelions as pesky weeds. The hubby spends at least one weekend each Spring digging them up from our yard.
But viewed through the eyes of a curious six year old, they offer an often overlooked beauty.
Our world has contracted once again thanks to a return of stay-at-home orders. T is back to virtual learning and day camps are closed.
I’m too tired to complain and we’re focusing what’s left of our energy on keeping T calm, happy, and up-to-date with his school work.
The past week was supposed to be Spring break and T would’ve been in camp with his friends.
Instead, we camped at home. As the hubby and I had work, we kept learning stuff to a minimum.
Each day, we did 30 minutes of reading practice, took him for long walks and did one activity, like baking and kitchen science. The rest of the day, he fended for himself.
I reminded myself about this post I wrote last year about teaching and letting kids to be bored.
T did great. Yes, there was lots of screen time. But there were also hours lost of him just playing with his toys and talking to himself. Meltdowns were a minimum.
I enjoyed when our guest room door would open while I was on a work call and he’d poke his head in and I’d ask him if he’d like to say hello to my colleagues and he’d scream loudly, “No!”
After work on Wednesday, T and I went for a long walk.
He noticed the dandelions. He stopped every few steps to pluck one from the ground.
I noticed after a while that he had bunched them into a bouquet in his hands.
“What are you doing?” I asked him.
“I’m making a gift for you and daddy,” he said.
He held them on our walk back. When we opened the front door, he held the bouquet behind his hands and told the hubby he had a surprise.
In these pandemic days, these small gestures of genuine childlike kindness make our days.
Very soon, the school field behind our home will be covered in a yellow carpet of dandelions. We’ll be sure to take out a larger basket for T on our walks at that time.
During bedtime, I told T how proud and thankful I was that he was doing a great job keeping himself busy. He wrapped his arms around my left arm and snuggled for a few minutes.
Shortly after, he was out for the day.
Happy weekend Ab. Just want to thank you for the uplifting awesome comment. Getting ready for work with coffee, music and WP read. No outdoors adventure for me this weekend but will reading my WP friends adventures instead. Just as amazing. Regards to your family. 🙏
Enjoy your weekend and hope it’s a relaxing one!
I love that dandelions are so readily available for kids to give to us. It amazes me how fast they die once you pick them yet you can’t kill them in the yard! Lol Food for thought: If you know 100% that chemicals were not put on the dandelions and pets don’t run there, pick the green leaves (only) and make a salad after rinsing well. They are slightly bitter, nutritious and free!
Thanks Diane! I’ve heard about the nutritional value of dandelions. Never would’ve thought about it. There are too many kids and dogs that walk through the park that I would not feel secure and comfortable putting them into my mouth. 🤣 But thanks for the suggestion!!!
Magical , endearing story my friend. Dandelions in blooms invites playfulness and discovery but adults are often too busy to notice or appreciate them. Kids automatically see them how Nature made them… beautiful and useful. T is just wonderful, loving and full of hope and positivity. This is the kind of Family Time that we will never forget. Happy Wednesday🙏
Thank you! I agree. These wonderful moments of hope and positivity are the best and most magical. 😊 Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend!
Happy Weekend Ab. I’m working this weekend but I’ll try to bring the sunshine indoors🙏
What a lovely boy you have. ❤❤
Thank you, LaDonna. We are pretty blessed that at his very core – through the meltdowns and emotional disregulation – he has a good core. It’ll help him get through the harder stuff, we hope! 💕🤞🏻 Hope you are well!
I truly believe it does. ❤❤
That’s so thoughtful of T. Glad to hear T did a great job of keeping himself entertained while on spring break. Looks like he’ll get more practice at it now that the stay-at-home order has been extended!! BTW, kitchen science sounds like so much fun and looks delicious!
Thank you, L! The extended lockdown is such a pain. 🤣 I can’t stand it. But at least it’s going better than the last one so far at home. I’m not sure if you qualify yet but vaccinations are now open to 40+. Slowly but surely we’ll get out of it one day soon I hope.
Kitchen science is fun. We made a homemade volcano with baking soda, vinegar (mixed with red food colouring). 😊
Glad to hear that remote learning is going better this time around. Sounds like you’re prepared and are having some fun with it too. That’s great news about the vaccine! An important step to get us past this mess.
Firstly kia kaha (stay strong). From someone halfway across the world in New Zealand I see you’re doing good – better than good. Love the way you describe T’s curiosity and the reminder he gives of appreciating the beauty in the little things. It’s tough sometimes, more than sometimes at the moment, but those beautiful moments are there.
Thank you for sharing. ✨
Thank you Hamish for visiting. It’s going ok here. Pandemic is a bit out of control but beyond that, life is good. 🙂 We watch a lot with envy how New Zealand is doing; it’s a great example for the rest of us.
But as you said, lots of beautiful moments to cherish and enjoy each day! 🙂
What a sweet gesture by T! I agree with you about keeping the learning to a minimum. We were in lockdown this past week and will be for part of the coming one. I have the same mentality of just do your best and not pushing too much. It really does help keep the meltdowns to a minimum!
Thanks Robyn. I’m sorry you’re back in lockdown as well. Our cases are really bad here and it looks like schools will be closed till end of June. Sigh. I can’t stand it. So we’re just trying to take it a day at a time for all of our sanity’s sake. 🤣 Hang in there. Summer will be here before we know it! And outdoor pools!!!