Mac and Carol Brown

Hi Betsy, Samantha, Ashley and anyone else that's into permaculture / serious
gardening etc.

As a relative newcomer to such things - we moved to our land last March, are
living in a garage while we build our house, and so this summer (your winter,
I'm in New Zealand) is my first time at serious gardening. We are also aiming
towards a permaculture type of environment for our small block of land.

Today, because it was raining, I spent some time trying to work out what and
how many activities we could manage, money- and time-wise this year (our school
year goes from February to December, and so, of course, do many of the kids'
activities such as music lessons, gym etc.)

The rain stopped, so I raced out to the garden to do some weeding, plant out
some more seedlings, and sow some more seeds. Then, having ignored me all day,
suddenly people needed me :-( This is not the first time.

So, if unschooling is about allowing kids to learn what, when and how they want,
and our job is that of a facilitator, how do you all cope with the needs of the
garden to be dealt with at the right time - I can't control the weather - and
the kids needs? At the moment I feel like sending them to the great baby sitting
service next year so I can get on with developing our land. I am feeling very
frustrated. I have tried to get them involved, and 2 out of 3 showed a little
interest, which has since waned.

I have other interests - book making and writing - that I can fit around the
kids, but it seems this growing business is less amenable to 'fitting'.

So, how do you all deal with this? Help!!!! Any suggestions? Or sympathy even
<g>

Carol

Samantha Stopple

> So, if unschooling is about allowing kids to learn
> what, when and how they want,
> and our job is that of a facilitator, how do you all
> cope with the needs of the
> garden to be dealt with at the right time - I can't
> control the weather - and
> the kids needs?

Read Nicki and David Colfaxes book about their
homesteading experience. They couldn't have done it if
the kids didn't help in some way. So depending on how
old your kids are (mine are still quite young) find
out what they would like to do to help. Some things
that come to mind for me is: read about
permaculture/natural gardening as a family, ask the
kids for help, make a list of the things to do in a
garden then everyone helps do what they would most
enjoy.

Look for permaculture groups in your area or start
one and let them come over to your place and get lots
of hands on experience.

Hope that helps,
Samantha

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