Tomato Staking

In Rachel's boredom from sitting so long she has been after me to write more often on the blog. The problem is that when Rachel lost the use of her right foot for two months, I lost my right arm. I am recognizing how much I have grown to depend on her in the past year. When your children hang out with you as you go through your day to day chores they learn a lot. In the past, Rachel learned what to do and when just by being in the same room.
All children need that interaction. Some time ago someone told me about "tomato staking". It's the idea that you keep your children by your side (tied like a small tomato plant) at all times. While they grow, they can learn what needs to be done by your example and instruction. There is less instruction time and more fun interaction when they are following your every move. I haven't researched this site completely, but the idea is biblical. Scripture talks about training our children at all times of the day.
Recently, I've noticed an unhealthy attitude coming from Lydia. It's easy to let her run off by herself to play because she is usually happy to do that. The problem is that I still need to be with her more often than not to train her up in the way she should go. I am trying to keep her closer to me and be more deliberate in my instruction.
I had to remind myself of this yesterday when we were at the grocery store. Because we have several big girls at home, Mary and Lydia rarely go out with me to run errands. Though it's great for me because I get those things done quickly, it puts them at a disadvantage. The younger girls don't learn how to act at the grocery store. They are likely to get the gimmies in a very bad sort of way. I had to speak to them about covetousness and discontentment several times. I will probably continue to allow the big girls to stay home and practice running the household, but I may be less likely to leave the little girls all the time.