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As a parent, ensuring that my gardening tools are all safely kept away from my children should be of paramount importance. Unfortunately, this isn't the case as we've been working on multiple gardening projects and have limited storage space available - yet!
However, my radar senses perked up after reading this horrible account of a two year old boy who was bashed by his 8 year old brother with a garden hoe. As to why this 8 year decided to bash his brother is not mentioned, although an inquiry will most probably happen.
The big question, for those of us who are parents, is how did this boy get hold of a gardening hoe? I know myself that I'm fairly apathetic towards ensuring my tools are put away safely. But, as I considered what I had in my gardening shed, a hoe is the least of my worries...
Here are some of the tools aren't secured;
...too list a few.
Becoming paranoid is not the answer and much of keeping my kids safe in the garden is about helping them see the dangers of these tools.
But even the best parenting will not be there for a spontaneous burst of rage as kids argue over a toy. It's far better to ensure that tools are out of sight and out of reach.
Comments
That is a sad story. You are right, you have to teach kids while also protecting them. But in the hands of someone who wants to do damage, many things can become weapons.
Posted by: Carol | January 28, 2007 10:24 AM
A few rambling thoughts, here, Stuart, on your very sad story. As Carol says - many things can be a weapon, and one child may swipe at another in annoyance, without intent to do real damage.
I do think that keeping the garden tools in the shed is a good idea. If tempers do flare, even an unlocked shed would slow things down. Instead of taking the time and effort to fetch a dangerous tool, the child might still hit his brother, but with a plastic toy instead of a garden tool.
Having a designated spot within the Garden Shed may categorize the tools mentally, too - as something just for gardening, not a weapon.
I'll have to send my adult children to read your post, and get their take on it.
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
Posted by: Annie in Austin | January 29, 2007 6:00 AM