June 19, 2019
One of the things I like about the parks and lawns in Seattle is that many of them are great sweeps of grass that include clumps or stretches of these tiny, white English Daisies.
A green lawn covered with tiny white flowers is very pretty! But even better is that these pretty little daisies are the stuff of dozens of daisy chains every spring and summer for our family. Picking the flowers encourages further blooming for the plants, so the kids are not damaging anything. And using 10 or 20 blossoms does not affect the landscape in the least. Everywhere we go, daisy chains tend to happen.
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An added advantage to making daisy chains is that it is a calming and centering activity. It requires sit-down time and a certain
For Clara, I remember very well the day that these photos were taken. She was about 13 years old and was having a REALLY hard time emotionally in a group activity at their drama troupe that day. Without prompting from me, she separated herself to calm down. “Just walk away” was a skill we’d been working on since the day she came to me (one that I work on with all the kids). It gave her that extra second or a minute or 5 minutes to recalibrate her brain and emotional state.
On this day, she wandered down to the lawn and picnic area. Time and a daisy chain helped her to be able to re-enter the group activities a little bit later with less activation. The rest of the day was successful and productive.
I loved Clara’s smile of success as I pointed out the skill she had just used successfully, and the heart that she made for me with her daisy chain and cherry blossom petals was pretty cool. It’s these tiny moments that make foster care (and parenting in general) such a joy.
If anyone wants to come make daisy chains with us or if you need directions on how to make daisy chains, hit us up. We are experts!
T.M. Brown
What a fun project to do outside and with nature! You’re right, though ~ love those the kind of grass where there are patches of beautiful little flowers scattered here and there. I can close my eyes and picture the breeze making them sway just a bit. Thanks for sharing this idea with us.
Karla
As I’m sitting here writing, I appreciated your image of the breeze. It took me to a quiet spot. Thanks!
Pauline
I used to this too with the kids at the shelter. It really helps when kids are in that mode.
Karla
It is such a focusing, redirecting activity, isn’t it. Thanks for reading!
Heather
How adorable! I want to make one. 🙂
Karla
Go for it!!!! 🙂
Liz
I used to make these as a kid! Cute 🙂
Karla
Do you have anyone new to pass on your skill? It IS fun!
Debbie
These are beautiful.
Karla
And fun!
Shirley
I too live the little white flowers and I have a few purple flowers that pop up in my grass once the snow melts. I love the color contrast. I have never made a daisy change. I think i need to learn how!
Karla
Oh, yes, Shirley! Time to learn. I’ll have my kids make a video for you if you get stuck. lOL
Nicole Cruze
Yep! Used to make these alot when I was a kid! Fun!
Karla
I’m sure generations have made these. But it feels like something new and fun as each generation of kids find their daisies. 🙂
Tricia Snow
How pretty! The only thing we have white in the grass in FL is clover. Which usually has bees! lol
Karla
Well, that wouldn’t work. LOL Thanks for reading!
Stacey
What a great project! I’ve never really made a daisy chain. I may have to change that this summer.
Karla
Oh, do! If you have any problems, let me know. I’ll have my kids make a video!
Chris
Great post! I haven’t made one of these in years. I’ll have to try again.
Karla
Time to pull out that childhood skill! Have fun!
Kendra
I love this! Such a creative and grounding way to redirect. Beautiful too!
Karla
Thanks! We are back to our daisy chains… the teens are starting to teach the 6-year-old how to make them. She has gotten frustrated, but they are so patient with her.
Laura Lee
I just love the photo of her smiling with her finished daisy chain! I was a foster mom for a few years and I know how difficult and rewarding it is at the same time. Kuddos to you for all your hard work and the love you’re giving these children.
Karla
I love that smile, too. Still, to this day, her smiles are reserved, so I love it when that broad grin pops out.
Lina
Daisy chains are so much fun! Love this!
Karla
Simple and full of good memories
angela
Cute and I think this may help my adhd child too – sit and do this with focus. He recently did some threading / hand sewing and was into it.
Karla
Several of my kids have ADHD elements, too. And for my kids who live with ADHD along with hypervigilance from their trauma, they can still daisy chain successfully while still scanning the world.
Lisa Manderino
Daisy chains sound fun!
Karla
Oh, they are! Give it a try. The trick is to split the stem just under the flower to weave the next stem through.
Alexandra
This is very interesting, thank you for sharing! i used to make those when I was a kid
Karla
Me, too! Such a memory. I hope for the kids, too.
Haley Kelley
Such great ideas!
Karla
Thanks. 🙂
Holly Bird
I love your daisy chain..it is beautiful! I am also excited to read more about foster care and adoption! Thank you for this great blog!!
Karla
Thank you Holly. Thanks for the encouraging words. I am so much loving my writing and I’m glad others are enjoying the reading part. 🙂
Suzan
Textiles from nature…the very best kind.
Karla
I never thought of it that way. Wonderful!
Joanne
I love the daisy chain, the heart puts it over the top 💗
Karla
Yeah, my kids and their hearts. Thanks.
April Aleman
I love this and think this has to be added to our summer bucketlist.
Karla
Oh, yes! Whenever and wherever. I am always finding daisy chains in various stage of wilt in the car. My kids even make them and hand them out to passerbys. 🙂 Have fun.