Teach Your Children
Can you hear and do you care?
And can't you see
We must be free
To teach your children
What you believe in,
Make a world that we can live in
Graham Nash
Back to Basics
In this era of smart phones, tablets, computers, video games, etc., our children are more indoors than ever before. But the joys of nature don’t have to be forgotten! Teaching your children, the skill of gardening, is a fun and great way to limit their screen time, while they are learning something meaningful.
It’s meaningful because it will encourage an appreciation for nature and the outdoors, while they’re getting some fresh air and daily dose of Vitamin D.
Observation Leads to Patience
You may have to help to instill certain traits, habits and manners into your children, such as the great art of patience. Have you ever heard the saying “It’s like watching the grass grow?”
You’ve planted your seeds, now you have to wait. Teach them patience by letting them observe and watch their plants grow. Watch them get that little spark of joy when seeing that first sprout. It’ll also teach them to appreciate the little things in life.
Spark Their Creativity
Growing plants will stimulate the imagination of kids. It will spark their interest and creativity by giving them options of what to plant such as herbs, plants, flowers, or fruits and veggies. They might have a favorite fruit and be intrigued by the fact that they’d be able to grow it themselves.
Responsibility in Gardening
Through the process of caring and nurturing plants helps to develop the children's sense of responsibility. Once their plants, or vegetables have bloomed, they must make sure to maintain the plants. They will have to remember when to water the plants, when to pick the weeds, and when to move them to a bigger area if necessary.
Hands on - and it’s fun also
Plant with your own hands, water, and exercise your child's patience and hands-on ability. Let them get in the mud, so to speak, and do all the work! They can plant their own seeds, water their own plants, and when necessary pick their own weeds!
Educational Benefits
Planting has a very good educational significance for children as well. For example, they will learn to use all their senses- such as seeing and observing different colors and shapes of plants. They will feel the soil between their fingers. They can taste the vegetables or fruits they grow and hear the sound of the crunch when they take their first bite.
Try Indoor Garden Kits
The best part about all of this- if you have just as much experience as your child in gardening, or lack thereof, there are tons of starter kits that would be perfect for you and them to learn together! Try an indoor garden kit first!
No yard or outdoor space?
No problem! Indoor garden kits are a great alternative to planting outside. You can place them anywhere in the home such as on windowsills, kitchen counter, and even hang a shelf on the wall.
Gardening is a great hobby to share with your kids, as it brings out so many educational benefits, gives them a strong sense of accomplishment, and boosts their confidence.
Back to Nature
Planting and growing will help your kids to both appreciate and love nature. After all, getting back to nature, standing with nature, is what it’s all about. Having fun, enjoying nature.